Jack and the Beanstalk

Jack and the Beanstalk Arts in the Open
Chautauqua State Park
Boulder, CO
June 1-30, 2019

Summertime is when Arts in the Open offers fun, fantasy shows presented during a scenic hike at Chautauqua Park in Boulder.  The first show this season is Jack and the Beanstalk.

This show was darker than most done by Arts in the Open. It dealt with hunger, parental abandonment, kidnapping and isolation. And while it did feature a happy ending it was a rough road getting there.

Jack was played by a female actor, but the change seemed minor. She played the character as a person without drawing attention to gender. The other four actors portrayed many characters – each had at least one which was memorable. The cow and golden goose added humor to the dark story. The giant was loveably awkward.

The costume pieces to create the characters were fun and effective. A black shirt with holes and a floppy hat with ears created the diva-cow easily. The golden goose’s tail and bowler hat were especially well done.

While the story contained dark elements, the message of the importance of empathy shone through it. Jack represented the positive effect each of us can have on the lives of those around us.