Buffalo News review, continued...

As the Skin Horse, Roger Keicher wonderfully serves as narrator and sage of the toys. Mary Ann Moselle impresses in a dual role as Sailboat and Fairy, while Alena Risinger's delightful Mouse is an audience favorite. J. Daniel Tirone is a commanding yet comical Tin Soldier, Eric Rawski has just the right bluster as Timothy the Lion and Matthew LaChiusa does fine double duty as the Jack-in-the Box and the doctor. Their ensemble numbers are delightful, enhanced by Kristy Schupp's thoughtful choreography.

The toys are represented on stage but also shadowed by actors playing them - when the boy creates "toy piles," the actors all flop atop one another as well. Kenneth Shaw's costumes are visually appealing and his set design establishes the elegant tone of the production. The boy's bedroom, with its crown molding and gorgeous windows leading to the tiered stonewalled garden, brings the characters even closer to the audience. The sound quality throughout is outstanding and every word is audible.

Brian Cavanaugh's lighting plays a major role: the darkened garden with its pine tree shadows, the snow falling outside the windows, the shadow pantomime the boy does with his toys and the gorgeous kaleidoscope effect of the nursery fairy are all memorable.

Although it is recommended for ages 4 and up, the themes of The Velveteen Rabbit are ageless and this production is priceless.