Theater Review: CCTC/HJT’s ‘Wind in the Willows’ Is A Great Family Outing

 "Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats,” or maybe messing around in “motorcars!” 

 Mr. Toad lives in the opulent Toad Hall and has all a toad could want there. He even has loyal friends like Ratty, Mole and Badger. But all he wants to do is drive around in motorcars! And then crash in them! He just can’t seem to help himself. When this bad habit escalates, Mr. Toad ends up in jail. He’s going to need his friends more than ever now, for the rabbits and weasels have taken over his mansion in his absence. 

 These are just a portion of the adventures the animals of the Wild Wood endure in Kenneth Graham’s “The Wind in the Willows” book. Children will love following the adorable animals on their escapades in Cape Cod Theatre Company/Harwich Junior Theatre's production, based on Graham’s book and adapted by Rob Zapple. They’ll also learn that good friends are priceless at any age. 

 CCTC/HJT director Rob Zapple has been involved with the 75-year-old theater since he was 6 years old, from acting on its stage to directing. This is his 40th show as director. To say Zapple has a way with children's shows is an understatement. During COVID, he created the outdoor stage at the West Harwich theater and embraces it with each show performed on it since. He utilizes every part of the outdoor space. Here the audience is literally sitting within the action! Grab a bench at one of the picnic tables for a front row seat to a scene or two, but even if you’re in one of the audience rows of seats the action could be behind you, to the left or right of you or right smack in front of you! It’s an immersive experience. 

Mr. Toad is the star of the show, and Cathy Ode is a delight. Ode captures every nuance of the frenetic amphibian superbly. Giggles filled the air on opening night at Mr. Toad’s continually outrageous antics. Ratty (Henry Cramer) is the perfect foil for both Mr. Toad and Mole (Harper Sullivan). Mole is eager for adventures but timid at the same time, and Sullivan is downright adorable as the shy guy. Cramer is equally great as the cool, calm and collected Ratty, who loves the river and the forest. Badger is loud, smart and exudes leadership; Chris Callender is magnificent in his portrayal. What an endearing foursome! 

 Ashlyn Nee as Otter and Beau Cagnie as Little Portly Otter were especially cute and charming. Stella Seufert as the jailer’s daughter was sweet and sensible helping Mr. Toad in his latest escapade. To add to the whimsical and enchanting air of the production, your family will adore the weasels, rabbits, ferrets and stoats (Luna Diaz, Alma Alcantara, Liza Pugh, Maya Cagnie, Shannon Nee, Wesley Gale, Nora McColgan and Lily Gannon) running hither and yon. They pop out everywhere, all adorned in fantastic costumes designed by Perry Gill. 

 The humans in the show are worth mentioning, too. They are Katie Waters as the magistrate, Piper Taylor as the Ticket Agent, Ruben Cagnie as the Train Engineer and other roles, and Jillian Annessi as the Barge Woman.

 Guy Trudeau and Mary Beth Travis's multi-layered set design makes brilliant use of the outdoor space, with characters popping out of caves and the woods and even paddling through the river. Quill Achino handled the sound/lightboard excellently in the outside circumstances; Zapple and Matt Kohler are credited with the sound design. Stage manager Kayla Jorgenson kept all running smoothly. And a Rob Zapple show is never complete without the Zapple Dance! Michele Zapple’s choreography for that dance is uplifting and joyful. 

 The show is a family-friendly blast. It's just a bit over an hour, no intermission, and all fun! It’s general admission so get there early for the picnic table seating!