Camp counselors are gathered around the campfire as they try to focus on getting the camp kids settled in. There is a new counselor, Cassie and she is struggling to make her own stride. In a world where kids are going to camp less as the world changes, the counselors are doing all they can to prepare the kids ready for what is out “there.”
Full on Camp Vibes in The Grown Ups
This production by Skylar Fox and Simon Henriques has the various camp counselors sit amongst the audience. The fire is glowing as audience members can go back into their own camp time to enjoy s’mores and refreshments before the show. It took me back to my own time as a Girl Scout at away camp for the first time. The nervousness of it all. Preparing to be away and scared at the same time. This was all before the days of cell phones. I don’t even remember calling my parents at all. I only remember playing, camping, and learning new skills. Indulge your inner camper by coming to the show a little early. I enjoyed the s’mores and wine.
The Grown-Ups
When I think about adulting in this world and being responsible for my own children, times have changed. There was no Twitter or other social media. My oldest is the only child to have a cell in our house and no matter how I shield her, she still find access to things online. During “The Grown-Ups” this is tested. Whatever is happening in the world feels like an attack to protect the kids from. How do you prepare them without fear? It’s a concept that even as a parent I have yet to master. How do you encourage skills without ever evoking fear or letting know what is to come?
The Camp Counselors
Becca (played by Emily Elyse Everett), Lukas (played by Simon Henriques, Cassie (played by Chloe Joy Ivanson) Maeve (played by Abby Melick), and Aidan (played by Zack Segal are all amazing in every way. I loved their chemistry. From the quirkiness to the counselor disagreements this took us to camp without us having to set up one tent. It was definitely a great choice to have this production in the midst of the audience. It allowed us to be apart of the show. Also the ability to showcase vulnerability. No matter how we try to avoid race and other social factors, it’s ever present! Ignorance of what to do never excludes the ability to know something has to be done.
You will see disagreement, lack of communication, personality clashes and more between the camp counselors!
Wild Card Cassie
I won’t reveal her identity into the grand scheme but I will say, pay attention to some clues as you watch her performance. It almost went over my head and on my drive home I began to piece her interactions, word choices, and more. She’s new. Her origin will matter more at the end. The concept of how people perceive you is important. In a world that claims they welcome change until change is all you have. Times have changed. Kids have changed and with that the speed of information has definitely changed.
Nostalgia in The Grown-Ups
If you have never been to camp the actors and actresses will take you on your first camp experience in the boldest way possible. Being a veteran of camping it will draw on your memories and take you back to being a kid in this very moment. Also because the production is outside you naturally add in elements such as insects and the elements. There’s an exercise that you will do at the end. Requiring you to be still and ask questions that will make you think once you leave.
Special thank you to Theater with a View and Bryan Buttler of Bryan Buttler Media Relations for having me. Make sure you get your tickets. This showing ends August 28. Don’t miss out on the last few shows.
Things to keep in mind:
- Show up early
- Parking is across the street from the outside theatre
- Bring a sweater or shawl since you are outside
- Bug spray is your friend bring some or use theirs
- Concession is with cash donation or Venmo
- It will be dark when you leave so use your phone to get back to your car
