Words by Kristen Fogle
J Company Youth Theatre, paired with La Jolla
Playhouse this season, presents Disney’s “Mulan.” Directed by Joey Landwehr, the production runs for three weekends, and in the meantime, serves up some of the best young actors I have ever seen.
“Mulan” is an entertaining experience that facilitates between delivering laughable moments and addressing important life lessons. Set in ancient China, young Mulan is primarily concerned with finding out who she is; a difficult feat in a land rife with tradition, populated by those that seek to put a young girl in her place as a wife to a young man. But after young Mulan fumbles her way through a meeting with the matchmaker, thus disgracing her family, she wonders whether she will ever make her family’s dreams of marrying her off happen and wonders if her unorthodox ways will ever not bring her family shame. When China calls for a warrior from every family, Mulan attempts to go in place of her ailing father—once a great warrior. Dressed as a man, she humorously explores what it is like to be one. Using quick thinking, she even manages to save the Chinese army from the hands of the Huns—thus developing respect from her army peers, including Captain Shang, who she develops a crush on. However, when Shang learns she is a girl, she is shunned and encouraged to return to “being a woman.” When Mulan saves China a second time though, Shang is forced to confront how powerful Mulan really is, as well as his true feelings for her…
Themes of honor, strength, loyalty, destiny, and love emerge. This story is a great example for children and proof that sometimes standing up to adversity is the right thing to do; following in other footsteps for the sake of tradition is not always the best path to follow. “Mulan” is especially wonderful for young females; the notion of woman as warrior is powerful in showing girls that they can step out of preconceived notions of them. However, Disney’s resounding message is always one of finding “true love.” And as limiting and old fashioned as that notion is, perhaps it is comfortable in that it reminds us that yes, you can have it all if you stay true to yourself.
It must be noted, that though this is a youth production, the Garfield Theatre does not look like a children’s performance space. In fact, there is nothing scaled down about this impressive place: featuring 500 seats, a 2,500 square foot stage, a large impressive set, and a wide array of props and costumes, if one is to see a performance put on by kids, this is the place to go.
Not to mention that these kids are just plain talented. The young stars are impressive to watch as they perform extensive choreography and engage in intricate vocal harmonies. Mulan (Gabrielle Quiwa) is well cast. Her facial expressions and acting chops are spot on (though I wish they would turn her up in a few places where her soprano is a bit faint). Mushu (Scott Peterson), Mulan’s dragon friend sent by her ancestors to help, is similar to another Disney character, that of the Genie from “Aladdin,” played by Robin Williams in the movie version. That boisterous energy helps the scenes stay upbeat and playful. (And evidenced by the giggling heard whenever he came on, I think the kids in the audience like him too.) Another standout is the Emperor, played by Nathan Conlon, a wee little fellow with a great voice who delivers lines in such a tender, mature, wise way. Captain Shang, The Ancestors, and all the other performers are well rehearsed and work together capably. In fact, the best moments of the show are the group numbers. “Keep ‘Em Guessin’” is especially well done; the troupe moves and sounds terrific together.
For a night with some of San Diego’s best youth performers, and to see a fun entertaining romp around ancient China complete with life lessons that are good reminders even for the older generation, “Mulan” is worth a watch.
Disney’s Mulan
J Company Youth Theatre
San Diego Center for Jewish Culture
David and Dorothea Garfield Theatre
9/17-10/2
4126 Executive Drive
La Jolla, CA 92037-1348
858-362-148
www.sdcjc.org/jcompany
For the original article, please go to http://sdtheatrereviews.com/arts.php?newsId=255
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