Storybook Musical Theatre's Puss 'n Boots

Theater: Storybook Musical Theater
Show Title: Puss 'n Boots
Opened: March 3, 2008
Seen: March 9, 2008
Reviewer: Ryan Bunch
Submitted: March 11, 2008

Storybook Musical Theater has turned in another fine sample of children’s and family theater with Puss ‘n Boots.

When a miller dies, his three sons have to divide up the inheritance, and all the youngest son gets is the old cat, Puss. This would seem to be the short end of the stick at first, but Puss soon reveals not only that he can talk, but also that he’s remarkably clever. He devises a series of schemes in which the Youngest Son passes for a nobleman and eventually gets the girl, the castle and the whole nine yards.

Now, I have to mention that the methods they employ are not entirely above reproach, since Puss and the Youngest Son basically lie, cheat and even (gulp!) do the unthinkable on their way up. (I have the same problem with “Jack and the Beanstalk”—he’s rewarded for stealing?!) But I’ll leave the ethics discussion to teachers and parents. (And “Jack and the Beanstalk” remains one of my favorite fairy tales.)

Scruples aside, the show is charming, with colorful costumes, attractive sets and delightful songs by composer/music director Jeff Reim. The members of the cast are uniformly good in their roles, exemplifying well-rounded professionalism as singing actors—Deirdre Finnegan as the energetic Puss, Joe O’Brien as the handsome-in-the-rough Youngest Son, and Rachel Brennen as the lovely Princess. The comedic roles are carried off with especial appeal by Jason Michael as the dim Middle Son (he also plays the King) and David Mulholland as the Older Son, the Farmer and the Ogre. Playwright Patricia Goldberg has provided an entertaining text which makes all the foregoing possible.

As I was getting up to leave the theater at the end of the show, I heard one of my neighbors in the audience exclaim, “This is a hidden treasure!” Indeed, if you’re looking for quality, professional family theater and haven’t been to Storybook yet, you should check it out. The performances are consistently solid, the music is singable and toe-tapping, and the content is wholesome. This is traditional family entertainment done well.

Puss 'n Boots runs through March 16 at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center in Bryn Athyn. Call 215-659-8550 or visit www.storybookmusical.org for more information.

Ryan Bunch is a vocal instructor, writer and composer specializing in musical theater and theater for young audiences. He has provided voice training, musical direction, songwriting, script development and educational services for the Opera Company of Philadelphia, Mainstage Center for the Arts, Center Stage Productions, Chichester School District, West Chester Summer Stage, Renaissance Artist Puppet Company, and the Players Board of Chestnut Hill Academy and Springside School. For additional information visit www.ryanbunch.com.