O.C. STAGE REVIEW : ‘Arkansaw Bear’ Gives a Poignant Message of Hope

When a children’s play brings grown men to tears, it’s either a very bad play or a very good one. Aurand Harris’ “The Arkansaw Bear,” a simple explanation of the meaning of death, being performed by the South Coast Repertory Young Conservatory Players, is one of the finest children’s plays written.

Its eloquence gives even this amateur production, directed by Diane Doyle, the power to leave adults hastily wiping their eyes.

The play is a big challenge for the Young Conservatory Players. The company of non-professional students, ages 10 to 17, plus a few adults, is better known for its cheerful children’s literature adaptations. This production, designed by professionals, as are all Players’ shows, is a game attempt at depth. Still, the words have impact, even with superficial readings.

A young girl, whose grandfather is dying, meets an aging circus bear who is running away from Death, the Ringmaster. Together, with the help of a star fairy and with comic relief provided by bumbling mimes and clowns, they go through denial, fear and anger, and finally, acceptance of death as a natural part of the life cycle.

The World’s Greatest Dancing Bear (Michael Miller, who is uneven, but has the most stage presence) says, “I will claw . . . I will kill to live,” and mourns what is left undone. He wishes on a star: “All the beauty of life, let me see it. All the happiness of living, let me feel it. . . . The joy of being alive--let me keep it, forever.”

He gradually sees that he can “leave a footprint” by teaching his dances to a little “Arkansaw” bear who happens along. The little girl realizes that her grandfather will survive in her.

It’s a beautiful play, and, with the caveat that this is a student production, it is worth seeing for its lyricism and message of hope.

“The Arkansaw Bear” plays Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday only at 1 and 3:30 p.m. in Founders Hall at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets: $7. Limited seating. Information: (714) 957-4033.