By Melanie Ross
SAN DIEGO — “It’s true we don’t live in a zoo, but man is an animal too!”
The intrinsic values of Dr. Doolittle have been forgotten and it is time for our youngsters to be taught with vigilance and exuberance about the dire importance of how we treat our animals. In Judaism we are taught to love and respect and treat with care the living creatures that have been given to us as companions and as part of the huge beauty of the world. For children to see Dr. Doolittle is important in teaching them to care for and cherish and “listen” to our animal friends. Definitey take your children to see the performance at The San Diego Junior Theatre, at the Casa del Prado Theatre, in Balboa Park through July 14.
The amazing blossoming talent of these kids and the incredible live orchestra will delight you. What a refreshing way to introduce your kids to the culture of theatre, live music, dance and song!
Roberto Quinones, 16, who plays Dr. Doolittle, is a teenager to be watched and followed. His talent is undeniable and he starts the play off as an absolutely mesmerizing storyteller. He will immediately capture the attention of your kids! His exuberance is beyond belief and with a voice and stage presence so impressive that when he began to sing I literally was thrown back in my seat! I had goosebumps!
Rebecca Penner, 14, who plays Emma Fairfax, the leading lady, the love interest of Dr. D, is a darling, curly haired beauty whose first entrance onto the stage, subtle as it was, emanated an energy of a young starlet! Not saying a word, her walk emitted a confident energy of a future stage performer, talented and lovely. Her expressions are captivating. The energy of the two send sparks flying!
The other leading lady, Shannon Barry, as the 200 year old parrot, Polynesia, Dr. D’s sidekick and helper, has a personality as colorful and vibrant as her costume of feathers! She narrates and transitions and leads with the ease of an experienced actress, looking and acting much older than her 17 years.
Mildred the cow is an astonishing presence as is Toggle the horse. The costume creativity is adorable. And yes I am looking at this through children’s eyes and the arrival of the infamous “Push-me-pull-you” is fun!
Another lovely surprise is the energy and talent of the beautiful circus wife, Sophie Oberg. She is perfect for the part and definitely a stand out! What was so impressive, was that although she played a small part her talent was incredibly evident.
The emotion of the last song in the first act should be on a Humane Society commercial! Animal lovers will be touched. The sound effects are incredibly realistic; and yes a little loud so if you are very young or very old you might want to muffle the sound and cover your ears!
What is so different and thrilling about youth theater is to watch incredible talent at such a young age. In adult theater you expect it but in youth theater you are blown away by it. Continue to watch young talent through director Joey Landwehr who directs the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center’s “J Company” and is a veteran director of San Diego Junior Theatre. For tickets call 619 239-8355.
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Ross is a freelance writer who focuses on the arts. She may be contacted at melanie.ross@sdjewishworld.com
Ross is a freelance writer who focuses on the arts. She may be contacted at melanie.ross@sdjewishworld.com
Thank you Melanie & San Diego Jewish World for coming out to see this incredible show. I am so proud of the work these young people have done creating such a wonderful world on stage for young and not-so-young, but young-at-heart. And it is my absolute pleasure to be working again with SDJT. It is so important to encourage collaboration in the arts and youth theatre in San Diego. I’m so proud to be a part of this!