Splittin' the Raft
Reviewed by David Kashimba
Photo by Ed Smith

 Marin Theatre Company once again finds an innovative way to put a river on stage with its premier of Scott Kaiser’s Splittin’ the Raft. Based mainly on Mark Twain’s novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the drama blends in the writing of former slave and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. The blend is very appropriate since Twain’s novel had some very poignant things to say about slavery in America.

The drama is an interesting history lesson for younger audience members and its innovative use of action and comedy prevent it from coming off too preachy. But it is an assembly of some very fine acting talent that makes this play work for audiences of all ages. The very talented Stacy Ross plays Huck Finn with Aldo Billingslea as Huck’s friend Jim. Karen Aldridge and Mark Farrell play multiple roles.

While this isn’t a musical, it is a play with music provided mainly by pianist John Florencio with occasional help from the entire cast. For tickets or more information call (415) 388-5208 or visit www.marintheatre.org.

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