COMEDY OPENS TONIGHT: CHILDREN PACK LOTS OF LAUGHS IN PRODUCTION

THEATRE REVIEW

"Energy! Smiles! Have Fun!"

That was the final stage direction as 26 superkids took to the Concord Theater stage for a musical tribute to the childhood comedian. They will star in the musical production "How to Eat Like a Child and Other Lessons in Not Being a Grown-up," which opens tonight at the Concord Theater.

A lively evening of childlike, thought-provoking, fast-paced, comedy-tonight skits brings out the child in all of us - Peter Pan would be proud - we haven't grown up entirely!

"How to torture your sister" performed to Latin rhythm, or "How to deal with injustice" a soulful melody, are just a few of the song and dance routines this spunky young-hearted (ages 6-13) cast acts out with the musical accompaniment of an upbeat back-up orchestra of talented local musicians.

What's the best thing about "How to Eat Like a Child"? The courage, bravery, and dedication of this delightful cast and crew to share with us some very funny memories.

Actually, an evening at the Improv Komedy Klub for Kids of all ages, may be a fitting description of the clever schtick and one-liner funny-bone routines to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

As spoken by one darling Shirley Temple of an actress in the finale bedtime segment, "Our Father, Who art in heaven, HOWARD be thy name ..."

Stage fright? A little ... but the voices get stronger ... and the pure innocence is an inspiration.

Congratulations moms and dads, and all you others you know who you are.

This is a great production to bring youngsters (and grandparents) to and introduce them to the world of live theater. It's one hour in length just right for the young ones' attention spans. Sit as close to the front as possible everyone! Faces are seen better and sound is clearer.

This is your mother speaking, "You better clean up your plate so we can go to `How to Eat like a Child' being performed at Concord Theater."

Performances are tonight and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for kids, and are available at the door.

Season tickets will also be available, which include the second Broadway Community Theatre production, "Babes in Arms" scheduled for Jan. 24-26 and a dinner theater in May.

The theater group is sponsored by the Southeast Missouri Council on the Arts and the Missouri Arts Council.