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A CurtainUp Review
Click Clack Moo
By Julia Furay
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Our dignity is at stake! —-Loretta Don't say steak! —-Maddie |
Drew McVety and Company members
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Billy Aronson's script is based on a picture book, and therefore the story line has been developed far more than the original was. The meat of the story takes a while to get going, but until it does we get a gleeful and outdoorsy look at life on a farm. The cows on the farm (energetically performed by the cheerful Gretchen Bieber, the goofy Michael Thomas Holmes, and the grumpy Kristy Cates) now have something of a rivalry with the chickens, and Farmer Brown has been given a tech-savvy and sassy young granddaughter (Sarah Katherine Gee). Director John Rando can be complimented for keeping the show moving quickly even when the plot tends to meander.
As anyone who is familiar with Old MacDonald or the Farmer in the Dell can testify, a farm show contains loads of potential for great songs. Though the music (by Theatreworks regular Brad Alexander) may not contain any future children's classics, the songs are tuneful and appropriately lively for this summery show. And the lyrics, by Altar Boyz author Kevin Del Aguila contains some gems likely to please adults as well as kids. "I'm proud to be bovine/God Bless the USDA" is a rousing and witty example.
Beowulf Borrit's set is cartoonish fun, and Lora LaVon's costumes have real homemade charm. The cast is as winning and lively as we've come to expect from Theatreworks shows, with some nice moments of goofy stage business to make the kids scream with laughter.
Click Clack Moo is right in line with the Theatreworks traditio of presenting affable, engaging adaptations of chidlren's books (Junie B. Jones and The Plant that Ate Dirty Socks to name just a couple). This latest addition to their annual presentations recommended for anyone looking for a likable and free summer outing with the kids.
| CLICK CLACK MOO
Book: Billy Aronson Music: Brad Alexander Lyrics: Kevin Del Aguila Director: John Rando Choreographer: Wendy Seyb Adapted from the novel by Doreen Cronin, with illustrations by Betsy Lewin Cast: Gretchen Bieber (Darlene), Kristy Cates (Maddie), Sarah Katherine Gee (Chicken/Jenny), Michael Thomas Holmes (Loretta), Drew McVety (Farmer Brown), DeMond B. Nason (Chicken/Duck) Lighting Design: Matthew Richards Scenic Design: Beowulf Boritt Costume Design: Lora LaVon Running time: 60 minutes, no intermission The Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher Street From 7/21/09 to 8/28/09; opens 7/28 Reviewed by Julia Furay based on July 24th performance. |
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Wicked
Jersey Boys
The Little Mermaid
Lion King
Shrek The Musical
South Pacific
In the Heights
Playbill 2007-08 Yearbook
Leonard Maltin's 2008 Movie Guide