THE PLAY: This is based on the books about a spunky girl who’s starting first grade with excitement and premeditation.

 

THE PRODUCTION: This cast is having a great time and the audience is the winner! With the exception of a spirited performance by Audrey Kate Taylor in the title role, the other members of the cast gleefully embrace multiple roles often with delightful comic effect. Director Chase Kniffen adds his usual qualities of high-spirited energy and clever staging. The musical numbers are catchy and well performed. The set, lights and costumes are colorfully appropriate, but it’s Sarah Grady’s cavalcade of wigs that added extra visual amusement. There weren’t lots of giggles from the Saturday morning audience, but they still looked thoroughly entertained.

 

THE POINT: High energy staging and plucky performances make this back-to-school school experience loads of fun.

 

(4 / 5)

 

Virginia Rep’s Children’s Theatre at Willow Lawn thru 11/20