***** I am going to start this review by telling you that without my junior reviewers, I would have been somewhat lost. The kids were far more into the characters and the story, which truly allows me to get the best information to you, my readers. Over the years, I have worked with many youngsters in bringing these reviews to you. Of course, in the begining, my grandkids, but as they aged “out”, I have been very lucky in having parents with kids the right age, be available, and of more imporatnce kids who love reading and attending live theater productions.I am quite thankful that I have , and continue to have, great children to work with, and a tip of my cap to the parents, in particular, the mothers, for making this all happen. Thank you Fallon!
Anna and Jack enjoyed seeing Frederick at the Chicago Children’s Theater this morning.
It was a wonderful story with a heartwarming message of teamwork, inclusion and trying to see things from other people’s point of view. As an adult, I thought the story was beautifully done with accompanying music that brought the story to life.
The set was beautiful and they made the most with a small space, making you feel like you were actually in the field with the small mice.
Anna (8 years old) enjoyed the singalong songs and audience participation as well as the set design and how they changed between seasons. She loved the insects when they came out. The bumble bee buzzing, the butterfly flying and ants marching were so much fun to watch bringing the set to life. Both kids enjoyed that part a lot.
Jack (almost 4 years old) really loved Nelly the mouse….he talked about her for nearly the entire morning!
Overall it was a wonderful story, a talented cast and a fun morning at the theater! I’ll be recommending Frederick to all of my friends!
Fallon
Thank you Fallon for allowing Anna and Jack to be my junior reviewers-
I must say that the cast is made up of some very talented young performers. Not only can they act, they sing and make music. That is special and it seems that our theater companies find some great talent. In this morning’s cast, we even had an understudy go on. They always make the announcement, but if one did not hear the announcement, one would never know that anything was “out of the ordinary”, so for today’s performances, I want to congratulate Rachel Ariana for a terrific performances as Sunny.
The story is about a sort of “family” as the seasons change and the preparations they must make for the changes. Directed to perfection by Tommy Rapley on a set designed Collette Pollard and built by by Lookingglass Theatre Scene Shop. The five performers truly hold the interest of the children and their parents ( and others, like grandparents) for the entire 65 minutes. The music is handled by the mice and Jeremey Weinstein. All the characters make the rest of the music. The costumes designed by Mica van der Ploeg were adorable and allowed us to view these actors as mice. Special recognition should go to Lonnae Hickman for the amazing props as the mice prepare for the season change. You will be amazed when the ear of corn is carried on the stage.
Frederick is played by Brandon Acosta, who has a great smile and a wonderful vocal range. Frederick is kind of “selfish”, a major point of the story, but as we learn during the amazing story written by Leo Lionni, “family” is more important than anything else. There are ten songs in this musical play and this cast is up to the task of bringing all the pieces together.. Nellie is played by Ellie Duffy, Baby by the adorable Leslie Ann Sheppard, and Ernest , the elder and inventor by Shawn Pfautsch. Together, along with Ms Arianna, they bring us a story of family, learning and love.
“Frederick” will continue Thru – Nov 16th with performances as follows:
Saturdays:9:30am & 11:30amSundays:9:30am & 11:30am
Show Type: Childrens
Box Office: 773-227-0180.
Chicago Children’s Theatre is located at 100 S. Racine Avenue ( with free parking in their adjacent lot)
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Frederick”.
More Stories
“The Drowsy Chaperone” reviewed by Al Bresloff and another by Paul Lisnek ( Curtain Call Chicago)
“White Rooster” Reviews by Al Bresloff and a second by Paul Lisnek Curtain Call Chicago
“Fully Committed” reviewed by Frank Meccia