Everyone has heard a fairy tale in some form or another, often starting with “once upon a time” and ending with “happily ever after.” The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales at the Lifeline Theatre has all the familiar tales, but with a twist to them. It’s based on a book of the same name, but it is not necessary to read it to enjoy the play.
We start with Jack (the one with the beanstalk, not the candlestick jumper), played by Steve Wilson, as he tries to escape being the giant’s lunch. From time to time, Jack is interrupted by the bothersome Little Red Hen, played by Cathleen Bentley, and the exasperating Stinky Cheese Man, played by Nicholas Ward.
Jack, in a fit of desperation, persuades the giant to listen to a few “fairly stupid tales” before being eaten. The giant, played by Kevin Kingston, decides that it couldn’t hurt to delay his meal for a few minutes, and so Jack begins.
He starts with the story about the princess and the frog. The princess, played by Vergia Siovan, even has her own theme song. The giant of course is disappointed by the story but lets Jack tell a few more. Jack goes through of a number of tales, each with its own weird twist and odd characters popping in from time to time.
Cinderella, Snow White, the Three Little Pigs, the Tortoise and the Hare, Aladdin and Goldilocks are all mentioned. My favorite stories were “The Princess and the Pea” with a rock ‘n’ roll princess and a whiny prince. There was also Little Red Running Shorts, played by Marsha Harmon, and the misunderstood wolf with a British accent.
The entire play was wonderful. The costumes were simple, allowing imagination to fill in the blanks. It made the audience an active and involved part of the play.
The actors looked like they were having a lot of fun putting on this production. The play also had lessons to learn: don’t talk to strangers, especially if they offer to sell you some magic beans.
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales is playing at the Lifeline Theatre, located at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. There is parking available, and it is near the Red Line. Go see it with friends, family or by yourself, as it is only 45 minutes long. It plays Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. through Nov. 26. There are some tickets available before the show, but showing up early helps, as the $10 tickets go quickly. For more information, call 773.761.4477.