Within most thriving community theatres lies youth education
and theatre programs. These programs provide an aortic energy to the arts
institution by infusing energy, growth and enabling a future vision of artists.
I was invited to view part of the dynamic vision that exists within the Fine
Arts Association, located in Willoughby, OH, by attending the Yarnell Youth
Theatre Production of “Doctor Dolittle, A New Musical,” with book, music and lyrics
by Leslie Briscusse, based on the Doctor Dolittle stories by Hugh Lofting and
the Twentieth Century Fox film.
The musical concerns the classic tale of a wacky but kind doctor
who can talk to animals. The show takes the audience on a journey from the
small English village of Puddleby-in-the-Marsh to the far corners of the world.
Doctor Dolittle is wrongly accused of murder and, once pronounced innocent,
continues with his search for the Great Pink Sea Snail--the oldest and wisest
of the creatures on earth. He is accompanied by his closest animal friends,
delightfully portrayed by a cast of charming actors. Utilizing flashbacks, we
relive the trial, before we go on the great snail adventure.
Fine Arts Association Artistic Director, the dynamic James
Mango, serves the production well by placing Director David Malinowski at the
helm of this adventure. Malinowski has cast well and delivered an adeptly paced
show. Smooth scene changes are orchestrated to keep our attention and focus.
Under Malinowski’s guidance, full characterizations abound. Music Direction by
David W. Coxe is delivered in fine fashion from the pit, which I loved,
providing a great musical landscape for the performers to excel upon. Lisa-Marie French provided choreography that was light and refreshing, moving the masses with whimsical
madness. The set design rocked (Michael Roesch), filling the space with grandeur and also
providing smoothly moving pieces that create the various playful regions.
Lighting Designer Paul Gatzke added creative fuel to the fire. From all
accounts, Production Stage Manager Evie Koh made the proceedings run smoothly
as Dolittle’s ship before the storm.
The cast is led by a trio of musical athletes, Mario Formica
(Doctor Dolittle), Bryan Patrick Daly (Matthew Mugg), and Ali Collingwood (Emma
Fairfax). These folks would certainly be taken in the first round of any draft
(I think they could even help the Browns). Their performances create a wave of
artistry and energy that enables the rest of the cast to excel in their wake.
Formica takes on the title role with supreme confidence. He splendidly delivers
a captivating performance, which includes adept diction and colorful animal
communication skills which are hilarious. Truly a blast. Speaking of a blast, Daly is a tornado of zest, gusto and ridiculous charm. This Irish
crooner utilizes great comedic form, and has a gifted voice with timbre and a
pleasant vibrato beyond his years. His antics always lighten up whatever scene
he blissfully invades. Balancing the theatrical scale is the remarkable Ali
Collingwood. Collingwood is spectacular. Confident, beautiful, and possessing a
voice that could melt the Polar Vortex. Her deft delivery, timing and
characterization are a joy to watch. It does not surprise me that she was accepted
into the Baldwin Wallace Musical Theatre Conservatory.
However, the talent doesn’t stop there. Several other
performances deserve note. Stephen Sandham (Tommy Stubbins) is terrific. His clear
diction, character and profound confidence win over the audience. Nora DeMilta
(Polynesia) is the perfect right hand……..bird! Her physicality and character
work is good, which brings the fabulous parrot to life. Owen Lister (General
Bellows) is a scream. His courtroom antics liven up the place. High above the
courtroom, he indeed provides a commanding presence. Ben Whitney (Albert
Blossom) is a complete delight. His personality and charm inhabit the stage
like a 5 hour energy drink. As Gertie
Blossom, Elizabeth Meluch adds charm, and Max Brodzinski (Straight Arrow) hits
a bull’s eye with great character choices and a solid voice to boot.
The ensemble works together extremely well. Whether it is in
big production numbers, scene changes, or providing courtroom participation,
they are creating energy that serves the right purpose. The only thing for them
to work on is not looking out into the audience, which is a novice mistake, and
one easily overcome. But that is a minor detail in a wonderful production on
all ends.
I am sure that the Fine Arts Association is proud of what
everyone has created. They should be. The future looks bright in Willoughby.
Kevin Joseph Kelly
February 14 - March 2
Showtimes:
7:30pm Fridays
2pm Saturdays
2pm Sunday
Fine Arts is partnering with Lake Humane Society during "Doctor Dolittle." Bring dog and cat food and supplies to Fine Arts from Jan. 24-Mar. 2 to help care for these precious lives. Or make an online donation of $$ here.
Tickets:
$10-$17 Reserved Seating
(440) 951-7500
Location:
Fine Arts Association
38660 Mentor Ave.
Willoughby OH 44094
Otr 214427
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