The Witch Hunter book, also known as "Witch Hunter: Into the Witchlands" is the first installment in a thrilling fantasy series written by Virginia Boecker, an American author. The story is set in an alternative version of 16th century England where witches and magic exist. The main protagonist of the story is Elizabeth Grey, a seventeen-year-old who works as a witch hunter for the king. Elizabeth is a talented and ruthless witch hunter who is loyal to the king and dedicated to eradicating witchcraft from the kingdom. However, her life takes a drastic turn when she is accused of being a witch herself. Betrayed by the very people she trusted, Elizabeth is sentenced to burn at the stake.
Onstage at the venue formerly known as Orlando Repertory Theatre, “The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System” is the product of the nonprofit’s partnership with New York-based TheaterWorks USA. That company will take the show on a national tour after its Orlando engagement.
Onstage at the venue formerly known as Orlando Repertory Theatre, The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System is the product of the nonprofit s partnership with New York-based TheaterWorks USA. Refreshingly, that rivalry is not over sports but over who knows more about science and knowledge is presented as something worth pursuing, not as the butt of jokes by the other kids.
Betrayed by the very people she trusted, Elizabeth is sentenced to burn at the stake. Fortunately, Nicholas Perevil, a powerful and mysterious wizard, offers her a chance at survival. He helps her escape from prison and offers her a new identity as his apprentice.
Magic educational bus lizard
In “The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System,” Katie Kallaus plays teacher Ms. Frizzle; that’s Liz the lizard on her shoulder. (Courtesy Michael Cairns via Orlando Family Stage)
By Matthew J. Palm | [email protected] | Orlando Sentinel PUBLISHED: September 7, 2023 at 5:09 p.m. | UPDATED: September 8, 2023 at 1:43 p.m.I suspect more than a few children aren’t as excited to be back on the school bus as the energetic pupils in the new show at Orlando Family Stage, but then again, Central Florida students aren’t getting a magic ride to their classrooms.
Onstage at the venue formerly known as Orlando Repertory Theatre, “The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System” is the product of the nonprofit’s partnership with New York-based TheaterWorks USA. That company will take the show on a national tour after its Orlando engagement.
Based on the children’s book series by Joanna Cole, the musical is a peppy little affair with an appealing cast that demonstrates the ability to play the material lightheartedly while understanding what youngsters in the audience will take seriously. Director Nicolette Quintero moves the material briskly — even so, the bickering between two cousins eventually wears out its welcome — and her choreography boasts some fun on-the-bus moves.
In the story, adapted by Marshall Pailet, eccentric teacher Ms. Frizzle takes her students on a field trip straight into the solar system. But there are personal travails, mostly handled with a light touch, to deal with: Wanda doesn’t listen to what her friend Carlos wants to do, Ralphie’s not sure he’s smart enough to complete a science project (and he really wants a sandwich), but most of the plot focuses on the rivalry between Arnold and his cousin Janet.
Janet and Arnold (Kelsey Kline and Will Sippel, foreground) have an academic rivalry going strong in “The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System,” with Alyssa Naka Silver and Edwin Perez. (Courtesy Michael Cairns via Orlando Family Stage)
Refreshingly, that rivalry is not over sports but over who knows more about science — and knowledge is presented as something worth pursuing, not as the butt of jokes by the other kids. There also are deeper messages about accepting change, sharing and kindness that aren’t explicitly stated but nicely shine through.
A flaw in the production is that a show about a fantastical trip into outer space should look, well, fantastical. And this show doesn’t, likely due to touring restraints. (You can’t haul the whole solar system around the country.)
But still, one wishes more was done to differentiate the planets beyond simple lighting changes and different images on a couple of small window shades. The sun, in particular, needs to shine more brightly.
A bit about a lost lizard at the show’s end baffled me until I did some research: Liz the lizard is the class pet and an ongoing part of the book series. Fans will appreciate the nod. And, proving even a kids’ show can be educational for adults, I learned something: Half the planets in the solar system don’t have solid surfaces on which humans could stand. (Hey, I’m a writer, not a scientist.)
In TheaterWorks USA’s “The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System,” at Orlando Family Stage, Wanda and Carlos (Alyssa Naka Silver and Edwin Perez) are on the trail of aliens. (Courtesy Michael Cairns via Orlando Family Stage)
But the star attraction of this voyage through the stars is the willing and able-voiced cast as they bop their way through Matthew Lee Robinson’s accessible tunes.
Katie Kallaus remembers to give Ms. Frizzle charm along with her quirks, Edwin Perez and Alyssa Naka Silver make a sunny pair of alien-hunting friends, and Drew Lofredo finds the heart in clumsy Ralphie. As the bickering cousins, Will Sippel and Kelsey Kline manage to make both rootable — and find the emotional payoff once the shouting stops.
They can all ride my bus anytime.
Drew Lofredo plays goodnatured Ralphie, often a step behind his classmates, in “The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System.” (Courtesy Michael Cairns via Orlando Family Stage)
‘The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System’
- Length: 1 hour, no intermission
- Where: Orlando Family Stage, 1001 E. Princeton St. in Orlando
- When: Through Oct. 8
- Cost: $16-$48
- Info:orlandofamilystage.com
Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at [email protected]. Find more arts news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/arts, and go to orlandosentinel.com/theater for theater news and reviews.
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I suspect more than a few children aren’t as excited to be back on the school bus as the energetic pupils in the new show at Orlando Family Stage, but then again, Central Florida students aren’t getting a magic ride to their classrooms.
As Elizabeth starts to unravel the truth about her past and the existence of corrupt officials within the witch hunter organization, she becomes caught in a dangerous web of political intrigue and deceit. Throughout the book, Elizabeth's character development is remarkable as she questions her beliefs and alliances. She learns to trust her instincts and make her own choices, rather than blindly following orders. Along the way, she forms new alliances with unexpected allies, including John, a charming and wily thief. The book is filled with action-packed scenes, magical encounters, and intense plot twists. Boecker's writing style is engaging, and she seamlessly weaves together historical elements with fantasy elements. The world-building is detailed, allowing readers to immerse themselves in a vivid and atmospheric setting. "Witch Hunter" is a captivating read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. It explores themes of identity, power, and loyalty, while offering an intriguing mix of magic and historical fiction. The book sets the stage for the following installments in the series, leaving readers wanting more. Overall, "Witch Hunter: Into the Witchlands" is a must-read for fans of fantasy, magic, and historical fiction. Virginia Boecker's storytelling skills and compelling characters make this book a standout in the genre..
Reviews for "Wutch Hunting in Pop Culture: Exploring the Influence of Wutches in Literature and Film"
1. Timothy - 2 stars - I have to admit that I was disappointed with "Wutch Hunter Book". The plot felt disjointed and the characters lacked depth. I couldn't connect with any of them, and their actions often felt forced and unrealistic. The writing style was also quite dull, with long-winded descriptions that didn't add anything to the story. Overall, I found the book to be a tedious and underwhelming read.
2. Emily - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "Wutch Hunter Book". The story was incredibly confusing, with too many subplots and unnecessary details. The pacing was slow, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged. Additionally, the dialogue was stilted and unnatural. I couldn't find any redeeming qualities in this book and would not recommend it to anyone.
3. James - 3 stars - "Wutch Hunter Book" had the potential to be a great fantasy novel, but it fell short for me. The world-building was intriguing, but the execution was lacking. The lore was presented in an overwhelming manner, making it difficult to fully grasp the intricate details. The writing style was also inconsistent, with moments of brilliance followed by long stretches of mediocrity. Overall, it was an average read that didn't live up to its potential.
4. Sarah - 2 stars - Unfortunately, "Wutch Hunter Book" didn't capture my attention. The protagonist was unlikeable and the supporting characters were one-dimensional. The narrative lacked the necessary depth to make me care about the story or its outcome. The plot was predictable, and the twists were lackluster. I was left feeling unsatisfied and wishing for more substance in this book.
5. Michael - 2 stars - The pacing of "Wutch Hunter Book" was a major issue for me. It was slow from the start and never seemed to pick up. The plot meandered without clear direction, making it difficult to invest in the story. The action sequences were few and far between, and when they did happen, they felt rushed and anti-climactic. Overall, I found this book to be a lackluster read that failed to deliver on its promises.