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When the Eagle Point library advertised a presentation on the life and times of Mozart, I knew it would be an afternoon well spent for me. I am a symphony fancier, and the library is a close neighbor. I’ve attended talks there before, and they’re always well attended. I made a point to arrive early, but when I walked into the room, it looked as if it was a set up for children’s story time. That’s because the Traveling Lantern Theatre Company is about bringing biographical stories and literature to life for kids through drama. This installment was part of the Jackson County summer reading program. Delighted to realize I would fit in, I found one of the adult chairs, though the youngsters got to sit on the floor, closer to the action, which proved animated and lively. Jason Buttafoco and Samantha Nakagaki comprised the entire troupe, with Samantha scrambling behind a simple curtain while doing the legwork of multiple roles. Jason played the role of Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart, which only sounds like multiple roles and is an example of the kind of name parents saddled children with in Germany in the mid-18th century. I mean, the message long and clear was, “grow up and be somebody or we’ll add Amadeus in there somewhere.” He accomplished both. Wolfy didn’t waste any time on video games but began composing at the same age of those seated in the floor section — age 5. He composed more than 600 works in his brief lifespan of only 35 years. We learned this while watching two actors cavort and sing to Mozart’s music. Jason and Samantha began by interacting with the kids, because adults are too inhibited to be much fun in a situation like that. But the kids got to be orchestra sections. When they asked for volunteers, I wanted to give the kids a chance, but I almost sprang before a mom gave her son the foot of encouragement (good show, Mom) and he went forward. The audience joined in, as well. Fate landed me in the percussion section where, according to Jason, I showed much promise. I had to. There were only two of us, and the young mom had her arms full with two wee ones so was unable to wield a proper drumstick. They showed a sheet of handwritten music to the crowd, and at least one young composer’s eyes lit up with interest. In fact, the fun of the brief time we shared shone in the children’s faces and filled the small space with magical, honest laughter. Is there any better melody? I could see why these performers enjoyed their work. They get paid for acting out and putting smiles on young and old faces. In that short span, they introduced 18th-century music, including opera, clothing styles of the period, and a rundown of one of the most genius composers of all time. All with no admission charge. Slapstick aboundeth. Jason’s wig kept falling off and Samantha couldn’t quite keep the human instrument sounds right. She had a beautiful voice and provided vocals for part of the operatic portion of the recorded music. Traveling Lantern got its name from pre-electricity traveling theater, when lanterns provided the only lighting. Husband-and-wife team K.B. Mercer and Doran Elias of Portland started the company in 1985, but the concept is of olden days. They offer a few different shows cross-country every year, with a 26-show repertoire, promoting themselves mostly to schools and libraries. The teams travel with props, costumes and set pieces in one vehicle. I’m pretty sure being young and flexible is a requirement in addition to acting ability. Or maybe just being young at heart. I slipped out just as the ice cream with flat, wooden spoons was served. A pox on this low-carb diet. Peggy Dover is a freelance writer living in Eagle Point. Email her at [email protected].