ODURep is taking a playful leap into the world of children’s theatre with the spring production of “Corduroy,” directed by Katherine Hammond. Due to its opening weekend being postponed due to the snow, the play opened for a school matinee on Feb. 26 and opened for the general public on Feb. 27.
“Corduroy” is a stage play adapted from the children’s book of the same name written by Don Freeman, which tells the story of a teddy bear named Corduroy searching for his missing button. The stage play incorporates tons of storytelling through movement and physical comedy, with costumes that seem to jump right out of the pages of the classic book, from bear’s green corduroy overalls to Lisa’s red coat, white scarf and mittens.
One of the most impressive aspects of ODURep’s production of “Corduroy” is the set design, which delivered an expansive sense of space throughout the production. Four set pieces on wheels are painted to reflect the blue walls of Freeman’s department store, and are turned around during the production to form other departments of the store and rooms in Lisa’s apartment. A trio of clowns, played by Hope McCullough, Connor Mullen and Jacob Nabinett, assist in set changes, using their antics to mask the stage crew’s heavy lifting.
The clowns dance, the night guard (Ash Brooks) stumbles from disaster to disaster, wreaked by Corduroy (Isaiah Reese) as he climbs all over set pieces in search of his missing button. The audience is presented with a breadth of storytelling through movement and minimal dialogue. Meanwhile, scenes of Lisa (Mia Ortega) and her mother (Laila Herron) are rife with comedic and dramatic emotion.
ODURep is dabbling in children’s theatre with this production of Corduroy. In addition to staging school matinees, each night includes the 30 minute Bear Faire before each performance, with prizes to be won at games made by ODU STEM Education students. Audience members are encouraged to bring new or gently used toys for the toy drive organized by ODURep in collaboration with The Dream Center of Hampton Roads. The games created for the Bear Faire will also be donated after the show closes.
At the center of the play’s comedic heart is an emotional story about the connection between a little girl and her teddy bear in spite of their imperfections, with an ending that is sure to warm the audience’s hearts, no matter their age. ODU students should go see this show before it closes to appreciate the ambitious stage setup and the comedic talent of the cast.
“Corduroy” will run until Mar. 2, with performances on Feb. 28 and Mar. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and performances on Mar. 1-2 at 2 p.m.
