`The Witch of Blackbird Pond” by Elizabeth George Speare has been one of young people’s favorite books ever since it won a 1959 Newbery Medal for distinguished children’s literature. Now that the Chicago Children’s Theatre is presenting Y York’s stage adaptation of the novel, youngsters and adults can put this work on their “must see” list too.
The play brings to life all the complexity and intensity of the book as it personalizes a slice of American history and presents themes that Americans still grapple with today. But first and foremost the play, as staged with passionate conviction by Rives Collins, exemplifies compelling storytelling.
It follows Kit Tyler, a 17-year-old girl raised in Barbados who, after being orphaned, travels to stay with her aunt, uncle and two cousins in America. The time is 1687. The community she comes to is composed of Puritans. This well-educated, athletic young girl, dressed in luxurious, colorful dresses, disturbs the strict Puritans who believe in prayer and work.
When an epidemic of smallpox breaks out, suspicions about Kit’s differences turn to accusations that she is a witch who has brought evil to the townspeople. Each member of the community brings forth his or her own personal piece of evidence during a riveting trial scene.
Nan Zabriskie has designed exquisite costumes with a beautiful palette of colors that subtly define the personalities of the characters. Todd Rosenthal has created a series of units that almost effortlessly change from the simple interior of a Puritan house to a stark meeting hall and a picturesque, ramshackle house in a meadow.
The work of the fine cast of 13 actors meshes as though they actually have lived together for a long time as a community. Julie Ganey, as the free-spirited Kit, gives a stunning performance that captures the nuances of her character and reveals the appalling consequences of intolerance.
Note: The play also will run May 1-16 at the Mercury Theatre, 3745 N. Southport Ave., in Chicago.
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“The Witch of Blackbird Pond”
When: Through April 27
Where: Diller Street Theatre, 310 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka
Phone: 773-262-9848
