‘Bad Day’ comes to SVSU stage

October 12, 2009 —

Imagine losing your best friend, your brothers teasing you, finding out you have a cavity and having nobody even realize how upset you are.

These are just a few things that happen to Alexander in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

Janet E. Rubin directed the 17- person cast in the children’s play by Judith Viorst as part of this year’s theater season.

The story was originally a children’s book that was adapted as a stage musical.

This play goes through a day with Alexander (played by Randall Manetta), a little boy who has everything horrible happen to him starting with tripping on his toys in the morning and concluding with getting his pillow stolen at night. Alexander’s wild imagination helps him through the day.

This step into a child’s world may not be easily be pulled off by adult actors, but this cast thinks back into their childhood as they dance and sing about stage like children.

The bright colors of the costumes and set, the larger than life props and the animated copy-machine play into Alexander’s imagination.

From the way Manetta carries himself and makes goofy faces, the audience is easily taken into the childhood world.

The rest of the cast engages in frolicking, silly voices and huge grins.

The show really comes alive with the ensemble that is dressed in brightly colored bodysuits. They jump and sing about the stage creating havoc for Alexander during his terrible day. Some even pose as props such as trees in the background.

The humor and livelihood of the show make it fun not only for children but for college students and adults alike.

While laughing at others’ misfortunes may be entertaining, it can also engage us to consider that maybe our lives aren’t so bad and that tomorrow always has opportunity for a better day.

Alexander’s mother (Ellie Frazier) finally realizes at the end of the day how miserable Alexander really is. She expresses her love for him and wishes him a better day tomorrow.

While Alexander wishes to just escape off to Australia, his mother convinces him that “Some days are like that … even in Australia.”