BAOBOB is a 50-minute tale for young audiences that tells the charmingly epic story of the origins of the iconic African Baobob tree. 
Using various kinds of puppets, traditional African instruments and some cool costumes, four actors tell the story of Amondo, a small boy who is the chosen one to bring water back to the community from where it's hidden under the Baobob tree.  But to do this, Amondo must overcome a series of obstacles (a witch, a wiley baboon, etc.).  Initially he falters in his challenge, but Amondo perseveres and (spoiler alert!) is triumphant in his task, providing not only water, but peace in the surrounding communities.  Ndio!!
The IDEA of this show is fantastic. The IDEA of instruments turning into animals, and of shadow puppets being used for larger-than-life elements like the earth and the sun, and of the boy protagnoist being represented as a seriously cute marionette/hand-puppet are all creative and clever and beautiful choices.
The IDEA of a musician playing instruments on stage, performing a score for the play, and changing tone to reflect emotions, is fabulous and the IDEA of the actors intially coming into the audience to greet the children is cute and interactive.
But something in those ideas didn't translate.  
Something intangible, that I can't quite put my finger on, didn't come together despite these great ideas being present, and despite the best efforts of Ralph Prosper, the actor who sang, danced and played most of the characters. 
The energy waned, some staging elements didn't work and the on-stage chemistry lacked between all four actors. But Prosper was definitely a stand-out.  He almost single-handedly carried the show and his fatigue, if there was any, never showed.
I'm probably being too harsh on BAOBOB. I think, recently, I've been spoiled by insanely intelligent theatre for young audiences, and while I liked BOABOB, I didn't love it.
But ultimately it doesn't matter what I think; as I was leaving, the excitement of the kids in the audiences was palpable. Who knows how often they experience theatre, and multi-cultural theatre to boot? If you want to expose your kids, your classroom or your daycare to fun, colourful theatre wtih a nice moral, it may not entertain you too much, but BOABOB is still a safe bet.

BAOBOB is playing now until May 17 at the Studio Theatre at Young People's Theatre (formerly Lorainne Kimsa Theatre for Young People @ 165 Front St. E.). For tix, call: 416-862-2222 or click here.