Christian Youth Theater adapted the story into a jukebox musical using popular songs from the 1970s, when the book was written. The kids learn how to sing thanks to their fun, artsy, hippy teacher Miss Edmunds (Briele Feria), with Briele leading the cast in Free To Be You and Me, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, and Sing. Other hits include Both Sides Now, Fire and Rain, and Do You Believe in Magic?.

Leading the way are two thirteen-year-old actors – Tyler Ulrich as Jesse and Heather Banks as Leslie Burke. Tyler has a good sincerity about him as the somewhat shy and awkward boy who isn’t all that happy at home or at school, until he meets Leslie. Heather is a polished actress and singer who captures the difficulty of being an oddball in a new school, also capturing the inner light of the character who has a deep appreciation of life, glowing as she leads Jesse in creating the kingdom of Terabithia in their beautiful duet of a modified Both Sides Now, accompanied by the Terabithians. Her effect on the previously depressed Jesse is clear as he brightens in their duets that depict their quickly growing friendship, including You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice and When We Grow Up. And later, in Fire and Rain.

The cast of family members do especially well after the death, especially when it’s revealed, in a powerfully performed and staged scene by directors Chris Ninness and April Wikholm. The biggest family role goes to the smallest, a remarkable nine-year-old talent named Rebecca Jones as Jesse’s little sister May-Belle. She’s a riot as the funny, bratty, sassy baby sister, apparently drawing on her experiences with her own brother for the role. But she’s also got a great sense for the character and the moments in the story.

Performs November 7 - 9, 2008.

Rob Hopper
National Youth Theatre