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.

ROBIN'S SHOW REVIEW: Avenue Q

(photo credit: Carol Rosegg)

It's one of those shows that most of my friends thought I had seen already, being the theatre fan that I am.  But, somehow, Avenue Q, escaped me.

This week, I enjoyed a somewhat rare girl's night out, and went to see this long-running Off-Broadway Tony-Award winning hit.

Full of belly laughs, puppet sex (yup...you heard me), talented perfomers and catchy tunes, Avenue Q proved why it has staying power.

It tells the story of a recent college grad named PRINCETON who moves into a shabby apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets KATE (the "monster" girl next door), LUCY (the slut), ROD (the gay Republican), TREKKIE (the pervert) and other colorful types who help PRINCETON finally discover his purpose in life.  And would you believe the building's superintendent is Gary Coleman?!? (Yes, that Gary Coleman (may he rest in peace.)

The cast does admirable double-duty, since most perform with the adorable puppets and even assume multiple roles....voices....personnas.  No easy feat....try holding a puppet on your hand/arm for over two hours.  But, they tough it out with aplomb, and the laughs are infectious.

Adults enjoy Avenue Q, but you may wonder if it's appropriate for kids. Avenue Q is not suitable for  young children because it blatantly addresses issues like sex, drinking, and surfing the web for porn. Teens would likely think it's cool.  But, as a parent, it's up to your discretion.

Check out: http://avenueq.com/.  With the code AQBLOG12, get tickets as low as $55! (Valid through 5/26/11)  The code may be used at broadwayoffers.com, or on the phone or at the box office.  Avenue Q is playng at New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street (between 8-9 avenues) in NYC.

JAMIE LEVINE’S SHOW REVIEW: Freckleface Strawberry: The Musical

Almost four years ago, when I was eight months-pregnant with Jayda, and still working as the children’s book buyer for Barnes&Noble.com, I was invited to a lunch with the actress Julianne Moore, who was promoting her soon-to-be-published first picture book, Freckleface Strawberry. As I hobbled into the restaurant on a cane (I was suffering from the intense pain of pregnancy-induced sciatica), with my bulging belly in plain view, Ms. Moore graciously greeted me and thanked me profusely for coming to meet her in my state—and then we bonded over lunch, sharing our pregnancy stories and her lovely anecdotes about motherhood.

This down-to-earth celebrity impressed me with her warmth—as well as with the premise of her delightful picture book, and I bought quite a few copies of it to promote on my site. So, when I was recently given the opportunity to take my daughter, Jayda, to see the new off-Broadway musical based on Moore’s Freckleface Strawberry book, I jumped at the chance. Both Jayda and I were rewarded with a thoroughly entertaining afternoon at the theater.

The star of the show is Hayley Podschun, who charmingly portrays Strawberry, a seven-year-old girl who is constantly teased by her schoolmates for having bright red hair and freckles. Hayley accurately captures the gawky self-consciousness of a young girl, and her opening song, “Look at Me,” will capture the heart of anyone who has ever felt different or inadequate as a child. The show follows Strawberry as she attempts to scrub away, bleach, and put make-up over her freckles—and finally resorts to hiding behind a ski mask. Along the way, she bonds with a seemingly-perfect ballerina, who admits to Strawberry that she has no friends, and delivers a message that nobody’s life is perfect—and we all have challenges to overcome. And with the help of her loveable schoolmates—a hunky jock, a loveable ditz, and two nerdy brains—who ultimately show Strawberry that they love her simply for who she is underneath the freckles and red hair, Strawberry learns that everyone is different—and that's what makes everyone special!

Seventy-minutes long—the perfect length for my easily-distracted kid—and filled with inspiring songs like “I Can Be Anything” and “Be Yourself,” Freckleface Strawberry is both a lively, entertaining musical, and an encouraging boost to any kid's self-confidence. I’m so happy Jayda and I were able to join Strawberry on her journey of self-discovery, as she learned to love the skin that she’s in, and highly recommend that everyone—with freckles or without!—does, too.

Freckleface Strawberry plays New World Stages/Stage 4 at 340 W. 50th Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues. Ticket prices range $39-$68.50. Tickets are available at Telecharge.com or call (212) 239-6200 or visit the New World Stages box office. For more information, visit http://www.frecklefacethemusical.com./