CHILDREN’S THEATER REVIEW : ‘Troubled Waters’ Questions Control, Dominance of Nature

Five thousand deer are starving in a Florida game preserve, their food sources depleted by natural and man-made disasters. Should they be “thinned out” in a controlled hunt, or “saved” in a risky relocation effort?

Brian Kral’s “Troubled Waters,” presented by the Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre, challenges children and adults to consider these and other questions about humankind’s control over nature. Directed by Scott Davidson, the production closes this weekend at the Moulton Theatre.

Kral and Davidson both deserve credit. Kral’s script is surprisingly well balanced, treating a sensitive issue in a way that is neither shrill nor preachy. Davidson has shown similar restraint, guiding his talented young cast to performances that are powerful without being melodramatic. As a result, audience members are allowed to think through the problem and reach their own conclusions, a refreshing opportunity in an issues-oriented play.

According to Davidson, “Troubled Waters” was inspired by a 1982 incident in which thousands of deer were dying of starvation after drought and floods caused, in part, by development of the Florida Everglades. The government ultimately approved a controlled hunt of the animals in an effort to reduce the demand for the limited natural resources. As reported in the play, about 800 deer were killed; about 3,800 remained.

“Troubled Waters” follows the emotional struggle of teen-ager J.D. (played in alternate performances by Craig Hammill and Josh Wheeler) as he tries to determine his stand on the issue. Should he side with his older brother Micheal (Raymond Scott and Peter Kreder), an earnest young park ranger who supports the hunt? Or does he agree with his sister Sandra (Danielle McDermott), an idealistic student who promotes moving the deer out of the area, even though many of them would be endangered by the process? As the day of the hunt approaches, the family tension mounts as J.D. tries to resolve the conflict between his emotions and his logic.

Confused, J.D. turns to his friend Bet (Kari Geller and Rebekah Baker), a tomboyish young Seminole Indian. Bet supports neither side of the argument and, instead, shares some of the legends that speak of her ancestors’ desire to coexist with, rather than control, nature.

Ritualistic movements based loosely on Seminole ceremonial dances adds authenticity to this play. A deer (Brigitte Paulicivic) and two Indian maids (Sabrina Harper and Jillian Longnecker) provide a fluid, ever-changing backdrop to the story. In several touching scenes, the deer becomes the central figure, moving center stage to interact with J.D.

Davidson, who choreographed the moves, directed the cast in research of the Seminole movement and chant as part of the rehearsal process.

All the performances in Saturday’s 4 p.m. performance were good, but 12-year-old Craig Hammill was especially strong as J.D., switching easily from a wisecracking little boy to a troubled young man. Kari Geller and Brigitte Paulicivic, both 17, were noteworthy as Bet and the deer.

Next week, Davidson and his cast will carry “Troubled Waters” to West Germany to take part in the first International Children’s Theatre Festival, which runs April 13 to 21. Although other groups from the United States are likely to attend, the Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre is the official U.S. representative to the festival, which will include about 18 performance groups from Eastern and Western Europe, the Soviet Union and the Middle East.

‘TROUBLED WATERS’

A Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre production of Brian Kral’s play. Directed and choreographed by Scott Davidson. With Raymond Scott, Peter Kreder, Kari Geller, Rebekah Baker, Craig Hammill, Josh Wheeler, Brigitte Paulicivic, Jillian Longnecker, Sabrina Harper and Danielle McDermott. Costumes by Brigitte Harper. Lighting by Robert Smith. Sound by Stephen Shaffer. Makeup by Joe Lauderdale. Performances are Saturday at 1 and 4 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Moulton Theatre, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Not recommended for children under 8. Tickets: $3 to $6. Information: (714) 494-8021.