‘Mr. Popper’s’ sure treat for youngsters
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Eleven kid-sized, parading penguins make mischief and tap their fuzzy feet in Rainbow Company Youth Theatre’s sweet presentation of the musical “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” playing now at Charleston Heights Arts Center. It’s based on Richard and Florence Atwater’s beloved 1938 Newbery Honor Book story, which has twelve penguins, though baby bird Scott is missing in this version.
But there are still plenty of penguins causing mayhem in the book and lyrics of Rainbow Company founder Jody Davidson’s play, with music by Brett Schrier. And if the ecstatic laughter of an audience full of tiny voices is any indication, mayhem is what matters.
Mr. Popper is a humble house painter who dreams of having an adventurous life. While he loves his wife and children Janie and Billy and their little town of Stillwater, he also likes to read and watch movies about the Antarctic. He is so fascinated by the region that he writes to Admiral Drake, who is on expedition there. In turn the admiral sends him a surprise, and that surprise turns out to be Captain Cook.
Captain Cook is the name Mr. Popper gives the inquisitive penguin the admiral sends as a gift.
He settles in just fine with the family, residing in the refrigerator. He becomes lonely though, so an aquarium sends a female named Greta to keep him company. As Mr. Popper says, “nature” happens, and soon they have more penguins than they can afford. They train the clever birds and take them on tour as a novelty act to make money, and mayhem ensues.
Under Karen McKenney’s assured direction the show is warm and wholesome, with a blissful energy that only contented children can bring. Production elements are visually outstanding, genuinely capturing the late Depressionera look and feel. Kris Van Riper’s earthy set and Mariya Radeva Nedyalkova’s stunning costumes fill the stage with color, texture, and tweed, while Jody Caley’s lights provide a sunny hue. And Joel Ruud’s sound design transports us back in time with evocative newsreels.
Choreographer Andy Lott creates several charming numbers that delight, especially one featuring the furry Performing Penguins in their tap dancing debut. The kids in the audience love it when the penguins do their funny bird-type moves and soft coos, and it would be nice to see more of that choreographed throughout the show. A rolling office chair dance featuring the clerks of City Hall is also enjoyable, as well as a backstage scene which displays the talents of three tap-dancing girls and an acrobat.
The performers are lucky to be accompanied by musical director Joseph L. Cottone and Shane Jensen both on piano. As a whole Cottone gets good results from his singers, while individually, vocal abilities are mixed.
Michael Button gives Mr. Popper a gentle, unassuming aura, but fails to find necessary hints of eccentricity. He forgets to project when speaking at times, and needs more force and expression behind his singing in songs like “Parading” so he can be understood. A heightened exuberance would give the character much needed dimension.
As Mrs. Popper, Kristin Quinn creates a subtle caricature with her voice and mannerisms that is perfect for the part.
“Mr. Popper’s Penguins” make adorable and affordable mischief that the kids will love.