(Posted November 23, 2004)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Alexander may not want to leave his home, but you should leave yours to see him.

Nashville Children's Theatre brings the creation of author Judith Viorst back for the first time since 1999, when it presented Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. This time, the title's even longer – Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move – but the result is just as entertaining and enlightening.

Alexander (Matt Mellon) is quite upset that his father (Chip Arnold) plans to move the family a thousand miles away because of a new job. He tries to find a way to avoid leaving his home until he realizes that home is truly where the heart is.

Viorst based this musical on her book Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move. She wrote the show's fast and funny book, while adding lively lyrics to an energetic score by Shelly Markham. It's a story that speaks to children, but it contains lessons about childrens' adjustments to change that no parents should ignore.

As Alexander, Mellon gives a wonderful performance that has all the energy, attitude, insecurity and innocence one would expect from a boy. Arnold and other members of this perfectly cast ensemble – which includes Rona Carter, Patrick Waller, Ross Brooks, Peter Vann and Evelyn Blythe –  handle multiple roles with a great sense of fun. Vann's appearance as the neurotic Swoozie the Dog is particularly hilarious.

Once again, the team behind the scenes at NCT is in top form. Scot Copeland has directed with appropriate pacing and clear blocking; Paul Carrol Binkley's musical direction sounds no false notes; Rene D. Copeland's colorful geometric shapes are a terrific scenic design for the piece; Holly Shepherd's choreography is spirited; Patricia Taber's costumes fit the characters and the story; Dan Brewer's sound design is flawless; and the multi-colored light design by Scott Leathers bathes the production in wonderful rainbow glows.

This show is a worthy sequel to Alexander's first NCT appearance five years ago. It's also the most fun I've had there since the joyous production of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse burst on the Hill Theatre stage in April 2003. Before Alexander moves out, make sure you stop by to see him.

To See The Show…

Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move ended its run in NCT's Hill Theatre on Dec. 18.