Enchantment in Oregon City
Pam Morlan / oregon city news
Jenika Flynn, as Jumping Jack, leaps high into the air during a performance of "The Enchanted Toy Shop," presented by Abernethy Performing Arts.
Get ready Oregon City, some serious magic is coming your way when “The Enchanted Toy Shop” pirouettes on stage Feb. 20 for two shows, in the Jackson Auditorium at the old Oregon City High School.
“The Enchanted Toy Shop” takes place in a toy shop where the dolls come alive; it is set in the 1920s, so the costumes represent that time period, while also showcasing American doll styles from that era, like rag dolls and baby dolls.
The production is pure classical ballet and features a cast of 53, including three 4 year olds, said Keith Walls, the director of the production, and owner and artistic director of Abernethy Performing Arts, based in Oregon City.
He last produced “The Enchanted Toy Shop” in December of 2008, when performances were delayed because of the snow that year. He decided that it was a better idea to stage the ballet in February, so that he would not have to compete with holiday events.
He also has added several new characters to the cast.
“One of the original versions of the show had a thief, so we added him [to the show]. He comes onstage after the main characters go off for some refreshments. He is looking for something to steal, but instead finds the Masquerade Doll; she begins to play a game with him and ends up doing a tango with him,” Walls noted.
Also new to the production are two Shiva dolls who perform an Indian-inspired dance and an elaborately costumed peacock in a cage.
Performers
Amy Stein, 14 and an 8th grader at Ogden Middle School, plays one of the shopgirls who brings the dolls on and off stage.
People will enjoy this ballet, she said, “because it has lots of colorful costumes, props and dancers that really have the ability to put on a great show. Everyone should come to see it, because it is truly a fantastic performance and fun for all ages.”
The Spanish Doll is played by 15-year-old Haley Lindley, a sophomore at Alliance Charter Academy in Oregon City.
“The role of the Spanish Doll has challenged me with its quick footwork and stamina required for all of the dances. I feel audiences should come and see “The Enchanted Toy Shop,” because it has an entertaining storyline, expert choreography and beautiful costumes,” she said.
Patti Furrow, a Beavercreek resident who is the parent of one of the 5-year-old Kewpie Doll characters, said that her daughter saw the 2008 production of the ballet and fell in love with ballet.
As her daughter watched the show, Furrow saw her face light up when she saw Walls dance.
“It was a magical moment,” she said.
Her daughter began taking classes with Walls, and is now a member of the cast.
The production combines “the innocence of childhood with a child’s imagination, and gives it a creative outlet,” Furrow said.
Fast Facts
WHAT: “The Enchanted Toy Shop,” a ballet presented by Abernethy Performing Arts and directed by Keith Walls
WHEN: Feb. 20; 1 and 7 p.m.
WHERE: Jackson Auditorium at the old Oregon City High School, at 12th and Jackson
TICKETS: adults – $12 and seniors/children – $10
Call 503-974-9235
ONLINE: apadancetheater.com