Cloudia has been searching for Cloud Men all her life; on this journey she’ll finally find one on an expedition up Cloud Mountain but more importantly, she’ll learn a valuable lesson in respect.
Jen Edgar is charming as the gawky cloud expert Cloudia and sole performer and puppeteer in this whimsical production. Light hearted and expressive, Cloudia is the meticulous scientist and curious explorer narrating the story. Behind spectacles her large, fascinated eyes draw in the audience with a spellbinding presence.
Dressed all in grey and white she echoes the aesthetic of the stage and the large, soft tufts of cloud in which Cloudia discovers the Cloud Man. At night Edgar, stepping out of character, moves the quivering clouds under a soft blue light, her delicacy and skill in the puppetry is enchanting, as is the beautifully composed music.
The Cloud Man himself is a delightful little podgy man, a wonderfully expressive puppet who comes to life through Edgar’s manipulations. Their interaction is tender and comedic as Cloudia follows him around her little cabin, peering behind windows as the little man scurries away unnoticed behind her.
Cloud Man is aimed at kids between four and seven. The pace might be a little slow and serene for some lively children; a couple of young boys beside me couldn’t contain their yawns throughout a repetitive mime sequence. When addressed by Edgar’s engaging narration, however, they were captivated.
A gentle and heart warming production, Cloud Man leaves you with a moral message that is softly administered and beautifully performed.
