Jim Julien on Jessica Noel

Dear Jess, (and Amy, Carolyn, Yasmin, Lisa and Kat),

I was very intrigued to see “The Call of The Wild.” I had assumed that the show would be primarily a dance piece with masks, but it was so much more. The set seemed simple, but it quickly expanded out to another world. I loved how the movement of the performers evoked a magical realm just beyond the edges of a very messy bed. A realm where dream wolves prowled, leaped and danced their wild worship of a nurturing mother of a moon.

Each member of The Pack was a unique character and given a chance to tell their tale in a beautiful way. I think the audience could sense the pull and yearning to join this pack as much as the characters onstage. And I was surprised how emotionally touched I was by the puppetry in the show. Simple, but achingly effective in getting to the bounding heart of the narrative.

The movement of the dancers was fascinating and soulful. The beautifully crafted wolf masks were clever in hiding the human faces, but unleashing the wild spirits within the characters. The theater space was gorgeous and the sound and lighting truly showcased the unfolding story of creatures that cannot be contained by mere, mundane human life. I wanted to howl at the end of the show.

The Philly Pack space, in which “The Call of The Wild” was presented, was a new one for me. Located in South Philly, close to the Mummers Museum, which is one of the strangest, mind blowing venues in the city. We wandered down the tight streets to the Philly Pack, expecting howls from the off-the-leash canids in the neighborhood, especially Jefferson Park. We found a line of sweet, excited folks waiting outside, no howling yet. We entered the welcoming white-washed theater space, with homey touches and decor. It was all a warm lupine hug. When we left, it felt like a night to race through the forest. Maybe without the fur coat.

Best wishes on your wolfish run, be free in your wild ways,

Jim

Jim Julien is the creator / performer of MINGUS And Toilet Train Your Cat at Studio 34.

Jessica Noel is the writer / director of Call of the Wild at Philly PACK.