Nominated for six "Arties" -- Buffalo's ArtVoice Theatre Awards: Best Ensemble of a Musical, Best Director, Best Actress in a Musical, Best Set Design, Best Choreography, and Best Costumes (winner).
"Marvelous"
--Theatre Talk, WBFO, Buffalo, NY
"I read through a number of versions before selecting this one... yours best captures the essence of the book."
--Leslie Price, Director, Riverside Children's Theatre production
**** (out of four)
-- The Buffalo News
Read the Buffalo News review:
'RABBIT' HOPS INTO THE HEARTS OF TOY AUDIENCES
November 27, 2002
by Kathleen Rizzo Young
© The Buffalo News Inc.
The Velveteen Rabbit **** (out of four)
Theatre of Youth
Musical based on the story by Margery Williams; directed by Meg Quinn
Theatre of Youth is a kind of a sanctuary - audiences open the doors and enter another world. At this time of year, that respite is even more rewarding as TOY's holiday production, a touching musical version of The Velveteen Rabbit, brings the important themes of selflessness and friendship to life in a first-rate production.
When the Velveteen Rabbit comes to life with the Boy one Christmas, he is scorned a bit by the other toys since he is sawdust-stuffed and cheaply made. The mechanical toys can't explain the allure of stuffed animals ("Where's the thrill when you're standing still?") and are even more mystified when the Boy chooses the Rabbit as his favorite.
The two are inseparable until the Boy comes down with scarlet fever and his toys must be discarded. There are some heart-tugging moments but all ends happily as the nursery fairy transforms the stuffed animal into a real rabbit in recognition of his devotion to the Boy.
The classic tale by Margery Williams has been made into an entertaining musical that is enjoying its East Coast premiere. This production is very true to the original tale, including the majority of the dialogue and even the descriptive narrative, courtesy of the story-telling Skin Horse. Musical adaptations of books ideally add more than songs to the original work. The musical numbers by Michael Allen Harrison and Robin Catesby are not only pleasant but also pack dramatic punch. And, TOY's Chester Popiolowski has worked his own "nursery magic" in his orchestrations, perfectly tailoring the musical numbers to these singers and providing additional music.
Under Meg Quinn's direction, the entire cast is very strong and its youngest member, Alex Race as the Boy, is no exception. In his Little Lord Fauntleroy haircut and shorts, he shines in big moments - such as his terrific pirate recitative - and in smaller scenes when he is not the center of attention. Leah Russo makes her TOY debut here in the title role and captures the rabbit's innocence with great charm. Her pure, clear alto is just right for the role and her interaction with Race is very believable in its childish abandon.
Kelly Meg Brennan plays Nana, with her period bob and oxfords. Her lush singing voice is used to full effect and her lullaby is a highlight of the show. In a moving scene, the sweet melody is reprised later when the Rabbit tries to soothe the feverish Boy.