Rainbow’s ‘Beanstalk’ low-keyed fun

There's a subdued visual and vocal loveliness to Thomas Dyer's adaptation of Rainbow Company's "Jack and the Beanstalk."

Director Toni Molloy-Tudor allows the action to flow easily and smoothly, so that even the big bad giant (Ken Kucan) comes off as nothing more than a crusty old grandpa. The beanstalk is merely a group of child actors who clasp hands to form the twisted shapes that Jack must conquer. The cherished Harp (Brianna Lehtinen) could pass for a Helen of Troy. She's costumed by Karen McKenney and Emily Anderson like a golden goddess, and moves with the dignity of royalty.

At the center of the low-keyed fun is Lucas Reilly, an unpretentious, likable actor in the role of Jack. His adolescent carefree attitude is in humorously sharp contrast to Nancy Marcellus' anxieties as the mother. You really feel the poor lady's got her hands filled. And the talking and occasionally singing chorus makes for an assortment of sounds and attitudes that humorously comment on the action.

This isn't a production that hits you over the head. One could argue, I suppose, there's not enough dramatic grit. But it glides by elegantly, and non-threateningly. It's like watching a quiet, friendly story in a peaceful, pretty dream.

Anthony Del Valle can be reached at DelValle@aol.com. You can write him c/o Las Vegas Review-Journal, P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125.