REVIEW: Mississippi Bend Presents Another Fantastic Show With New ‘No Child…’
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Mississippi Bend has managed to go three-for-three this season with stellar productions of Red and Mary and Ethel: How I Learned to Sing preceding 
the incredible No Child…, which debuted this weekend.
It’s hard to put into words what Jalyn Greene accomplishes in Mississippi Bend’s latest triumph, No Child…
In the span of 65 minutes, Greene successfully and believably portrays an elderly janitor, a timid first-time teacher, an entire class of students and more. She effortlessly and seamlessly transitions from one character to another providing each with a complete and distinct vocal and physical personality, oftentimes being forced to do so with a single breath. There were several 
times I went, “Wait… What?!” in complete awe over what Greene manages to pull off. You would have to see every performance of No Child… and have MPB extend the run to really appreciate each and every nuance of each and every character Greene has created.
Written by performance artist and the show’s original star, Nilaja Sun, No Child’s story isn’t entirely unique — the classic frazzled-and-inspirational-educator-wins-the-day-and-inspires-us-all-to-never-give-up-even-in-the-hardest-of-times is tried and true — but the themes of academic societal pitfalls and the importance of arts education (and better education in general) in lower income communities are extremely relevant.
No Child… also features a storytelling construct that is compelling and unexpected and succeeds here due to director Sydney Chatman, Lighting Designer Cameron Strandin and Sound Designer Sammy Ramont. Together, this team — along with Greene’s superb character work — create entirely believable moments and very real pockets of emotional depth that one would not expect from a bare stage and one single performer. Chatman and her design team create so much from nothing, perfectly mirroring Greene’s journey.
No Child… is a unique and important piece that is masterfully crafted and needs to be seen. It’s the kind of material that should be produced more often but, from a commercial perspective, understandably isn’t often programmed due to low attendance (as was the case with opening night). If you care about the arts 
community and are tired of seeing “the same old, same old” get your tickets now and show Mississippi Bend and the community you want to see more of this kind of work. And besides, it’s THAT good; you don’t want to miss seeing this!
Mississippi Bend captured my artist heart this summer and filled me with an inspiration that I honestly thought I’d lost. Thank you, Jackie McCall and company for an unforgettable summer that reminded me how good theater can be.
“No Child…,” is the last Mississippi Bend Players production this summer. It runs through Sunday at Augustana College’s Brunner Theatre Center, 3750 7th Ave., Rock Island. Performances of the new MBP production at Augustana are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $20; or $15 for students; $17 for faculty and staff and seniors, available HERE or by calling 309-794-7306.
