At a glance
In a re-imagining of a classic fairy tale, Jack isn’t the only one who ascends a beanstalk to face a giant.
But his best friend, Phil, climbed down from the clouds after Jack, so he gets none of the credit for the fortune that they bring with them.
As Jack’s fame grows, along with Phil’s resentment, their friendship is tested in this modern twist on "Jack and the Beanstalk."
Presented by the Columbus Children’s Theatre, "Jack and Phil, Slayers of Giants Inc." explores the aftermath of the fabled adventure. The one-hour play will premiere at the Park Street Theatre on Thursday for a monthlong run.
“It’s an interesting examination ... to see how the media can take something and only show you a part of it,” said director Ryan Scarlata. “(Jack is) so blinded by fortune and fame he doesn’t think to mention that, ‘Oh, I wasn’t alone; "Jack and Phil, Slayers of Giants Inc." Columbus Children's Theater Park Street Theatre, 512 Park St. 614-224-6672, www. columbuschildrenstheatre.org 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 1 and 3:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through March 11; also 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Feb. 23 and 10 a.m. March 2 1 p.m. March 2; 10 a.m. March 10 $16 to $26, or $13 on Thursdays
Phil was with me.’"
Scarlata saw the world premiere of Charles Way’s play in 2015 at the Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Maryland. Captivated by the story, he wanted to bring it to Columbus.
Set in 2018, the production features characters using smartphones and social media. Scarlata had the idea to digitally project onstage images of text-message conversations and social-media posts to illustrate how teens communicate today.
“You’re talking about characters who are 13 years old," Scarlata said. "How do they talk to the world?”
Other scenery, including the beanstalk, is digitally projected. Gypsy Cat Studios designed the costumes and stage props — including a massive, 7-pound head for the giant.
The play stars Mitchell Kallner as Jack Spriggan; Krista Stauffer as his mother, Barbara; Aidan Behrens as Phil Coverall; Brandon Boring as the giant and Phil’s father, Bill; and Isaiah Colon and Karla Andrews in multiple roles.
The story centers on Jack and his mother as they struggle to make ends meet after his father’s death.
“I think (Barbara) just feels like a letdown from the beginning, a disappointment,” said Stauffer, a 37-year-old Westerville resident. “She’s fun to play because she gets to have the experience of having nothing and suddenly having everything taken care of.”
To prevent them from being forced to sell their home, Jack pawns an antique watch, a family heirloom, in exchange for magic beans, which he plants.
The next day, Jack finds that a beanstalk has grown overnight. Jack and Phil climb it and face the giant together. They descend with riches, but news cameras focus only on a triumphant Jack and ignore Phil.
An instant celebrity, Jack meets the president, goes on talk shows and appears in music videos. All the while, Phil’s anger grows for being left behind.
“He kind of lets the fame overtake his friendship,” said Kallner, 16, a junior at New Albany High School.
Still, the story ends on a positive note.
“Their true friendship is what ultimately saves the town when the giant starts to come down,” Scarlata said. “That really is the central theme of the story — friendship and the price you pay for fortune and fame.”