The Milwaukee Post

April 7, 2017 • Milwaukee County Post • 15 First Stage's 'Mockingbird' takes flight as it takes on autism By JULIE MCHALE Post Theater Critic MILWAUKEE — We have probably all known at least one autistic child, one who was born with a condition, more prevalent in boys than girls, that manifests itself early on in childhood. Unless treated, it can lead to the person's complete isola- tion and a plethora of unusual behaviors, a reality that often elicits ridicule and torment from others. First Stage Children's Theatre tackles this issue with honesty in its present production, "Mockingbird." It sensitively deals with Caitlin's life, especially after she suffers two severe losses — the death of her mother and her brother. Both had apparently under- stood her better than her father and her teacher, Mrs. Johnson. Her father, strug- gling with his losses, seems too overwhelmed to cope with her unique reactions to these tragedies. Autism is authentically portrayed here — compul- sive, repetitive actions; little eye contact; frequent melt- downs; resistance to change; sensory overreac- tions; and usually some superior talent or skill — in Caitlin's case, her keen awareness of the meaning of words and her drawing ability. Emily Harris, the lead in the Mockingbird Cast (which alternates with the Eagle Cast), is superb in her characterization of Caitlin in this story, adapted by Julie Jensen from the book by Kathryn Erskine. She is consistent and absolutely credible through- out, an utterly amazing piece of acting. As the story proceeds, we watch Caitlin's progress through the influence of her patient and devoted coun- selor, Mrs. Brook, nicely rendered by Marvette Knight; her new-found friend Michael, charmingly and innocently played by Christian Wood; and the powerful memories of her brother's wise words. Her father (Dan Katula), whose anguish and frustration is palpable throughout, gains greater understanding and acceptance of his daughter and her needs. That evolu- tion was comforting to watch as they united in their work to finish the chest that brother Devon had started as an Eagle Scout project. First Stage picks its plays wisely, always aware that a message should emerge by means of the narrative, even in its comic offerings. Autism is an especially courageous topic to take on. It is painful to witness, and some people do not want to look at those who do not fall into the normal range of behaviors or standards. The subject of bullying, always relevant, also arises in this story, represented by Josh, the capable Jackson Hake. We see that children often need help in dealing with those who seem differ- ent, those who require more effort to understand and include. I applaud this outstand- ing, courageous theater company for being willing to delve into sticky issues. Director Marcella Kearns did an excellent job of elicit- ing the help of the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin in working with the young cast. The end result is absolutely stun- ning. Paul Ruffolo Marvette Knight, left, and Emily Harris in First Stage's "Mockingbird." ENTERTAINMENT By TOM JOZWIK Post Film Critic Someone once said there's nobody sadder than the per- son who's failed to find his or her place in life. Apparently that's as true for computer-animated Smurfs as it is for people. M o l d e d - o u t - o f - c l a y Smurfette (voice of Demi Lovato), the only female in the Smurf village, is feeling out of place and out of sorts as the first entirely animat- ed CG Smurf adventure — "Smurfs: The Lost Village" — gets underway. (She is not, but could've been the Smurf in the film who gloomily yet comically admits to a psychiatrist, "Sometimes I just feel blue.") But Smurfette soon enough comes across a map identifying another commu- nity of Smurfs and decides her mission is to warn those villagers to steer clear of the wizard Gargamel (voice of Rainn Wilson, late of televi- sion's "The Office"). Often found in the company of a buzzard and an iconoclastic cat named Azrael, Gargamel has been, as one of the blue folks rather mildly puts it, "literally a villain" to the Smurf village citizenry. Smurfette opts to lead a party of her pals on said mission to the lost village: nerdish Brainy (Marquette University alumnus Danny Pudi), physically fit Hefty (Joe Mangianello), and Clumsy (Jack McBrayer), a character who's been labeled "all heart ... and all thumbs." Smurfs Nosey (voiced by director Kelly Asbury), Jokey and Grouchy are not in the traveling party, but their names provide all the more reason for a viewer to regard the little guys as something akin to a reincar- nation of Snow White's dwarves. The three who join Smurfette on the mission are required to travel through the Forbidden Forest, home to tempera- mental dragonflies, and flowers that regard Smurfs as edible. And then Gargamel and his entourage are on the blue group's heels. "No matter how hard you try," the evil wizard insists, "you can't escape your destiny." Charitably, Smurfette insists on pre- venting Gargamel from drowning at one juncture. "We are Smurfs," she rea- sons. "We do the right thing." What the Smurfs do in the first half of the film paves the way for the revelation of what publicists have dubbed "the biggest secret in Smurf history" as "The Lost Village" progresses. Academy Award winner Julia Roberts voices SmurfWillow, while TV chef Gordon Ramsay speaks, appropriately enough, for Baker Smurf. And there's a bug in the flick with smart- phone capabilities. "The Lost Village" is a rea- sonably paced story with action aplenty, far more suit- able for whole families than most — despite a PG rating attributed (rather surpris- ingly) to "some mild action and rude humor." While the movie is seldom laugh-out- loud funny, the many young viewers at the preview I attended seemed sufficiently riveted (they tended to sit still rather than running around the theater) and they and their elders applauded heartily at the end. 'Lost Village,' pioneering Smurf film, hits theaters "Smurfs: The Lost Village" ★★★ Starring: Voices of Demi Lovato, Rainn Wilson, Julia Roberts, Danny Pudi, Joe Mangianello, Jack McBrayer, Mandy Patinkin Director: Kelly Asbury MPAA rating: PG Running time: 90 minutes Release date: Friday Showings: amctheatres.com At a glance From left, Brainy, (voice of Danny Pudi), Clumsy (Jack McBrayer), Smurfette (Demi Lovato) and Hefty (Joe Mangianello) encounter a dragonfly in "Smurfs: the Lost Village." Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. "Mockingbird" The plays runs one more weekend with three more performances, 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, in the Todd Wehr Theatre in the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee. Call 414-273-7206 or visit FirstStage.org. At a glance

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