All About Love
Originally published on The JOLT News on October 15, 2025
Madeline L’Engle, author of “A Wrinkle in Time,” once wrote, “We can't take any credit for our talents. It's how we use them that counts.”
I contemplated that while writing the reviews for Olympia Family Theater’s (OFT) “A Wrinkle in Time” and Ballet Northwest’s “Crescendo.” Once the reviews were finished, it hit me — it’s all about love. Embracing our talents with love, and using our talents to spread love, that is what it is all about.
What is the point of a play, a ballet, or any type of performance if we do not walk away either feeling loved, understanding love a little better, or wanting to fight to protect love? I would argue that art is not art without love.
Anyone can paint, recite lines, read and perform music, but without love behind it, it loses its humanity. Art is love, love is humanity, and that is why any “art” created by artificial intelligence is not really art, but just a regurgitation of coding and programming.
So go out there, love your community members and the art they create, and keep our humanity alive.
'A Wrinkle in Time'
OFT brought all the sparkle and love Madeleine L’Engle’s “A Wrinkle in Time” demands. Every element of this show was whimsical, and the attention to detail was keenly felt.
Many of the costumes were magical, the lighting design was out of this world, the set design found the perfect balance between simple and elaborate, and the cast’s dedication and willingness to be silly was the cherry on top that perfected this experience.
Every member of the cast was talented, but I was especially moved by Brianna O’Donnell’s performance as Meg Murry. Had I not read the digital program, I would not have known that O’Donnell is an adult.
This has less to do with appearance and more to do with O’Donnell’s ability to tap into the temperament, angst, and ever changing emotions of a 13-year-old girl. I look forward to seeing where O’Donnell’s career in acting ends up taking her.
There are a few nuances to this production that differentiate it from film adaptations of the novel. Director Vanessa Cat chose to focus on the ideas of love conquering evil or light defeating darkness, and I think that was the best choice she could have made.
Stories like “A Wrinkle in Time” can become overly complicated when there is too much emphasis on the science fiction aspects, and the heart (or rather the point) of the story can become muddled, lost in all the detail. I applaud Cat for the choices she made to help the story flow smoothly, make sense, and allow the audience to leave with the heart of the story being the primary focus.
Get your tickets here.
'Crescendo'
Coming together for one historic night, Ballet Northwest, Masterworks Choral Ensemble, Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia and Olympia Youth Chorus created a night to remember.
In a show with such variety, one naturally chooses favorites among performances. My favorite moment completely caught me by surprise: I feel ashamed to confess this, but when I saw a youth chorus was on the program, I had lower expectations.
The Olympia Youth Chorus blew me away with their talent and ability to convey strong emotion through song. I have heard many adult choral groups sing about love, but never with such honesty, vulnerability, and connection to the lyrics. Paired with an emotional pas de deux, I was given goosebumps. Never again will I underestimate young performers, or be surprised when their talent takes my breath away.
I wonder if our ability to tap into raw emotions is impacted by the reality of adulthood? We can love with all of our hearts, be passionate about our causes, feel a full spectrum of emotions, but I think the zeal behind it all cannot compare to our fervent youth. I have spent much of my adult life trying to hold on and keep my own fire well-kindled. The most effective way of keeping that precious part of my soul alive is by going to shows like these and letting the joy of these young artists keep me on my toes.
This infectious excitement was not limited to the chorus alone. Any imperfections that existed in the performances of either the musicians or the dancers was completely forgivable because you could feel their celebrative spirit thrive.
The message that remained steadfast through it all was love, self-love, love among the dancers, love from the company, love from the partnering organizations, and love from the community. It painted the night, and my heart, with resounding hope.
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