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Come Back, Amelia Bedelia by San Diego Junior Theatre 
Many young readers have cut their teeth on Peggy Parrish's Amelia Bedelia books. Which is not to imply that the books are exceptionally sharp, or that children are more apt to chew on them than they are on other books. "Cutting your teeth" on something is merely an expression meaning to learn or try something new. It's certainly not meant to be taken literally, which is EXACTLY what Amelia Bedelia is so famous for. She follows directions to the word, resulting in situations that are amusing for us, though often quite frustrating for the person who gave her the directions.
The show, adapted by Karen Abbott and based on the popular books, follows Amelia's search for long-term employment. She has no problem getting hired. But after following her supervisor's exact instructions, she has even less of a problem getting fired! Her occupations include maid, seamstress, hairstylist, baseball player, a bookkeeper, a run for mayor, and a substitute teacher. Shortening dresses, pinning hair, stealing bases, running home, and stamping the mail never get the expected results. Her brief careers tend to end with some disastrous misunderstanding, her employer angrily dismissing her. Sad and confused, each time she simply shrugs and says, "Okie-dokie. Bye-bye." Erin Burke is much better than "okie-dokie" as our literal-minded heroine. So sweet, eager to do a good job, and optimistic about her next opportunity, your heart can't help but go out to her as she is repeatedly reprimanded by impatient people who think that Amelia is purposely being difficult. As Mrs. Rogers, Kathryn Manza is one of the other highlights, and not just because she wears a tiara. Her outrageously uppity voice and mannerisms are a hoot. Alyssa Schechter offers an amusing turn as the harried French hairdresser who definitely does not have the time or the patience for teaching Amelia the finer points of hair pinning. Young Sophie Vener delights as the baseball pitcher who is none too happy about being pulled from the game. And Shoshi Tarkow narrates the entire production with flair. Lois J. Miller directs this large group of enthusiastic young actors to a well-tuned performance that nicely captures the fun and sometimes touching spirit of Peggy Parish's beloved Amelia Bedelia. Rob Hopper San Diego Playbill ~ Cast ~
Narrator: Shoshi Tarkow Amelia Bedelia: Erin Burke Mr. Bedelia: Phillip Bowen Mrs. Bedelia: Rachel Rogov Mr. Rogers: Cliff Friedman Mrs. Rogers: Kathryn Manza Lizzet the Hairdresser: Alyssa Schechter Mrs. Hewes: Candace Bracht Toni the Tailor: Sarah Wright Mayor Thomas: Jared Stovell Mayor's Secretary: Alyssa Schechter Barbara the Bookkeeper: Stephanie Kreutz Mr. Paddington: Cliff Friedman Dr. Woodrow: Jared Stovell Mrs. Jackson: Candace Bracht Principal Pat: Rachel Rogov ~ Customers/Patients/Reporters/Shoppers ~ Phillip Bowen Candace Bracht Alice Cash Katie Fowler Stephanie Kreutz Kathryn Manza Arielle Pardes Rachel Rogov Alyssa Schechter Katrina Schechter Sophie Vener Sarah Wright ~ Baseball Teams/Townspeople/School Children ~ Jenny: Morissa Rothman-Pierce Jimmy: Kevin Barber Bobbie: Sophie Vener Mindy: Catie Marron Mikey: R.B. Ganon Ronnie: Gabe Fox Jackie: Alexa Kern Sammie: Lauren Green Annie: Alice Cash Molly: Celeste Ferrier Tommy: Matthew Maretz Margie: Arielle Pardes Kathy: Kristin Green Betty: Shelby Murton Benny: Chase Clemesha Holly: Katie Fowler Joey: Rebecca Knell Dotty: Katrina Schechter Chrissy: Jenna Stevenson Director: Lois J. Miller Technical Director/Set Design: Tony Cucuzzella Light Design: Mia Bane Scenic Artist: Darlene Daley Costume Design: Shulamit Nelson Sound Design: Alan Edwards |