Theater Review: CCTC/HJT’s ‘Neverending Story’ Is A Delight For All Ages

 Bastian is a shy, studious child who is struggling a bit because his father is still mourning the sudden death of Bastian’s mother. He loves books and is a bit of a dreamer; the perfect target for the school bullies. When he stumbles into a bookstore while running from those bullies, the bookseller tells him about a book called “The Neverending Story.” When she gets a phone call, he grabs the book, runs and then hides in the attic of his school to read it. Soon, he’s captivated by the tale and can’t stop reading. 

 I’ll admit I was unfamiliar with “The Neverending Story,” but I’m a fan now. It didn’t take me long to realize that Bastian sees a lot of himself in Atreyu, the book’s hero, and wants to help him succeed in his mission. The play “The Neverending Story: Atreyu and the Great Quest” is based on the book by Michael Ende and adapted by David S. Craig. 

 Atreyu, a wanna-be buffalo hunter, lives in Fantasica, and has been commissioned to save the Childlike Empress so she can dispel the Nothing which threatens to destroy the world by blanketing it in nothingness. Getting to the Empress is an adventure as he meets many characters along the way, some who want to help, some to hinder. It’s an engrossing story. 

 The Cape Cod Theatre Company/Harwich Junior Theatre has created that fantasy world and filled it with colorful, fanciful creatures (who actually use contemporary dialogue, much to our delight!) that will enthrall children of all ages. Most children will understand and appreciate the message of the play, that imagination is a power and that everyone has the ability to care and create what they really want and need. 

 It’s obvious director Susan Kosoff embraced this story; it shows in the crisp yet playful direction she used with this ensemble of talented adults and children. The action is non-stop and the storytelling aspect will entrance you from the get-go. 

 Those familiar with the characters will adore Aria Nickerson’s portrayal of Bastian and Brayden Carlson as Atreyu. When Bastian tells Atreyu that everyone has the ability to fly even without wings, he’s quoting Falkor, the Luck Dragon, and encouraging him not to doubt himself. Ed Donovan captures the puppy-dog nature of Falkor perfectly. Nansea R. Flynn is very amusing and entertaining as both the eccentric bookseller and Morla the turtle with her “who cares?” attitude. Aidan Gustafson creates Artax, Atreyu’s horse and best friend, with a natural ease and convincing aplomb. 

 Sherrie Scudder morphs from an adult-like child to Urgyl, a gnome, to Ygramul, a spider, so well that we didn’t realize they were created by the same actor. Halley Steinmetz’s Gmork the werewolf was great as was Alixandrea Stande as Uyulala, a fairy-like creature. The entire cast is super busy; they each take on more than one role. The others are Finnigan Conlin, Luna Diaz, Olive Dinubila, Shelby Ervin, Lincoln Gonella, Jocelyn Griffin, Edwin Somers, Victoria Lebedyrnski, Jack O'Brien, Phil Scudder, Elianna Taylor, Piper Taylor and Addison Wilda. Each and every one of these actors were on cue and worked so well together to create Fantasica. Their portrayals were enhanced by the breathtaking costumes designed by Cat Perry with some help from Laura Froeschner’s props. 

 Of course it takes a village to create another world, and each of those behind that magic deserve a mention. They are James P. Byrne (set designer), Matt Kohler (tech and lights director), Xevi Pina Parker (assistant director), Fiona Pina Parker (sound designer), and Laurel Conrad (choreographer). Back stage for each performance making sure everything goes smoothly are Seamus Sartin (stage manager), Connor Perry (lightboard operator), Milo Nickerson (soundboard operator), Kai Brimdyr and Liam Perry (run crew) and the drum playing of Sue Landers, Elizabeth Longo and Shannon Goheen. 

 This play will leave a lasting impression with its message that you can become what you want to be if you dream it in your neverending story, your life. It’s a bit over 90 minutes with a brief intermission, so it's an easy sit for younger children. Experience the magic of the Neverending Story!