Valley Performing Arts pleases kids and adults with production

WASILLA — Playing “The Glad Game” nonstop, Pollyanna in Valley Performing Arts’ production of “Pollyanna” takes viewers by surprise. The entire performance was excellent and much better than anticipated.

The play is listed as a child’s production and is a little bit shorter than the average play in keeping children in mind, but it is definitely not cut too short and is able to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages that wish to experience a good, clean night of local talent at VPA.

“Pollyanna” follows the story of an orphan who is sent to live in Beldingsville, Vt., with her only living relative, her prudish aunt, Polly Harrington. She is set apart by her happy demeanor because she plays The Glad Game, where she tries to find something good in everything. Upon arriving at her new home, Pollyanna continues to try to play the game and make the best of her situation, even when things look bleak. She shares her game with everyone she meets and even begins to positively affect her stern aunt. As her optimistic attitude spreads throughout the town, life seems to be looking up for both her and the town until an unfortunate turn of events hits her.

Director Suzanne Hermon leads her true-to-the-book production superbly. The cast in “Pollyanna” is strong and is composed of Charly Rentz as Pollyanna, Kelly Rentz as Aunt Polly Harrington, Mariah Schachle as Nancy, Sam Allred as Jimmy Bean, Warren Foster as John Pendleton and Todd Broste as Dr. Thomas Chilton. Every aspect of the play is directed perfectly. The set is well designed, which allows seamless set changes without distracting mishaps or long pauses. The costumes were well designed and match the set to a T.

All the actors perform extremely well, with Rentz, fresh from “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus,” doing an impressive job. Her actions and lines are all polished and engaging, and she fits well with the other actors. She makes a seamless match with Allred, who does not fail to impress in his performance of Jimmy Bean.

Cynthia Lee perfectly plays Mrs. Snow. She embodies the cantankerous invalid Mrs. Snow, yet at the same time draws countless laughs from the audience as she does her act from a wheelchair pushed by Greta Kopperud, playing her daughter. The moment Lee rolls on stage to start the play off with the usual announcements, she wins the hearts of the audience with her humorous roll of a grumpy old lady.

Foster, Broste, Tom Stuart (Rev. Paul Ford) and Scott Allred (Old Tom) all perform solidly, leaving nothing to be desired and support the play, making it run smoothly and enjoyably.

“Pollyanna” runs through March 9, playing at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at the Fred and Sara Machetanz Theatre, 251 W. Swanson Ave., Wasilla. Tickets may be purchased online at valleypreformingarts.org or by calling 373-0195. Cost is $18 for adults and $16 for students and seniors.