'Children’s Letters to God'

By Devon Nuckles
West Virginia University at Parkersburg was proud to present “Children’s Letters to God” on Thursday, September 22, produced by the Lambs Theatre Company from New York.

The modern set design consisted of a white screen backdrop. Different colors were projected on to the screen which enhanced the current mood. The original production cast children, yet this starred young adults in their 20s. The members of the cast consist of Cleo Berry (who played Theo), Kari Morris (Iris), Matte O’Brien (Brett), Traci Skoldberg (Joanna), and Joseph Zahn (Kicker).

Judging by the title, one might think this Christian-based. However, as the show went on, the play dealt with issues such as insecurity (Theo), putting up with a sibling (Kicker and Joanna), death of a pet (Iris’s turtle Arnold), a crush on a certain someone (Brett and Joanna), divorce (Brett), and the general questioning of the existence of God. The children go as far as to ask God how he does not get confused with all the religions in the world when they sing “A Simple Holiday Song.”

After the show, I was granted an interview with the cast. They were very friendly people and very down-to-earth. However, I did notice that Cleo had a striking resemblance to Ruben Stoddard from American Idol.

When I asked them how they got involved in “Children’s Letters to God,” Matte told me that they all found an ad in “Backstage” magazine for auditions. Then I proceeded to ask them how many shows they had done so far. “This is our first show,” said Matt. I also found out that no one was nervous. “The audience changes, but the set still stays the same; I mean the trees are still there and in the same place.” The cast agreed.

“What advice would you give to anyone who wants to get involved in acting or theater?” I asked. “Keep at it, believe in yourself,” says Kari. “Take lessons too, they help.” “Persistence,” stated Joseph. “Don’t give up just because this is a small town,” Cleo added. Traci, who seems to be the quiet one, said, “You got to love acting more than anything else.”

By talking to the cast of “Children’s Letters to God,” it is obvious they do.