“Distinct characterization through song and movement… one of the show’s highlights”

“The exposition is efficient and thoughtfully staged: Geppetto’s (Shawn Wright) beloved wife is represented by a dress he briefly dances with; this abstraction doubtless makes the fact that she died early on easier for young audiences to handle than if they had to say goodbye to a real person. There are numerous such challenging events and themes (poverty, hunger, being swallowed alive by a big blue fish) and a number of nefarious characters in the story, and McCarthy’s production combines humour and a lack of sentimentality to make the material sit comfortably with its spectators…

Julie Tomaino’s choreography, and Hermans’ and Cumber’s capacity to deliver distinct characterization through song and movement, help make their big number — ‘Money Grows on Trees’ — one of the show’s highlights.”

KAREN FRICKER