Album Reviews
Movie Reviews
Concert Reviews
Past Concerts
Book Reviews

Top 10

Contact Us

Just prior to Christmas the Axis Theatre Company presented a children’s play, _The Emperor’s New Threads_, at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre a venue renowned for staging excellent theatre, dance and music productions. The play which straddles the line between being a full blown musical, and a delightful comedy, was written by Melody and Peter Anderson, and stars Stefano Gilulianetti as the Emperor, as well as Josue Laboucane and Tanya Podlozniuk. Louboucane and Podlozniuk portray two scoundrels who set out to defraud the royal treasury, by posing as weavers, who hatch the biggest hoax in the kingdom by convincing everyone that a nonexistent wardrobe for the emperor, does in fact exist.  
 
Although there are only three actors for the entire production, there are numerous characters, which are made possible through the utilization of forty-one different masks, designed by award winning mask and costume designer Melody Anderson. She has created incredibly detailed masks, that bring to life each new character, and the actors are so good, that you become oblivious to the fact there are only three of them. There is a parade scene that you will find fascinating, as a crowd lines the street to witness the royal procession and the emperor’s new garments.  You thought I said there were only three actors, and you are right, and I am not giving away any secrets, buy a ticket to the play ( http://www.axistheatre.com/emperor/emperor_about.htm), when it appears at a venue near you, or better yet visit the website and book the play. 
 
A pompous and vain emperor must be able to strut like a peacock, and the eye-popping costumes designed by Anderson, certainly allows this emperor to strut his stuff. After all, as he says at one point, “As a ruler, I love my clothes, if they aren’t unruly.” 
 
In the world of theater, especially children’s theater it is rare to find a production that appeals both to the children for whom it is intended and the adults who accompany them. With the Anderson’s _The Emperor’s New Threads_, however this was never an issue for me. Sure there are corny lines such as the weaver’s royal loom is in the “loom room,” and the cook delivering fruit is asked to put “the fruit on the loom.” 
 
The one-hour play’s central theme concerns two imposter weavers, convincing an entire kingdom and their ruler, that a nonexistent wardrobe has actually been weaved for the emperor. How do they do it? Once again, you will have to go see the play. 
 
There is just enough music composed by Alison Jenkins to keep the young theatergoers attention, but not too much to take away from the comedy and drama. 
 
There is also an excellent teacher’s study guide that has been prepared, making this an excellent educational experience.
 
Riveting Riffs gives the Axis Theatre Company two thumbs up for an excellent presentation. We also tip our hat to the Vancouver East Cultural Center for once again ensuring that there is a platform for quality artistic productions. 

By Joe Montague, exclusive rights reserved
Photos by David Cooper

Joe Montague is an internationally published journalist / photographer and the publisher of Riveting Riffs, www.rivetingriffs.com . His ministry is dedicated to the memory of his late son Kent David Montague who went to heaven at the age of 18. All copyright and distribution rights remain the property of Joe Montague.