Persimmon Tree Players present The Phantom Tollbooth
Written by Page H. Gifford, Correspondent
Tuesday, 29 March 2016 12:57 -
What happens when a boy is bored with life but is soon transformed in “The Phantom
Tollbooth?” The Persimmon Tree Players will present this timeless children’s classic on April 9,
15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and April 10 and 17 at 3 p.m. at the Carysbrook Performing Arts Center.
The cast includes several talented newcomers to PTP from the Fluvanna and Scottsville
communities. Josh Harris plays Milo, Kate Green plays the ticking watchdog named Tock, and
Jake Henderson, a seasoned player with PTP, plays the killjoy insect Humbug. The cast also
includes Mia LaRochelle, Mary Quick, Ashlyn Harris, Donathan Linebrink, and Rebekah
Chambless. The youngest actor, Elijah Butt, whose mother made her debut last fall in the
hilarious Suite Surrender, is an elementary student in Fluvanna. Tom Green, also an actor in
past productions with PTP, is directing. Many of the adults in the show have performed with
PTP and/or with Langden Mason’s productions at Carysbrook Performing Arts Center.
“It is a seasoned group of actors and actresses who will be putting on quite a show,” said
Green.
“The Phantom Tollbooth” was published in 1961. Written by Norton Juster and illustrated by the
celebrated and Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist and artist, Jules Feiffer, the book was
considered ahead of its time. In his own words, Green describes the childhood story as “Alice in
Wonderland” meets “Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style.”
It was a groundbreaking story in its day but may have a deeper meaning for current
generations. The story centers on Milo, a boy who can’t think of what to do with himself, until he
encounters a magic tollbooth that allows him passage to the Kingdom of Wisdom. Along with his
watchdog Tock and insect Humbug, they must rescue and return Rhyme and Reason from the
Castle in the Air to the Lands of Wisdom.
Green spoke to Norton Juster by phone about his book a year ago.
“He told me that after it was published, it was panned for its complicated text and subject
matter. It was unlike any children’s book ever written, and he was told that its word play and
subtle humor would go unrecognized and unappreciated by kids. Adults would find it too silly. It
would be a book with no audience.” Regardless of the critics, it has become a classic. “It is a
book that has paved the way for modern adventure books that take kids to distant lands, but do
not assume that they are too unintelligent to find meaning along the way. It also shows adults
that growing older doesn’t mean you have to fully grow up. The characters are farcical and
endearing. The word play and puns are clever and amusing.” Milo eventually learns a
remarkable and enduring lesson about life.
Green adds he loves this story and the countless examples of fun with words.
“Milo represents most of us; needing a reminder from time-to-time that adventure comes to
those who seek it, not those who get stuck in expectations.”
“If anyone has read the book, this production is an opportunity to return to a fond childhood
memory and wonderful piece of literature. If you have not read it, you may be inspired to do so,”
Green said. “I truly believe it is a book everyone should read. I also believe that it will be a play
that will appeal to all ages. It is not a show just for kids and the humor works on all levels. Kids
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Persimmon Tree Players present The Phantom Tollbooth
Written by Page H. Gifford, Correspondent
Tuesday, 29 March 2016 12:57 -
will love the characters and the fun, and adults will appreciate the subtle humor and cleverness.
It truly is a classic.”
Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door, $10 for students, military and veterans and for
this show a family package of $5 for 2 adults and 3 or more children. For more information and
to purchase tickets online, visit www.carysbrook.org or call 434-842-1333. There is no reserved
seating.
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