"All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten"
Adapted from Robert Fulgham's book by Ernest Zulia and David Caldwell
A Rising Star Productions Community Theater presentation
Directed by Jueanne Meyers
Review by Ned Piper
Back in 1988, were you one of the millions who read Robert Fulgham's best selling self-help book, All I Really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten? Whether you did or not, after experiencing Rising Star Production's stage play of the same name, you may wish to lay your hands on a copy and touch base with Fulgham's simple but pithy philosophy of successful living. The play's title suggests it may appeal to young children, but most of the humor will fly over most kids' heads. However, I chanced to sit beside a 10 year-old boy named John. He may be unique among his peers, but he not only "got" the many funny lines and physical humor, but he laughed himself silly at it. I learned at intermission that his mother, Stacie Hunt Kelley, was one of the eight actors performing on the stage. The playwrights did a nice job of mixing humorous vignettes with segments that were touching and poignant. There were times during the 25 or so scenes when the entire cast participated; others where two or three were on stage and some when a solo cast member stool alone in the spotlight. All eight cast members take on different characters in each of the segments. In one scene, Adam Pond portrays both the mother-of-the-bride and the bridegroom. The "mis-casting" adds greatly to the bit. He must be six feet eight or nine inches tall. There is no plot in "Kindergarten," only short vignettes packed with meaningful, almost spiritual, lessons that, if taken seriously, can help each of us to get through life with greater ease. The costumes, set design and props, while colorful, are simple and minimal, so as not to distract from the message. The cast truly works as an ensemble. You can tell they enjoy working together. Laurel Moore's singing voice is the best of bunch. When they sing together, the cast makes a formidable choir. Alone, some of their voices remind us that this is, indeed, a community production. What some cast members lack in a strong singing voices, they make up for in acting ability. It was an excellent move for Jueanne Meyers to relocate Rising Star's productions to the Kelso High School Auditorium. The acoustics are excellent and the lighting and seating are vastly improved over Rising Star's last venue, Kessler Elementary School. I counted a crowd of about 60 enjoying opening night. The audiences should grow when the community learns what a fine production this is. Rising Star Productions perennial musical accompanist Greg Moore provided transition music between scenes, background sounds, and accompaniment behind the singers on the piano and electric piano. He is a very gifted musician. Frances Cansler is perfect in the opening scene as a school teacher. She was, after all, a teacher in real life. She does an equally fine job with her other roles, though she appeared to be searching for her lines on occasion. It may have been first-night jitters. Dave Crayk, the current drama director at Kelso High School, portrays a number of touching roles, including the old man in the hospital. That scene brought tears to my eyes. Andrew Hays is a talented young man. The dance scene with Debi Meyers had my 10 year-old seatmate, John, practically rolling in his seat. And Hays' portrayal of the barking, dancing pig had the young boy doubled over with laughter. According to the program, Stacie Hunt Kelley hates spiders. Even so, she plays one with a gleam in her eyes. Debi Meyers may go far if she intends to pursue acting as a career. She conducts herself naturally on stage. Her mother, Jueanne Meyers, not only acts in the production, but she also directs it. I mentioned Laurel Moore's beautiful singing voice earlier. She is also a fine actress who is fun to watch. Last, but not least, the actor everybody looks up to, Adam Pond. One might assume that his height would make him self-conscience, but it doesn't seem to. Adam is cut out for comedy, but even in the more serious scenes, he holds his own. The creative effects in the play appeared to be the work of Jueanne, rather than the playwrights'. I will attend any production that Jueanne mounts. Next up: "The King and I," coming February 29 - March 15, 2008. Mark your calendars.
Note: About a year ago, when CRR started publishing local play reviews, I ran into Adam Pond uptown somewhere. I knew that his parents, Steve and Diane Pond were on a three-year mission for their church in Paris. I asked how they were doing. Adam told me that his mother really missed seeing his plays. I suggested that, even in Paris, she could access CRR's website and get a review of her son's stage activities. So, if you're reading this, Diane, "Hello" from Longview. Your boy did himself (and you) proud in this production of "All I Really Need to Know, I learned in Kindergarten."
Ned Piper earned a B.A. degree in drama at the University of Washington and is a life insurance agent in Longview. He also serves as a Commissioner for Cowlitz County Public Utility District.
