By Siera Schubach, Staff Writer

Published in print Nov. 19, 2014

The lawn outside Taylor Theatre was filled with smiling faces Thursday night, both young and old. A feeling of warmth and youthfulness infused the setting and more than one child let out a gleeful hop. The cause of this joy was “The Velveteen Rabbit”, the latest play performed at UNCG’s Taylor Theatre.

Based on the story by Margery Williams and adapted by Janet Allard, “Rabbit” is the tale of a toy rabbit and his dream of becoming real. Although it is often considered a children’s book, director Rachel Briley says it’s much more than that. “It actually speaks to all humanity,” she explained. “It is about life and love and death. This play is a constant reminder… of the significance of our lives as human beings.”

Put on by the N.C. Theatre for Young People, this play is a unique retelling of the classic story. This production sees the inanimate rabbit embodied by actor Torrey Belcher, through the Boy’s eyes – meaning he talks, walks and even hops around the stage.

“People have their own ideas of who the character is and how he looks based on whatever book illustrations they might have seen,” Briley said. “We are creating a brand-new idea of who he is and we hope that people will accept out interpretations.”

Judging by the reception Thursday night, the audience most certainly did. Smart, warm and funny, “The Velveteen Rabbit” opened to a more than pleased audience. The giggles of children and adults alike warmed the Taylor Theatre.

“This play is an invitation to break down some of those walls [adults have built], to become vulnerable as we allow ourselves to be present with others in our lives,” Briley added.

Starring Alex Cioffi, Torrey Belcher and Benjamin Baker, “The Velveteen Rabbit” has a cast bursting with talent. All of the players, from the toy soldier to the nursery fairy were delightful and effervescent, bringing life to wooden characters (sometimes literally). Belcher impressed with his portrayal of the titular rabbit, giving a toy all of the emotional range necessary to complete the transformation from stuffed to real. As the nursery fairy gives life to the rabbit, Torrey brought him to life on stage.

The chemistry and cooperation between the actors was touching, especially the relationship between the Boy (Cioffi) and his rabbit. The two created such an immense and believable warmth between their characters that the audience never questioned that the Boy’s love made the rabbit real. The Skin Horse (Baker) also plays an important role, expertly guiding the viewer through the story as both narrator and toy.

Also impressive were the set and costumes. Rotating between nursery and garden, the stage effortlessly switched between the two, the designs simple and appealing. The lighting was beautiful, especially at the penultimate scene when the rabbit becomes real. Costumes were designed by UNCG’s own Terry Baker and brought a truly professional grade to the show.

It was Briley that decided on the play for this season. “I wanted to direct a play that had significance, that resonated, for contemporary audiences,” she says. “This play reminds us that connections are at the heart of life.”

As a favorite story of this reviewer, a healthy level of skepticism was brought into the showing Thursday night. Yet by the end of the show, I joined the rest of the theatre in a standing ovation, tears in my eyes.

Touching, heartfelt and impeccably put together, the Velveteen Rabbit reminded this reviewer of the warmth and hope of childhood. “Love is hard,” says Rachel. “It requires sacrifice, and we need to be present with each other to truly love. This play speaks to this need”. It is safe to say that “The Velveteen Rabbit” is a gem in UNCG’s theatre repertoire.

“Rabbit” runs through November 23rd. For more information please visit http://performingarts.uncg.edu/events/theatre-season.