Wheelock Family Theatre, Reviews of Past Shows

Ramona Quimby

November 2004

Director Susan Kosoff has assembled the perfect team to transform the Wheelock Family Theatre into Klickitat Street for a delightful production of Ramona Quimby. It’s big, it’s colorful, and it moves quickly, thoroughly entertaining children while subtly prodding them to appreciate how extraordinary everyday life really is.

The real success of Wheelock’s Ramona Quimby comes in Kosoff’s ability to clearly deliver the play’s message about difficulties growing up and dealing with problems in an atmosphere in which everyone in the audience wants to get up and dance.
-Terry Byrne, Boston Herald

The Sound of Music

February 2005

Williams is the real thing, an actress who makes Maria believable without becoming syrupy, a singer who handles the ballads and up-tempos equally as well, and most importantly, a real star presence who nonetheless allows the rest of the ensemble to shine.
-David Levy, Broadway.com

The technical level of the production is first rate as is its musical excellence. At WFT they have produced an effort worth seeing, at quite reasonable prices. The company has its own strengths and established audiences, which makes their continuing contribution to the local theatre scene all the more valuable.
-Will Stachman, Aisle S

The Beanstalk, the Giant, and Jack

April/May 2005

Khalil Flemming is a marvel as young Master Jack. He is a star in the making, with perfect comic timing, superb physicality, excellent diction and projection, and an adorably expressive face that lights up the stage.
-Karen Campbell, Boston Globe

The Wheelock Family Theatre is currently giving Jack and his Beanstalk a swift kick in the pants; accomplished with a Commedia dell’ Arte slap stick. I haven’t had such fun since the American Repertory Theatre’s foray into the genre, many, many years ago.
- Beverly Creasey, Theatre Mirror

Hip-Pip Hurray for "Longstocking

8 April 2003

- Terry Byrne, The Boston Herald

"...Caitlin Wheeler's spunky performance as Pippi gives the entire production a jolt of energy. Whether performing her theme dance to a funky groove or outwitting authority in the form of policemen, teachers, or well-meaning moms, Wheeler captures Pippi's independent and well-meaning spirit."

"...Many of Boston's finest actors appear in this production, including Robert Saoud and Doug Lockwood as the Abbot and Costello-esque police team, Ricardo Engermann as Pippi's horse and the circus strongman Adolph, and Maureen Keiller as a hilariously over-the-top townswoman who is appalled by Pippi's behavior. Young Calliope Pina Parker, as Pippi's pet monkey Mr. Nilssen, was my kids' favorite."

"...Danila Korogodsky's brightly colored, geometrically shaped set was used to wonderful effect. A central, two tiered triangle serves as Pippi's home of Villa Villakulla, while square panels slide in for other scenes. The triangle also turns to become a sailing ship, making the whole set an imaginative playground.

Pippi Longstocking's strength and sheer joy she finds in life are great reminders to both kids and parents not to take things for granted. And even if the story turns a little odd, that message still comes through in Wheelock's "Pippi Longstocking."

Will Rogers's Wisdom

7 February 2003

- Karen Campbell, Boston Globe

"Will Rogers was fond of saying, "I never met a man I didn't like." He was also the wit who coined the phrase, "Give a man enough rope and he can hang himself." His combination of wry humor, sharp insight, and generous humanism made Rogers a beloved 20th-century American icon."

"...Wheelock Family Theatre's crackerjack new production of "The Will Rogers Follies", directed by Jane Staab, is an old-fashioned musical comedy revue that celebrates Rogers and his simple, homespun philosophy."

"... Staab manages to evoke the gaudiness and gimmickry of Ziegfeld. The show opens with a bang, as newspaper-toting cowboys climb down set designer Stefan Barnas's giant set of stairs, and tap-dancing cowgirls cascade down the aisles."

"...Eileen Nugent is winsome as Betty Blake, Rogers's wife. From her first entrance astride a hanging moon, she charms with her exuberance and rich, lyrical vocals."

"...though the political humor may go over many heads, the show is well-paced and lively. And Rogers plain speaking wisdom is, perhaps, needed now more than ever."

Puritan Witch Story Still Relevant Today

22 November 2002

-Nick Dussault, Metro

If you've always avoided Wheelock because you thought it was children's theater, you have been missing out on some of the finest productions in the area.

It's current production, "The Witch of Blackbird Pond", examines intolerance, bigotry, and fear by telling the tale of a free-spirited 16-yr-old girl who is forced to live with her Puritan relatives in a Connecticut Colony. Though it takes place in 1687, the story's underlying themes of narrow-mindedness and sacrificing oneself to fit in are as relevant today as they were back then.

Without being over the top, the director manages to draw many parallels between the witches of old and those of modern times, the most overt being a poignant reference to Matthew Shepard as part of the backdrop of the first rate set.

The ensemble actors, many of whom are Equity members, do a superb job of giving life and multiple dimensions to their Characters. As Kit Tyler, Katrina Toshiko is bursting with contagious enthusiasm. Her inquisitiveness and optimism keep you routing for good to triumph over evil right up to the end. Does it win? See for yourself.

This is a perfect vehicle for a family outing. Not only is the story appropriate for all ages, it is captivating and well told. The quality of the production itself is especially good and the price is right. Even if you are a family of one, don't miss "The Witch of Blackbird Pond."

List of Past Shows

2004-2005 Season

• The Beanstalk, the Giant, and Jack
• The Sound of Music
• Ramona Quimby

2003-2004 Season

• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
• Inherit the Wind
• Phantom Tollbooth

2002-2003 Season

• Pippi Longstocking
• Will Rogers Follies
• The Witch of Blackbird Pond

2001-2002 Season

• The Trumpet of the Swan
• Tuck Everlasting
• Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm

2000-2001 Season (20th Anniversary!)

• Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse
• The Prince and the Pauper
• Hello Dolly

1999-2000 Season

• Jungle Book
• Anne of Green Gables
• Our Town

1998-1999 Season

• The Tempest
• Once Upon a Mattress
• The Good Times are Killing Me

1997-1998 Season

• The Hobbit
• Little Women
• Kiss Me Kate

1996-1997 Season

• Stuart Little
• The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
• Fiddler on the Roof

1995-1996 Season (15th Anniversary!)

• Charlotte's Web
• The Miracle Worker
• Cinderella