The Shaw Festival's production of The Wind in the Willows is a breath of fresh air, offering a delightful and timeless take on a classic children's story. While it may not be a complete departure from the company's past struggles with children's programming, it marks a significant step in the right direction. The play, adapted by Fiona Sauder from A. A. Milne's stage adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's beloved stories, is a charming and lively celebration of childhood, with a touch of whimsy and humor that will appeal to both young audiences and their grown-up companions.
Sauder, who also directs the production, has a proven track record of creating captivating musical adaptations of children's classics. Her approach to storytelling is a masterclass in engaging both kids and adults, and The Wind in the Willows is no exception. The production is filled with delightful moments, from the opening sequence, where we meet Marigold and the talking animals, to the gripping and genuinely funny trial scene. The set design, choreographed to perfection, and the ensemble's performance, dressed in ears and tails, create a whimsical world that transports the audience to the lush garden of Grahame's stories.
However, the script does have its flaws. Some parts feel surprisingly confusing and didactic, and the intermission comes surprisingly late in the show. The second act is also markedly shorter than the first, and the morals in Grahame's stories, though timeless, are as dated as Grahame himself. Additionally, some production elements, such as sightline issues in the in-the-round venue and the lack of microphones for the cast, fail to land with the oomph Toronto audiences might anticipate from Sauder.
Despite these falters, The Wind in the Willows is a delight, a sugar-sweet confection frosted with charm. The production is a testament to Sauder's skill in creating a magical world that captivates the imagination of young audiences. The matinee I attended was packed to the gills with kids and their carers, and the youngsters in the crowd couldn't have been more pleased to be there. The magic of the show was evident in their wide eyes and murmurs as Toad evaded law enforcement.
In my opinion, the Shaw Festival has found the sweet spot in children's programming with The Wind in the Willows. It is a production that will delight and engage both young audiences and their grown-up companions, offering a blueprint for how the Shaw might approach their future youth programming while continuing to uplift vintage source material. The play is a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of the theatre, leaving a lasting impression on both young and old alike.
