Sarah, Plain and Tall Returns to Grace the Stage
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Kathy Ishizuka -- School Library Journal, 3/30/2006
Sarah, Plain and Tall is taking center stage in a new production of a popular musical based on Patricia MacLachlan’s Newbery Award-winning novel.
Intended for ages eight and older, “Sarah, Plain and Tall,” which premiered in 2002 and is now showing at the Lucille Lortel Theater in New York City’s West Village, remains largely faithful to MacLachlan’s simple, poignant love story set on the Kansas prairie.
Becca Ayers, in the role that she originated in 2002, plays Sarah Wheaton, who leaves her beloved Maine coast for a month’s stay on a Kansas farm. There, the spirited Sarah transforms the lives of a lonely widower, Jacob Witting, and his children, Anna and Caleb, who are still haunted by the loss of their mother.
MacLachlan’s rich characters come to life through stellar performances and a satisfying adaptation written by Julia Jordan and directed by Joe Calarco.
Patrick Dwyer, a spokesperson for TheatreworksUSA, says the musical will not tour. However, the Lortel Theater plans to show "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie & Other Story Books," based on eight popular children’s books, from July 18 through August 18. Next season, there are plans to premiere Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations from November 8 through December 23, as well as Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery from March 21 through May 6.”
“Sarah, Plain and Tall” runs Tuesdays to Sundays through April 30 at the Lortel Theater at 121 Christopher Street, New York, NY. For more information, log on to www.twusa.org or call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200.
