THE PLAY: This musical skims thru the stories about Mark Twain’s most popular heroes: Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.

 

THE PRODUCTION: This is lively breakdown of the highlights from both books. It’s peppered with a few pleasant songs featuring a cast with acceptable voices. Their performances are uniformly energetic with the full-on physicality of James Hendley adding spunk to his Tom and a cute, spirited Becky from Rachel Jones. Director Kikau Alvaro has staged the show with plenty of energy and efficient use of crates and fabric to add creative visual elements. David Tousley has designed a rather literal, uninspired set that’s framed by books, a giant map and fences. The simple period costumes by Sarah Grady work well and Skyler Broughman’s lights are active. Running time: 0:55

 

THE POINT: This is friendly, folksy telling of Twain’s tales.

 

(3 / 5)

 

A Virginia Rep production at the Children’s Theatre at Willow Lawn thru 3/3.