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THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN

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By Becky Samford, Publisher- Duluth, Norcross, Johns Creek & Peachtree Corners Macaroni Kid February 19, 2017

If I had to condense my review of THE ONE & ONLY IVAN to just a few words, I would say, don't miss this show! Your kids will LOVE it and so will you! 

For 27 years, Ivan the gorilla has lived in a cage at the Big Top Mall, content to people-watch. However, when three events occur, everything changes dramatically. Julia, the janitor's daughter, gives Ivan some finger paints and he becomes a budding artist. Ruby, a captured baby elephant arrives and Stella, the old, injured circus elephant, who is Ivan's best friend, dies. Because he promised Stella he would protect baby Ruby, Ivan uses his creativity to find a new home and better life for both of them.

This story is filled with life lessons about friendship, loyalty and keeping your word. It produced a rich array of emotions. We laughed out loud at Ivan's antics and some of the one-liners by Bob, the wisecracking stray dog.  We felt empathy for the cruel treatment these animals had suffered at the hands of some humans. We cried at the poignant scene when Stella dies, only to rejoice as her spirit comforts Ivan and then dances off to whatever is next. We marveled at how determination and creativity can change circumstances, and we celebrated the wonderful new life it brought for everyone. This is a wonderful, wonderful story that your children will absolutely love.

This was one of the most talented casts that I have seen in a children's production. Chris Heckle walked onstage as a man, then through body movements and facial expressions, he morphed into Ivan, the western lowland gorilla. Spending most of the show crouched on just his feet and knuckles must have been physically challenging, but it never showed. His shaggy hair, scruffy beard, and mouth movements epitomized gorilla, but his kind, intelligent eyes were entirely human and caused an instant bond with the audience.


The other four cast members portrayed multiple characters. With her slow swaying movements and gentle low voice, Precious West became the wise, old elephant, Stella. But in a crisp white lab coat, she was an animal facility inspector, with a southern drawl, an understanding zookeeper, and in a gorilla suit, Ivan's mother.

It's hard to imagine that Jeffery Allen Sneed plays both the greedy, hard-hearted mall manager, Mack, and also the lovable, witty dog, Bob, a rod puppet. His talent as a puppeteer (and the fact that he could talk!) made you forget that Bob was not a real dog!

In addition to Ivan's gorilla father, Benjamin Dewitt Sims portrays George, the mall's kind janitor and Julia's patient father. He was hysterical as an inspector in coke-bottom glasses and pants pulled up to his armpits. (think Steve Urkel!) 

As Julia, Renita James was a relatively quiet, shy, artistic school girl around 12 years old. However, as Ruby, her personality transformed into a wide-eyed child about five years old. She was loud, funny, curious about everything, and talked non-stop! We all fell in love with Ruby's effervescent personality and her wonderful smile!


Abby Parker did a masterful job of creating costumes that conveyed the character's animal appearance without looking cartoonish. Because the actors had multiple roles, the costumes had to be minimal enough for quick changes and yet convince us of the role they were playing. She cleverly accomplished both.

Ivan and Ruby were both rescued by animal welfare activists and relocated to Zoo Atlanta. Ivan was a beloved local celebrity until his death in 2012.  He was one of the oldest living gorillas in captivity.


Katie, Johnny and I all agree that THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN is one of our favorite shows. We love everything about it and think your family would also! 

PERFORMANCES: Through February 26th

7 p.m. Friday 
Each Friday is PJs & Play!  Kids can wear pajamas and enjoy milk and cookies while watching the show!

1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday

2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday

TICKETS:

Click HERE to purchase.

MORE INFORMATION:

Please visit their website HERE.

Disclosure statement: Thank you to Synchronicity Theatre for hosting my family to see The One and Only Ivan. No other compensation was received and all opinions expressed are the my own.