Portland’s professional theatre company Oregon Children’s Theatre is putting this on in the downtown’s Keller Auditorium, a great venue with manmade waterfalls outside where children can play (in major use the sunny weekend I was there). A huge model train is set up in the lobby, drawing kids and adults into the story even before the show begins, as does some twangy bluegrass pre-show music by a three-piece band in the corner of the stage, performed by characters in the show who make up their own little Hooverville as a makeshift family trying to survive the Depression.

The show itself is led by four local youth performers. Fourteen-year-old Hope Landsem is the practical-minded Jessie intent on giving her family the best chance at survival. Stephen Ketch is her twin brother Henry who sees their new lives on the run as a sort of adventure that must be won. He comforts and amuses the others by calling their first two campsites the “Ditch Hotel” and the “Spruce Tree Inn.” Together the two eldest try to act as the guardians of their younger siblings.

A magnificent young acting talent by the name of Madeleine Rogers is Violet whose palpable sensitivity and care for the others, evident every moment in her voice, facial expressions, and body language, add so much of the emotion to the play. Coleman Gariety is the youngest, Benny, who has the impractical sense to go back home and get his stuffed dog and photos of their parents – memories of home to get them through the rough times ahead.

The adults in the cast include Joe Bolenbaugh as Dr. Samuel Truman, an amiable guy who hires Henry to mow his grass, then becomes intrigued by his mysterious family life. Rebecca Kimball gives a good turn as Samuel’s intrusive mother. And Dani Baldwin is most impressive as Sarah Calder who blames herself for the kids running off. Her large heart and concern for the children’s welfare is beautifully portrayed.

Performs April 22 - 29, 2007.

Rob Hopper
National Youth Theatre