American theater isn’t exactly saturated with ethnic storytelling, so it’s nice to see the Alliance Theatre stage a family musical that celebrates both ancient China and the bravery and heroism of a determined young woman.
Based on Disney’s 1998 animated adaptation of a story by Robert D. San Souci, “Mulan” is the most opulent treatment of Eastern culture to grace an Atlanta playhouse since the Alliance’s production of “Pacific Overtures,” from 2003. Working from designs by Kat Conley (sets and puppets), Sydney Roberts (costumes) and Pete Shinn (lighting), the theater’s scenery and wardrobe departments have created a sumptuous visual landscape of billowing fabrics and oversize shadow puppets that ride on actors’ shoulders and stretch high into the heavens.
These spectacular puppets represent Mulan’s hallowed and sometimes disappointed ancestors, who are sacrosanct in a society that honors family and patriotism. Tomboyish Mulan (Leslie Bellair) insults the matchmaker (the delightful Bernard Jones) and soon steps in for her father in the war against the Huns. Aided by an irascible and impertinent little dragon name Mushu (Jones again), the pint-size feminist goes on to help defeat the enemy and impress the somberly handsome commander (Blake Covington).
Directed by Rosemary Newcott, this eight-member company works hard playing multiple roles and mostly rises above Asian stereotype. That said, I wish Brandon O’Dell, as one of the first actors to speak, could convey a bit more Chinese flavor and that Bellair could muster a bit more spunk and flair as the lead.
While you admire Newcott for hiring fresh-faced actors, the hour-long show, which is backed by recorded music, could be sung better. (Music and lyrics are by big names Stephen Schwartz, Jeanine Tesori and, true to Disney fashion, a whole cadre of other collaborators, but none of it is especially memorable.) What stands out are the terrific supporting performances by Covington, Jones and Alecia Robinson (who screws up her face wonderfully to portray a funny-bossy imperialist type and Mulan’s gray-hen old grandma). As Mushu, Jones — playing the prototypical Disney wisecracker, a la Sebastian in “The Little Mermaid” and Zazu in “The Lion King” — is the most irresistible comedian in the bunch.
“Mulan” is the Alliance’s only youth show of the season, and that makes it something of a special treat. That and the fact that the design and puppet work are of the highest caliber. For the school kids, the teachers and parents that flock to the Woodruff Arts Center over the next few weeks, “Mulan” – with its fancy silks, soaring Chinese temples and lovely lotus pools — won’t disappoint.
Theater review
“Mulan”
Grade: B
1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. Through March 19. $20-$30. Alliance Theatre, Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Midtown. 404-733-5000, alliancetheatre.org
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