The American Library Association declared "The Witches" one of the best children's books of 1983. The book received numerous awards and has been well-loved by many people over the past two decades.

On the other hand, "The Witches" placed 27th on the ALA's most frequently challenged book list -- and for some very sound reasons.

It's not the first time the Coterie Theatre has produced a controversial story. Two years ago, it performed "The Giver" (a book I absolutely love), which is No. 14 on the frequently challenged book list. Ten years ago, I saw "Lord of the Flies" (No. 70) with a school group. Now in its 30th season and named "One of the Five Best Theatres for Young Audiences," by Time Magazine, the Coterie Theatre knows what it's doing.

The basic story: A young boy and his grandmother find themselves at the same hotel as the annual witches' convention. The witches have devised an evil plot to turn all the children in the world into mice by feeding them poisoned candy. The boy overhears the plot and attempts to stop them.

"The Witches," to this critical eye, was well done. Brad Shaw's costumes captured the spirit of Roald Dahl's book perfectly, and his puppets were functional and fun. I liked the little details, such as identical earrings on a witch and her corresponding puppet. Art Kent's lighting was executed nicely. Backlighting the individual screens to create the silhouette scenes must have taken some time and precision. David Tanzit Hawkinson created a whimsical and adaptable set. The same archway, rotated, represented at least 10 different places. David Kiehl's sound design was interesting (Harry Potter music at the beginning!) and supplemented the action well.

The production was also well-cast. Boy, played by Cooper J. Scott, was an engaging protagonist and did a good job of keeping the story moving and connecting with the audience. Dakota Hoar was hilarious as the ever-hungry Bruno. These two children were as professional as the adult actors on the stage.

Michael Dragen and Lauretta Pope played a variety of supporting roles, all with great energy and exaggeration. This seemed to support Roald Dahl's conclusion that often children are more clever and realistic than the adults that surround them. Dragen was most entertaining as the head waiter. Pope was great as the first witch, who looked very much like the illustration on the cover of the book.

Ron Megee. Oh my. What can I say? His doorman was hilarious. His Grand High Witch (in drag) was even better, proving that it is possible to be frightening and silly at the same time. Nancy Marcy as the lovable grandmother had the difficult task of being the only (somewhat) realistic adult without slowing the story down with her long stories. She was a good sidekick and had a nice save when the mouse puppet almost fell out of her knitting basket.

David Wood's adaptation is another matter. The script itself seemed to rush, and then drag. The witch convention scene seemed lengthy, especially with the kid-hating song. The exposition seemed to take forever and the audience got restless. When action happened, it was never quite enough. I think the script followed the book pretty well, but maybe a rewrite wouldn't hurt. Cut out all those long descriptions, and keep more of the ending, so that Boy's decision makes more sense.

This is where the controversy happens. Without giving away too much of the story, I will say that Boy's decisions at the end of the play are affected by the death of his parents at the beginning. With such dark material beginning and ending the play, there is no chance to resolve the sinking feeling that such an ending creates. I can see why the story would be controversial. This is explained briefly in the program: "Being a risk-taker is easier if one is resilient. Boy does not dwell on the tragedy ... Rather, he sees [his situation as] a benefit and uses his situation to outsmart the Grand High Witch and her minions."

Nevertheless, when kids see this play, it might be good to have a talk afterward.

REVIEW:
The Witches
By Roald Dahl
Adapted by David Wood
DIrected by Missie Koonce
The Coterie Theatre at Crown Center,
Grand and Pershing, Kansas City, MO
Runs April 14-May 17
Check the website for performance days and times
For tickets call 816-474-6552 or online at www.coterietheatre.org