by Jana Wingate
What do people do all day? Well that is the question that the Northwest Childrens Theater is trying to answer as we follow Huckle Cat for a day in the new and highly entertaining production of Richard Scarry’s Busytown.
This musical comedy opens with a bang, or should I say a whistle with a very animated Sergeant Murphy and a very excited audience. Sergeant Murphy helps set the pace for this production that is filled with original songs, great music, audience participation and very funny lines.
We are introduced to the town and its proprietors in the first song Busy Town, I am immediately taken with Grocer Cat’s voice, played by Emily Margaret Bryan, this actually sets a theme throughout of not just great acting, but superb singing.
We become acquainted with Huckle Cat and his friend Lowly Worm, played by John Ellingson, who does a fabulous job of acting for Lowly considering he doesn’t say a word throughout the production. We are taken through a whirlwind adventure with Huckle and Lowly, who are just trying to get a letter to Grandma Bear for her birthday. Along the way we meet all kinds of characters who will help facilitate in said delivery.
One of the favorite characters of the day is Captain Salty, played by Kevin-Michael Moore, who immediately comes out and engages the audience looking for his parrot, Kevin (which of course is on his shoulder), which elicits cries from the kids in the gallery telling him where it is. Next Captain Salty captivates the audience with his absurdly fun song; Favorite Word is RRRR, which the kids I think hands down thought was the best song of the night!
Another fun and energetic song that included the audience was sung by Train the Dog, played by Sam Burns, he would call out Click and we had to respond with Clack. This went on for about five minutes, with dancing in the aisles by the cast, a fun beat by the live band and excitement from the gallery. Everyone was fully engaged and having a great time.
This really is the theme throughout Busytown, it is a fun and entertaining way to spend 90 minutes. All the characters were very well developed and cast perfectly. From the impressive comedic timing of the characters played by Kevin-Michael Moore and Sam Burns, to the beautiful voiced actresses of Claire Elizabeth Aldridge and Emily Margaret Bryan and of course the musical talents of the house band Busy Town is a play to see. It will keep you and the kids entertained and laughing throughout, making this a must see!
Busytown runs through April 1st. For ticket information, please visit: nwcts.org
