BABES IN TOYLAND   Role: Simple Simon (Understudy for Roderigo)   Production Info: April 17, 1999 @ Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center Conductor: Dino Anagnost Director: Peter Flynn Choreographer: Devanand Janki

This newly revised and rewritten one-act version of the popular children's operetta Babes In Toyland was produced by the Little Orchestra Society (who were then celebrating their 50th anniversary season). Two weeks of rehearsal and only one day of performances, but what a day it was! Avery Fisher Hall was filled to the brim with happy kids who were thrilled to pieces to get to see their favorite storybook characters come to life. My interpretation of Simple Simon leaned more towards a major psychotic brain disorder than “simplicity,” but I figured when you do a show in a house that size, you've got to make some BOLD choices! Click on this link to read more information about Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

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Michael Starks as Tom the Piper’s Son tries to cheer up the Citizens of Toyland with a rousing rendition of Rock A Bye Baby.

Mr. Barnaby receives a not-so-warm welcome when he announces that he owns the mortgage on Toyland. Here, Curly Locks gives him a piece of her mind..

 
 

Choreographer Dev Janki with Tom the Piper’s Son, Michael Starks

The “Bad Boys” of Toyland: Kevin Sherrell as Wee Willie Winkie, James Donegan as Peter Pumpkin Eater, you-know-who as Simple Simon, and Patrick Mellen as Bobby Shaftoe.

Jack and Jill: Tony Romero and Colleen Hawks.

The Citizens of Toyland. There are quite a few characters in there . . . Curly Locks, Jack Be Nimble, Old Mother Hubbard, etc.