Junior high school is tough. Especially if you’re a boy who is interested in writing or drawing and keeps a journal.
I was able to talk about myself at that opening, but I promise not. Save it for the therapist. I’m actually talking about Greg Hefrey, the central figure in Jeff Kinney’s popular “The Diary of the Winpykid” book series. Musical adaptations are currently on the Orlando family’s stage.
Oh, by the way, that’s not a diary. As Greg argues, it’s a diary. Unfortunately, his mom bought the word “diary” on the entire cover. Perfect ammunition for bullies.
Greg might think of himself as physically weak, especially when facing an average eighth grader, but he doesn’t lie down and break his set. He is about to increase his popularity rankings – a cute visual gag with numbers appearing throughout the show – and there’s nothing to stop him.
And that’s where Kevin Aguilar’s adaptation becomes interesting. Greg is crafty. You might even say that Greg is ruthless. He draws a school paper cartoon with a butt joke (mindful violation), calmly drops an unpopular friend who keeps him down (wow, a big violation), and he lies about lice and smears political enemies in a student government campaign (well, he might be watching the news).
Of course, it’s theatre for younger audiences that make mistakes before the heroes learn valuable lessons, but I’m not sure if I’ve seen the characters or not.
This makes the show feel more edgy than the rest of the genre, and it’s a brave change. Take the case of Misfit Fregley who played with the weirdness of Bennet Preuss joy. Greg has no problem kicking him to the curb.
Director Jeffrey Rebel does an incredible job of making this all look real (as much as it looks real as a musical). And by presenting Greg’s actions simply and without an apology, Greg is likeable. That’s also thanks to an equally simple portrayal by Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez also has the right deadpan style to carry the tone of the book.
Adults will smile intentionally when Greg commits another self-vassment, but children are more likely to focus on high-energy dance numbers, featuring Kim Ball’s elastic choreography.
We also hope that children will pay attention to Greg’s only, Affey in Off Best Lowry, a living example of joy in being themselves. Actor Jonah White wears that joy on his face while his heart lies on his sleeves. Sarah Anne May also earned a fun turn as Greg’s rival Patty.
Another star of the show is video design by Tim Brown. They set the scene and recreate pencil and notebook drawings from the book, providing additional movement and energy on stage. Prediction is the perfect touch for a production that shows middle school as a social jungle. It’s not a whim at all.
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“Wimpy Kid’s Diary”
Length: 1 hour, no break Location: Orlando Repertoire Theatre, 1001 E. Princeton Street Orlando Time: Until April 20th Cost: $20-$48 Information: orlandofamilystage.com
