‘Wrinkle’ treatment

Over the Ledge launches summer season with ambitious adaptation

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Science fiction and beloved children’s books are risky categories for modestly budgeted community theater productions. With its 2014 season premiere, “A Wrinkle In Time,” Over the Ledge Theatre Co. took on the challenge of John Glore’s double-whammy adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s outstanding young adult/sci-fi novel. Over the Ledge founder/artistic director Joseph Dickson has an impressive record for producing high quality light and sound design in the Ledges Playhouse. But while this complex production may be his best yet, the results are still mixed.

The story is about a pair of siblings, Meg (Ellen Weise) and Charles Wallace (Ian S. Henretty), and their friend, Calvin (Brennan Hattaway), who go on a surreal journey to find Meg’s father (Steve Ledyard), a scientist who disappeared two years ago while doing secret research for the government. With the assistance of a trio of starry g o d m o t hers — Mrs. Who, Mrs. Which and Mrs. Whatsit — they go toe– to-toe with an evil presence known as IT.

The special effects are surprisingly good. The lighting effects and projected backgrounds mask the otherwise bland set, transporting the audience as the characters travel through the time and space. The spot-on sound effects boom from all angles, rivaling the experience of “extreme” cinemas.

It is unfortunate that the overall acting is just average compared to the effects. Grace Hinkley and Ameila M. Rogocka stand out as Mrs. Who and Mrs. Whatsit in particular, roles that they obviously relish. Henretty is most effective as Charles Wallace when he his possessed by the evil spirit of IT. His evil gaze is downright creepy.

The fantastical plot delivers a straightforward coming of age story, as Meg outgrows the typical teenager feelings of being selfish, self-conscious, and resentful. Themes about the power of love and family and taking risks to preserve those elements are strong, which might spark meaningful family conversations on the drive home.

The play will not satisfy adults eager to revisit the beloved book, but it does give them an opportunity to introduce the story to their children, who will perhaps be intrigued enough to read the superior novel.

“A Wrinkle in Time”

Over the Ledge Theatre Co. 8 p.m. Thursday, May 29-Saturday, May 31; 2 p.m.

Sunday, June 1 $10/$8 seniors/$6 students The Ledges Playhouse 137 Fitzgerald Park Drive, Grand Ledge (517) 318-0579; overtheledge.org

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