'Aesop's Fables' in Parsippany

You know the fable of "The Tortoise and the Hare"? Don't you love the part when the hare is so far ahead that it whips out its cellphone and takes a selfie?

Wait – cellphone? Selfie? What kind of fable is this?

Welcome to the world of "Aesop's Fables: A Modern Adaptation." The production that runs the next two weekends at the Women's Theater Co. in Parsippany adds those and other contemporary touches to the centuries-old stories.

Director Nancy Kutzer realizes that these modernizations (some of which are in the script by Marc Lachapelle, some of which have been added by her and her cast) might baffle Aesop.

But she feels that the morals – such as "Slow and steady wins the race" – are still apparent enough to make that that ancient Greek storyteller nod in appreciation.

The Parsippany production consists of versions of a half-dozen tales, including "The Ant and the Grasshopper," "The Country Mouse and the City Mouse," and "The Fox and the Grapes."

"These stories are timeless," says Kutzer. "They give kids particularly good lessons. "I hope that they learn from the stories without pounding them in their heads."

"These are simple rules to live by," Kutzer continues. "A lot of kids recognize the expression 'sour grapes,' even if they don't know where it comes from."

Kutzer says that the play is constantly in motion, to ensure that the young audience-goers and their parents are fully engaged. The cast consists of only three performers: Scott Tyler, Sousana McKenzie, and Jaime Maraviglia.

"We have a minimal set, and this isn't a prop-intensive show," Kutzer says. "We're telling six stories in a short time, using mime and words and actions." In addition, the production includes plenty of audience participation.

Kutzer actually appeared in this adaptation several years ago when she was with a touring company based in Chicago. "I'm enjoying changing some of the things that I would have liked to done back then," she says.

At the same time, Kutzer also has to respect the current cast. "Every actor brings something different to the table," she says. "I'm fighting the instinct to have them do it the way I did it. They need to make the parts their own."

Kutzer notes that "Aesop's Fables" might be the first theatrical experience for some attendees. "This is a great way to introduce live theater," she says.

In fact, this production of "Aesop's Fables" represents a couple of "firsts" for the Women's Theater Co., which was founded in 1993. For the first time, the company is part of the statewide new Jersey Theatre Alliances Stages Festival.

"This will be the first play we've done that is specifically for a younger audience," writes founder Barbara Krajkowski in an e-mail. "It is our hope that (we) introduce ourselves to a whole new demographic: young couples with children."

"If it's successful, we would love to take part in the family-oriented New Jersey Theater Alliance's Stages Festival every year," Krajkowski adds.

Krajkowski credits Kutzer for helping the Women's Theater Co. with this direction. "Nancy has lots of experience with this genre; she has been teaching theater to children for over 15 years," Krajkowski writes.

Kutzer "has young children of her own, so she brings her spirit of fun and passion to directing this play and always keeps the young audiences in mind," Krajkowski adds.

"Our marketing strategy for this play is completely new and different," writes Krajkowski. "We are reaching out to schools, libraries, and other organizations that involve children."

The company is also making overtures towards the digital age. "We have included some social media in the play that will then be uploaded so young audience members can look at pictures afterwards," Krajkowski writes.

Kutzer hopes that the mix of old and new in this version of "Aesop's Fables" will help build the audience for future theatrical endeavors. "Kids will be surprised how much fun they can have turning off their electronic devices for 45 minutes," she says.

'AESOP'S FABLES: A MODERN ADAPTATION'

WHAT: "The Tortoise and the Hare," "The Fox and the Grapes," and other fables get a contemporary spin in this version written by Marc Lachapelle. Three actors play all the roles in a fast-paced family-oriented production.

WHEN: Through March 22. 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays.

WHERE: Women's Theater Co., Parsippany Playhouse at Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Rd., Lake Hiawatha. (On a GPS system, use "Boonton, NJ 07005.")

TICKETS: $20 for adults, $10 for children. (One free children's ticket for each adult ticket purchased.) Group discounts available.

INFORMATION: 973-316-3033 or www.womenstheater.org.