Author E.B. White wrote his first children's book "Stuart Little" in 1945. He would go on to write the classic "Charlotte's Web" which was produced as a Hanna-Barbera animated feature in 1973 and live-action film in 2006. In 1999 "Stuart Little" was adapted into a successful live-action movie starring Geena Davis, Hugh Laurie and Michael J. Fox as the voice of the titular character. The story revolves around a mouse adopted by a family in New York City and the adventures (and problems) he encounters as a mouse in the human world.
This classic story has been adapted into a family-friendly musical titled "Stuart Little “ The Musical" produced by Star of the Day Event Productions.
The musical version is adapted by Joseph Robinette (who also wrote the lyrics) with music by Ronna Frank. The story involves elements of the book which will be familiar if you have seen the movies. The show is filled with amusing scenes and musical numbers as Stuart sets out on adventures ranging from ice skating to a bus trip to the "upper west side" and even a quest to find the small bird named Margalo he has befriended.
The cast is a fine troupe of energetic young actors ranging in ages from seven to eighteen. They are all bright and engaging as they act, sing and dance their way through the hour long production. Under the direction of Star of the Day's Kirsten Almeida the show moves along at a nice pace and, despite the problem of winter weather canceling rehearsals, the show looks well put together. As Ms. Almeida states in her director's notes "... in just ten rehearsals, these fine young performers learned and polished a full length musical." They have indeed.
The simple sets and costumes allow for seamless changes from the Little house to the inside of a Manhattan bus all the way up to Connecticut and back again. It's quite an adventure but the youthful actors never run out of energy as they take their audience on the journey with them.
The ensemble cast has no weak spots and every member is clearly enjoying their roles and the story they are telling. In some "children's" productions there may be instances of confusion on stage but these never happen during this production. The entire show is carefully executed and is truly an enjoyable experience for the entire family. Rachel Knappenberger as Stuart Little is quite charming and talented in the title role. Also enjoyable are the many "characters" of Levi Vellauri and an amusing "cat quarter" led by Maggie Toner as the family cat "Snowbell." Julia Dale is a tiny presence with a lot of power as she appears in a wide-brimmed pink hat as "Harriet Ames" and Jillian Petrie is quite fanciful as the bird "Margalo."
The musical numbers are entertaining and performed well by the members of the cast. I wish some of the numbers would have lasted a bit longer to allow this talented young cast more of a chance to dance and entertain which they were obviously enjoying as much as the audience.
The show only briefly touches on elements of the story from both the book and the movies, leaving it up to the audience to complete the tales and "fill in the blanks" in some cases. It might have helped if the script allowed the audience to become more involved with the story but the cast does a good job of trying to make the audience feel as if they are a part of the show.
Their next show will be "Gypsy" running May 8 to 17. The company also produces cabaret performances at the Allentown Brew Works and Steel Stacks. At the end of each performance of "Stuart Little" the company will also be accepting donations for their "Relay For Life" fundraising efforts to help find a cure for cancer.
If your family is seeking something to do this weekend you will not be disappointed by a trip to Quakertown to see "Stuart Little." The show runs March 7th and March 8th at 11 AM and 2 PM at McCoole's Arts and Events Place. Tickets are $8 if purchased online or $10 at the door (cash only).
For more information about Star of the Day and ticket information visit: www.staroftheday.org