Good Fairy Saves the Day--Naturally

YORBA LINDA — A boot and a slipper cut a rug and snowmen sing a merry tune in “The Elves and the Shoemaker,” a holiday-themed children’s theater production that will wrap up a two-weekend run at the Travis Ranch Activity Center on Saturday and Sunday.

Directed by Robyn Naylor, this musical adaptation of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale is presented by the Yorba Linda Parks and Recreation Department’s children’s theater program. The pint-size cast includes schoolchildren ages 6 to 14 from the Yorba Linda area.

The story focuses on a poor, elderly shoemaker and his wife. Down to their last pennies and facing eviction, they share what little they have with a beggar woman, who vows to repay them. In the tradition of fine fairy tales, the woman is actually a good fairy in disguise. Soon she sends in some nimble-fingered elves to help the couple out. The elves stitch up some elegant footwear, which the couple sell to pay off the debts, and everybody naturally lives happily ever after.

“At one point, the couple make the statement that no matter how poor they are, their house is like a palace because the love they share is more precious than gold,” Naylor said. “It proves that you don’t need money to be happy, and it reinforces the joy of giving of yourself, which is an important message at this time of year.”

Among the highlights of the show are a corps of singing, dancing, miming snowmen and a dream segment in which a boot and slipper--unencumbered by human feet--take to the dance floor.

The show is designed for audiences ages 3 and up, Naylor said.

Naylor, who directs the Yorba Linda-based Believe in Yourself Children’s Productions, a children’s theater workshop, started the department’s program in June with a production of Delia Ephron’s “How to Eat Like a Child.” Participation is open to any child ages 7 to 17 and includes a five-week training and rehearsal period, capped off by two weekends of performances. Naylor plans to add a more intensive eight-week workshop in January.

“The Elves and the Shoemaker” will be presented Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Travis Ranch Activity Center, 5200 Via de la Escuela in Yorba Linda. Tickets are $4 for adults, $3 for children under 12 and senior citizens. Groups of 25 or more receive a 25% discount on advance tickets. For information, call (714) 961-7160, weekdays only.