{"id":114448,"date":"2025-05-20T15:03:01","date_gmt":"2025-05-20T19:03:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/?p=114448"},"modified":"2025-05-21T08:00:01","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T12:00:01","slug":"scrutiny-kids-right-bealtaine-theatre-festivals-story-day-tapestry-operas-sanctuary-song","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/2025\/05\/20\/scrutiny-kids-right-bealtaine-theatre-festivals-story-day-tapestry-operas-sanctuary-song\/","title":{"rendered":"SCRUTINY | The Kids Are All Right: Bealtaine Theatre Festival\u2019s Story Of A Day & Tapestry Opera\u2019s Sanctuary Song"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"L:
L: Soprano Midori Marsh in Tapestry Opera’s Sanctuary Song (Photo: Dahlia Katz); R: Eoin O’Dubhghaill in Branar Theatre Company’s Story Of A Day (Photo courtesy of Branar Theatre Company)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Entertainment for kids these days is often tied to merchandising and what\u2019s on TV. But, there are companies out there offering elevated fare for classy kids with artistry, live music, and a sense of imagination.<\/p>\n

Toronto\u2019s youngest theatre and opera audience members were treated to two entertaining and enlightening productions this past weekend that prove you don\u2019t need a cartoon tie-in to sell tickets: Story Of A Day courtesy of the Bealtaine Theatre Festival, and Tapestry Opera\u2019s Sanctuary Song.<\/p>\n

\"Eoin
Eoin O’Dubhghaill in Branar Theatre Company’s Story Of A Day (Photo courtesy of Branar Theatre Company)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Story Of A Day<\/h3>\n

Branar Theatre Company: Story Of A Day. Mary Murphy, writer & illustrator; Marc Mac Lochlainn, director; Eoin O’Dubhghaill, performer, Tom Lane, composer & unknown piano quintet and conductor. May 17, 2025, Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse, Toronto. Part of the Bealtaine Theatre Festival, which continues May 24 & 25 with The Libravian; Tickets here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Story Of A Day is precisely that. It follows the character of a child through an ordinary day of getting up, eating breakfast, going to school… a day that\u2019s imbued with the lively imagination and sincere sense of wonder that a young mind brings to the world. The show by Ireland\u2019s Branar Theatre Company is intended for children ages four and up.<\/p>\n

Performer Eoin O’Dubhghaill<\/strong>\u2019s monologue begins in bed as he wakes up, and asking questions is a recurring theme.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m awake\u2026 I think. But what was it that woke me? The tap, tap on the window? A sliver of sunlight on the wall? My cold foot? Or\u2026 was it my dream?<\/p>\n

One of the delightful things about shows for the youngest of audiences is the chaotic element that\u2019s introduced by their nature as spontaneous, uncontrollable beings who will not be shushed into submission.<\/p>\n

As Eoin spoke the words, several young members of the audience pointed to the live piano quintet and conductor who took up part of the stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the music,\u201d one offered helpfully.<\/p>\n

It set the mood for a whimsical and imaginative performance, accompanied by live original music, and charming hand drawn projections (by Mary Murphy<\/strong>) that fleshed out the story. The kids laughed, they talked back, and enjoyed the story about a day at school with a new kid the young protagonist was eager to get to know.<\/p>\n

Small children love the familiar \u2014 it\u2019s the age when a trip to the grocery store is a great adventure \u2014 and the story included details of breakfast, familiar landmarks on the way to school, playing at recess, and other bits that connected with both younger and older members of the audience.<\/p>\n

The unidentified piano quintet acquitted themselves admirably with a score of contemporary music that was atmospheric and melodic, with the conductor adding acting bits like taking the protagonist\u2019s half eaten apple off his hands.<\/p>\n

It was a sweet story, and just the right short format that ended just as the younger set was beginning to show signs of restlessness.<\/p>\n