ROBIN'S SHOW RECOMMENDATION: Freckleface Strawberry

Called "a high-energy show that clicks with the audience—a treat!" by The Huffington Post, Freckleface Strawberry The Musical is the story of little Freckleface Strawberry, a young girl who, with the help of her lovable schoolmates—including a talented ballerina, a cute jock, a charming ditz and a totally kooky teacher—learns that everyone is different and that's what makes each person special.

It is an adaptation of Julianne Moore's children's book that will appeal to young kids, adolescents and even their adult companions. I saw it with my 8 year old son, and a friend, and we all enjoyed. 

Rose Caiola and Gary Kupper turned the book, “Freckleface Strawberry,” into a 70-minute musical that strives to deliver the message that everyone is different, whether they have freckles or not, and this, in fact, makes the world a more interesting place.

The show is upbeat and witty, and the cast is engaging.  Remy Zaren as Strawberry is well-suited to the role.  And, Sanjaya Malakar (of American Idol fame) does a nice, fun turn as Danny/Little Brother.

Kupper's songs, such as "I Can Be Anything" and "Be Yourself," are sincere and message-driven. The music, in general, is quite varied in style and pleasing. "Lonely Girl" was moving as delivered by Julia Bray, and  Kimiko Glenn is spunky as Emily, particularly when she confesses her love for Danny in "I Like Danny."  Andrew Cristi (whose voice packs a punch) and Mykal Kilgore round out the talented adult cast.

After Strawberry resorts to wearing a ski mask to cover her freckled-face, classmates sing “Kid in the Mask,” a jazz-style song with old sci-fi sound effects, as they endeavor to guess the identity of the ski-masked individual who they suspect might be an alien.. And Linda Gabler, who ably takes on the roles of mother, teacher and Jane, delivers a rousing rap send-up of the song “Creative Minds.”.

Directed by Buddy Crutchfield and choreographed by Gail Pennington Crutchfield, “Freckleface Strawberry” is a show that may readily take you down memory lane when it comes to recalling your own childhood.  We all grow up with certain insecurities and challenges, and bullying does exist, but we  get through it.  And, in the case of actress/author Julianne Moore, success and personal happiness is the best payback!  She appears to have found both, and fans of this show will hopefully leave the theatre believing that good is possible for them as well.

SPECIAL TICKET OFFER:

$45 tickets (regularly $68.50) or $39.99 tickets with the Family 4-Pack (when 4+ tickets are purchased together)  (available through March 27, 2011)

OFFER AVAILABLE FOR THE FOLLOWING PERFORMANCES:
Wed at 11am or 2pm; Fri at 7pm; Sat, Sun at 11am or 4:30pm (offer not valid Sat, Sun at 2pm)

3 EASY WAYS TO BUY TICKETS --
1: ONLINE:
For 1–3 tickets visit BroadwayOffers.com and use code FSSWING1
For 4–8 tickets visit BroadwayOffers.com and use code FSS4WING1

2: CALL: 212-947-8844
For 1–3 tickets mention code FSSWING1.  For 4–8 tickets mention code FSS4WING1.

3: VISIT THE BOX OFFICE:
Print this blog and bring it to New World Stages at 340 West 50th Street (between 8-9th Aves) in NYC

For more information visit:  http://www.frecklefacethemusical.com/.

RESTRICTIONS: Limit 8 tickets per order. Valid through March 27. Additional blackout dates may apply. Not valid on prior purchases and cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions. All sales are final—no refunds or exchanges. Offer subject to availability and includes a $1.50 facilities fee. Offer may be modified or revoked at any time without notice. Standard Telecharge service fees apply to phone and online orders.