‘A Story Beyond’ – Conceived & Directed by Jason Slavick; Music & Lyrics – Nathan Leigh; Puppetry Design & Direction – Faye Dupras; Costume Design – Kendra Bell
Lighting Design – PJ Strachman; Scenic Design & Props Master – Rebecca Lehrhoff; Mask Design – Becca Jewett; Technical Direction & Assistant Scenic Design – Ben Lieberson; Music Director & Lead Vocalist – Jay Mobley. Presented by Liars and Believers Theatre Company at the Foundry, 101 Rogers Street through February 25.
By Jim Phelan
What’s better than a nice cup of hot cider on a cold February day? How about a nice cup of hot cider at The Foundry in Cambridge, served by a costumed cast member of Liars and Believers, as you wait to see their latest performance of A Story Beyond? Part of a week-long family-friendly school vacation week dedicated to the theme of storytelling, A Story Beyond is a crowd-pleasing gem. Music, masks, hand-held puppets, shadow puppetry, lights, and colors abound throughout the story-filled hour-long show.
Now running at the Foundry in Kendall Square, A Story Beyond is an original fable drawing on folklore from around the world, and it’s truly a story for our time. Conceived and directed by Jason Slavick, A Story Beyond was inspired by the political and social divides since the 2016 election. Slavik and his team set out to create a modern-day story of hope, where people don’t just talk to one another, but listen for a change. In the play, a fierce young girl named Maya takes it upon herself to take action against what is wrong with her world for the good of her people. At every turn, Maya is met with opposition in the form of the natural elements of brambles, rivers, and mountains. Her quest involves poignant life lessons, epic challenges, and endless opportunities to demonstrate faith, perseverance, and courage in the face of overwhelming obstacles.
The story is told by the entire ensemble through the use of touching original music. Each of the players gets a turn narrating the story, working with the Maya puppet that is the heroine of the story. The actors transition in and out of character to tell the story, entertain the audience and provide plenty of food for thought. If parts of the show seem familiar, well that is probably because the themes are so universal. A Story Beyond incorporates elements of stories told throughout the centuries. Think The Odyssey meets The Wizard of Oz meets Pinocchio meets Dora the Explorer. There is something for everyone in this remarkable and fresh tale.
The endless hours of work by the company are evident in every aspect of this production. Everywhere the eye turns reveals attention to some detail that most companies would overlook. Music is a key component in storytelling. Before the show even begins, roving minstrels greet the audience in the lobby, making merry music. Mandolinist Jay Mobley and cellist Leahy Ardon drive the music forward, serving as the heartbeat of the story. Mobley skillfully weaves in and out of his role as music director, adding vocals, playing a mean mandolin, and also participating as a storyteller. Ardon’s non-stop movement on stage while playing the cello on the run was
reminiscent of the marching band cellist scene from Woody Allen’s Take the Money and Run.
Cal Callahan, Jesse Garlick, Glen Moore, and Rachel Wiese perform multiple roles throughout the hour-long production, taking turns as the puppet master, narrating the fable, and moving the versatile set pieces around the stage to allow the story to unfold seamlessly. A high point is when Maya is faced with the task of crossing the fierce, flowing river. Despite the River’s best efforts to intimidate the young girl, she persists, making it to the other side with a heroic effort. Playing the part of the River, Jesse Garlic is a delight. His fierce “splashes” are no match for the undaunted Maya.
Brilliant mask work (designed by Becca Jewett), masterful puppetry (designed and directed by Fay Dupras), and the clever manipulation of the simple set pieces (designed by Rebecca Lehrhoff) make the audience feel as if we are climbing up the Mad Mountain right along with Maya.
Perhaps the most heart-warming moment for this reviewer came after the show ended, when Slavick hosted an impromptu show and tell, allowing children to personally experience the set, hold the puppets, and see how the magic happens. There’s still time to catch this show before the end of its latest run. Do yourself a favor, and treat yourself to a warm cup of cider and an inspiring story as told by this unique Boston theatre company. For tickets and information, go to: https://www.liarsandbelievers.com/
