Classika's 'White Winter' a Wondrous Tale of Friendship

"Wondrous White Winter" is a Bulgarian tale about a boy, his cat and their snowy mountain trek. Above and right, some of the animals who teach the boy and his cat about friendship. The puppet show will run through Feb. 5. (Photos By Raymond Gniewek)

If there is one theater company that can do a lot with a little, it is Classika Theatre.

Working out of an impossibly cramped space nestled among storefronts and restaurants in Shirlington, Classika has created magic over the years with plays for children and adults, classes and educational programs. The company has had its share of artistic disasters, particularly with several of its adult series productions, but the group's dedication to performing in the rigorous Russian theatrical tradition has generally served it well.

Lately the company seems to have abandoned producing plays for adults, concentrating instead on mounting weekend shows of original and time-tested material for youngsters and leaving it to its creative partners, Synetic Theatre, to create innovative theater for older folks. Classika's current show should delight your young ones. Using little more than flowing white fabric, simple puppets, and imaginative lighting and music, Classika stages a low-key but enchanting play for ages 4 and older that highlights the special friendship between children and their pets. "Wondrous White Winter" is a popular children's tale in Bulgaria, the native country of Lilia Slavova, who adapted it for American audiences and directs the production. There is no big message or compelling drama to be found here, just a gentle reminder of the important role our furry friends play in our lives.

An impish, rust-colored kitten has wandered away from his boy, annoyed that the lad has tugged on its tail. The boy begins searching for his feline companion. He and the kitten end up wandering snow-covered mountains around Christmastime. The little cat is the only splash of color on the white, frosty landscape. Traveling separately, they encounter forest creatures including a deer, a fox, a magpie and a bear, who help them understand the importance of friendship. There's silly dialogue that even the little ones can laugh at (cat to deer: "Why do you have a coat rack on your head?") and simple songs the children are encouraged to sing with the cast.

Actors who provide the voices and movement for the puppets can clearly be seen most of the time. They remain in character as their puppet personalities. The human parts of the creatures soon blend into the background, adding personality to their creations without distracting the children in the audience or detracting from the show's magic. The lush musical score is credited to composer Petko Kolev and enhances an atmosphere even adults may find surreal. Slavova has learned much from Classika's collaboration with Synetic Theatre, which is a movement-based troupe, and she utilizes the flowing cloth in a variety of ways to evoke moods that are tender, dramatic and always eye-catching.

"Wondrous White Winter" runs about 50 minutes and ends before the kids have a chance to get restless or their parents tire of the captivating sights and sounds coming to life before them. The only weaknesses were the lackluster performances by John Waldron, a narrator, and Mathew Wellborn, one of two young men alternating in the role of the boy. Both seemed to have their minds elsewhere during much of a recent Saturday afternoon show.

Classika is also performing "Alice in Wonderland," the familiar tale of a girl who falls down a rabbit hole and finds herself dealing with some of the most unforgettable characters in children's literature. "Wondrous White Winter" and "Alice in Wonderland" continue through Feb. 5 at Classika Theatre, 4041 S. 28th St., Arlington. Showtime for "Wondrous White Winter" is noon Saturdays and Sundays. Showtimes for "Alice in Wonderland" are 3 and 7 p.m. Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. For information and reservations, contact 703-824-6200 orhttp://www.classika.org.