Category Archives: Doctor Dolittle
Pictures – Dr. Dolittle
Photos courtesy of Eric Skarl of FineArts Photography
Dan DiCello, Lynette Turner, Nathan Huntley, Nathan Hoty, and Brian Marshall
“If I Could Talk to the Animals”
Antoinette Kula, Dan DiCello, Nathan Huntley, Elicia Brant, Pierre-Jacques Brault, Philip Hamrick, Trey Gilpin, Emily Grodzik, Lynette Turner, and Neely Gevaart
“Impossible”
Lynette Turner, Jennifer Myor, and Pierre-Jacques Brault
“I’ve Never Seen Anything Like It”
Dan DiCello, Melanie Leibold, and Emily Grodzik
Doctor Dolittle Reviewed ! (4)
Mercury’s Dr. Dolittle is Delightful Musical Theater on a Stick
Bob Abelman, News-Herald
Mercury Summer Stock is the theater equivalent of the Good Humor ice cream truck. From June to August, it delivers refreshing, colorful, and creatively concocted confections that are spectacularly void of nutritional value.
Mercury’s 13th season opens with Dr. Dolittle, a silly bit of storytelling with book, music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. The musical is based on the 1967 film that was adapted from illustrated children’s books written in the 1920s by Hugh Lofting.
If ever there was a piece of musical theater treacle on a stick it would be this.
Dr. John Dolittle is a physician who favors animals over humans and has learned to speak their languages. The musical condenses Dolittle’s entire back story into the first act under the pretense of a murder trial. As the good doctor testifies that he threw a rescued seal off of a cliff and into the ocean, and not a woman, a series of song-filled flashbacks explain Dolittle’s affinity for all things fish, fowl and four-legged.
Through the flashbacks we meet Dolittle’s human and animal BFFs, which include the fast-talking Irishman Matthew Mugg, a young boy named Tommy Stubbins, adversary-turned-affectionate advocate Emma Fairfax, and Polynesia the parrot. We also meet Jip the dog, Gub-Gub the pig and Pushmi-Pullyu, a two-headed llama, among others.
In Act 2, we join Dolittle and his friends on a sea-faring adventure in search of the giant pink snail, which takes us to an exotic, floating island and its inhabitants.
This is kid’s stuff for sure and the show’s co-directors Pierre-Jacques Brault and Brian Marshall fully recognize and wholeheartedly embrace this in their production.
All of Dolittle’s furry and feathered friends are depicted as harmless looking hand puppets. They are of limited dexterity and dubious quality (both heads on Pushmi-Pullyu seem to be Scooby-do rejects). However, the uninhibited performers who sport them have created wonderfully appealing personalities and, as is best exemplified in Emily Grodzik’s performance as Dab Dab the duck, lose themselves in their creatures.
The staging and choreography is built to accommodate short attention spans and limited space. There in constant movement on stage and quite a bit that takes place among the audience, and all of it is engaging and creative. The set is little more than a collection of boxes and panels decorated with text from the illustrated children’s books, but the clever reconfiguration of the pieces creates plenty of variety. Jonathan Anderson’s costuming is an interesting hodgepodge of material that offers very colorful eye candy.
The actors playing humans do so broadly, which is immediately accessible to kids and very entertaining. Effervescent Brian Marshall as Irishman Matthew Mugg is a delightful intermediary between the audience and Dolittle’s world, while Jennifer Myor’s big voice and Kelvette Beacham’s comic timing are put to good use as Emma Fairfax and island queen Straight Arrow, respectively.
Christopher Aldrich is hilarious as blusterous General Bellowes, who oversees Dolittle’s trial, as are Dan DiCello and Neely Gevaart as circus owners Albert and Gertie Blossom. Young Nathan Hoty, as the boy who gets to accompany Dr. Dolittle on his adventures, appears to be sleepwalking through the production.
Pierre-Jacques Brault has channeled the spirit of Willie Wonka in his portrayal of Dolittle. Actually, he has somehow created an amalgamation of Gene Wilder’s innocence from the first film version of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Johnny Depp’s insanity from the second. It works and is a pleasure to watch.
Brault also sells his largely unmemorable songs beautifully, despite the fact that they were written for film actor Rex Harrison’s sing-speak styling and the music—produced only by Ryan Neal on a piano—is washed out by all that is happening on stage.
Although there is not much in this play that caters to adult sensibilities, the dueling duet “You’re Impossible,” sung by Brault and Myor, rises above the material. So does the solo number “After Today,” a romantic ballad that was modified to include Brault, Marshall and Myor. Musical theatre magic happens when these three talented players join forces. It may elude the little ones, as their eyes gravitate to things bright and colorful, but for the rest of us it’s the real pay dirt in this production.
Clearly Dr. Dolittle consists of the Good Humor equivalent of high fructose corn syrup, cellulose gum and artificial flavoring. But, thanks to Mercury Summer Stock, all this combines to form something deceivingly attractive and very easy to swallow.
Dr. Dolittle continues through July 2 in The Cleveland Play House’s Brooks Theatre, 8500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. For tickets, $15 to $18, call 216-771-5862 or visit www.mercurysummerstock.ticketleap.com/dr-dolittle.
Doctor Dolittle Reviewed! (3)
Mercury Summer Stock Goes Wild with Doctor Dolittle
Kate Miller – Cleveland Examiner
It’s not exactly lions and tigers and bears, but Mercury Summer Stock Theater’s (MSS) production of Doctor Dolittle has a lot of oohs, ahs and oh-my’s!
Running now through July 2, 2011 at the Cleveland Play House, Doctor Dolittle features all of the characters we’ve come to love through the stories of Hugh Lofting, as well as the magical movie musical. This charming musical comedy features Mercury Summer Stock Artistic Director Pierre-Jacques Brault as everyone’s favorite veterinarian. This classic tale of loyalty and kindness to animals will crawl, trot and fly into the hearts of young and old.
The musical story of Doctor Dolittle goes like this: brilliant veterinarian Doctor Dolittle shys away from humans in favor of animals, whose languages he has learned over the course of many years. He has a clan of critters, including the parrot Polynesia, a pig named Gub-Gub, a dog named Jip, a duck named Dab-Dab, a monkey called Chee-Chee, and the Pushmi-pullyu (a two-headed llama). Together with a limited number of human companions, they get Doctor Dolittle out of some legal trouble and set off to find the legendary giant pink snail.
Brault describes his character as a planner, a dreamer and always thinking. Doctor Dolittle is described as “better to animals than to people, but the character of Emma shows him how he can care for all creatures, which includes man,” says Brault. He himself shares Dolittle’s love of travel and penchant for fantasy, but admits that he had a little bit of trouble with the dialogue because there was such a large amount to learn.
All cast members had a lot to learn for this production, which features custom-made puppets by PJ’s Puppets based out of Nebraska (http://pjspuppets.com/). Most company members became a creature, which they lovingly brought to life via the puppets.
“One of the most entertaining aspects for people who come see the show will be the puppets – it’s amazing to watch the actors live as the puppet. The best part is when they’re doing such a good job as the puppet, that you end up ignoring the actor and enjoying the animal,” says Brault.
And as for kids in the audience, the showing on Wednesday night was attended by families, camps and those taking part in the My First Musical program through MSS.
“My First Musical gives underserved children from the community an opportunity to see theatre at no cost. The experience includes an interactive portion and exposures kids to the arts,” Brault explains. This particular evening’s interactive component? Jungle Bob (www.junglebob.tv) had his critters outside of the theater teaching kids about animals. See slideshow for photos!
All of the performers have a great time with their roles in the show. Brault is a fun, dreaming Doctor Dolittle; Jennifer Myor is a stubborn and firey Emma Fairfax; Brian Marshall is the dutiful and cheerleading best friend Matthew Mugg. Special cheers to all company members who brought every animal to life.
The set is a wonderful display of life-size pages out of the Hugh Lofting books. Special moments include a ceiling light display, confetti canon blasts, and a clever way to make water move over the entire audience.
Doctor Dolittle’s book, music and lyrics are by Leslie Bricusse and the story is based on the “Doctor Dolittle” stories by Hugh Lofting. This production is staged by Pierre-Jacques Brault and Brian Marshall, with musical direction by Ryan Neal. Songs include My Friend the Doctor, After Today, and the show’s anthem, Talk to the Animals.
- For VIDEO of the puppet workshop that took place at intermission for the June 22, 2011 show, CLICK HERE.
- For the SLIDESHOW of behind-the-scenes shots of this production of Doctor Dolittle, CLICK HERE.
For reservations and more information please call 216.771.5862, or order online at www.mercurysummerstock.com.
THE RUN-DOWN:
What: Mercury Summer Stock’s Doctor Dolittle
When: June 17-18, 22-25, & 29-30 & July 1-2. All performances at 7:30PM
Where: The Brooks Theatre in The Cleveland Play House, 8500 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44106
Cost: $18.00 for Adults and $15.00 for Students (college and under) /Seniors (60 and up)
Cast
Dr. John Dolittle / Staging – Pierre-Jacques Brault
Emma Fairfax – Jennifer Myor
Matthew Mugg / Staging – Brian Marshall
Tommy Stubbins – Nathan Hoty
General Bellowes – Christopher Aldrich
Polynesia – Lynette Turner
Straight Arrow – Kelvette Beacham
Blossom – Dan DiCello
Gertie - Neely Gevaart
Ensemble - Elicia Bryant, Nathan T. Earley, Dominic Fedele, Trey Gilpin, Emily Grodzik, Philip Hamrick, Nate Huntley, Antoinette Kula, Melanie Leibold
Music Director - Ryan Neal
Production Supervisor - Jonathan Ramos
Production Stage Manager / Lighting - Jonathon Hunter
Assistant Production Stage Manager - Cindi Verbelun
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Continue reading on Examiner.com Mercury Summer Stock Goes Wild With Doctor Dolittle – Cleveland Performing Arts | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/performing-arts-in-cleveland/mercury-summer-stock-goes-wild-with-doctor-dolittle#ixzz1QA8MaGFP
Doctor Dolittle Reviewed! (2)
DR. DOOLITTLE, long on special effects at Mercury Summerstock
What happens to a man, a doctor, in fact, who can’t relate to people? What happens to a person who doesn’t know how to communicate with people—only animals? Of course, he becomes best friends with Polynesia (a parrot), Gub-Gub (a pig), Jip (a dog), Dab-Dab (a duck), Chee-Chee (a monkey), Too-Too (an owl), and the Pushmi-pullyu. Make sense? Well, it’s really not supposed to make sense in the traditional sense, but it does make for a smile-inducing story.
DOCTOR DOOLITTLE, now in production at Mercury SummerStock, tells the tale of a doctor, who lives in the small town of Puddleby, England. He finds himself on trial for murder for supposedly throwing a woman over a cliff. As it turns out, the woman is really a seal, who told Doolittle that she wants to be set free from the circus where she is performing, and meet up with her seal husband in the North Pole. Dolittle obliges by dressing her up as a woman, sneaks her out of the circus, and thrusts her into the sea. Insisting that he can actually talk to the animals, the doctor defends himself in court by telling the tale with the help of his talking parrot (the finest animal linguist in the world), a devoted friend, Matthew Mugg, a young boy, Tommy, a menagerie of animals, and the judge’s niece. (Of course there has to be a love interest thrown into the mix.) Eventually the entire assemblage goes off in search of the Pink Snail, with delightful results.
Doctor John Doolittle is the central character in a series of beloved children’s books by Hugh Lofting, whose first efforts were illustrated letters to children during World War I. Eventually they were published as a series of books, all set in Victorian England.
The stories found stage life in a British stage production with music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse (Jekyll & Hyde; Stop the World — I Want to Get Off; The Roar of the Greasepaint — The Smell of the Crowd and Victor/Victoria). It was also transformed into a film staring Rex Harrison and Anthony Newley. A production of the stage version toured Cleveland several years ago with the good doctor being played by Tommy Tune.
Mercury Summerstock, now in its 13th season, presents three shows a summer. There is a naïve Judy Garland-Mickey Rooney, “let’s put on a play” attitude about their productions.
The company is the brainchild of Pierre-Jacques Brault and Brian Marshall who met while students at Baldwin-Wallace College. They thought there was a need for a summer theatre that gave an outlet to the talents of both local professionals and amateurs, with an emphasis on the latter. The theatre is like the wandering minstrels, finding performance spaces where they may. Presently, they are in the Brooks Theatre of the Cleveland Playhouse. What’s next? Who knows, but this tenacious group, will find a way, find a place, and present plays to their loyal audiences.
Mercury’s production is delightful on many fronts, wanting on others. Director/choreographer Brault, doesn’t let simple things like a postage-stamp sized stage, a limited budget and moderately experienced performers get in his way. He just goes on presenting mini-extravaganzas. (This season ends with SHOW BOAT.) The present production is no exception. There are grand costumes, more gorgeous puppets than a major theatre would put on stage, big dance numbers and lots of scenery being dropped form the fly space and shoved around the stage.
On many levels DR. DOOLLITLE is a delight. Brault, not only directs and choreographs, but he plays the lead role. And performs it well. He’s been off the stage for many years and, based on this performance, he deserves to be back where he belongs. He sings, dances and smiles with glee.
His life-partner and stage buddy, Brian Marshall, after a slow start, glows in the second act as Matthew Mugg, an Irish imp. Kelvette Beacham delights as Straight Arrow. Her “Save the Animals” is a fine appeal for animal protectionism. Jennifer Myor has a nice singing voice and makes for a convincing Emma, who finally makes Dolittle realize that people may be as acceptable as animals. Lynette Turner is fun as Polynesia, the smart-mouthed parrot.
All is not perfect with the production. There is some weak acting and character development, some of the dancers aren’t up to Brault’s movements, and the vocal blends don’t always work. The single piano sounds of Ryan Neal, though well played, sound thin as the single musical accompaniment. The first act pacing is slow and performers often cut off applause and laughs by making physical and verbal entrances too early.
Though the show may appear to be ideal for children, some little ones will probably get restless, while adults will be more prone to appreciate the staging devices.
CAPSULE JUDGEMENT: DR. DOOLITTLE gets a pleasing, but not spectacular production, at Mercury Summerstock. The puppets, hummable music and Pierre-Jacques Brault’s staging and performance all are positive aspects of the production.
Doctor Dolittle Reviewed!
Doctor Dolittle, Mercury Summer Stock
- Christine Howey, Rave and Pan
Although most pet owners already fancy themselves capable of engaging their domestic creatures in conversation, talking to animals has always been troublesome beyond the basic statements: “Sit,” “Fetch,” and “Oh, God, not my cashmere sweater!”
That’s why the Dr. Dolittle story, originally written in a series of children’s books by Hugh Lofting, has the ability to entertain youngsters and all the rest of us still in touch with our childlike selves. And this production by Mercury Summer Stock has plenty of fun in store for the little ones, although it may be a tougher slog for those who have advanced past puberty.
The musical features book, compositions and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, the renowned collaborator with Anthony Newley on The Roar of the Greasepaint—the Smell of the Crowd and Stop the World—I Want to Get Off. But aside from the famous “Talk to the Animals” there are precious few toe-tappers. Indeed, some of the melodies seem strained and a bit random.
Still, the fun here resides with the animals and the presentation, in the form of hand puppets and a two-person costume (the Pushmi-pullyu), is charmingly simple. This makes the animals less a technological marvel, as in The Lion King, and more accessible for the kids.
As for the slim plot, Dr. D is brought up on charges of murdering a woman by throwing her off a cliff into the sea. He claims it was a seal and he was just following the seal’s clearly stated wish to rejoin her seal hubby in the waters up north. Of course, the judge is less than accepting of this explanation, and soon most of the animals in town, from plow horses to mice, enlist in Dolittle’s efforts to free himself.
Mercury artistic director Pierre-Jacques Brault plays the title role, which turns out to be a mixed blessing. Brault exudes great charm on stage and sings well enough. But since Brault and Brian Marshall (who plays Matthew Mugg) share staging duties, some directorial details go unattended.
Brault never quite builds the good, animal-whispering doc into a full-blown character. Instead of the befuddled goodness this man should embody, we sense in Brault’s Dolittle an unfocused distraction. This is shown at various times when Brault is smiling at moments when his character should be registering another expression entirely.
As Mugg, Marshall shows off his singing chops but seems to be playing himself more than the rough and tumble, hard-drinking Irish palooka that his character name implies. Dolittle’s love-hate relationship with a local lady goes well, thanks to Jennifer Myor’s crisp, well-sung portrayal of Emma Fairfax.
The puppets, provided by PJ’s Puppets, are mostly adorable in their unaffected construction, and a couple are quite funny (an enthusiastic dog, a pig gifted with super olfactory senses). One exception is Polynesia, the 200-year-old parrot who is doc’s animal linguistics coach. This puppet is virtually expressionless and barely opens its mouth, problems that may stem from the puppet or from the puppeteer.
Dan DiCello and Neely Gevaart nibble freely on the scenery in their stint as circus owners who fall head(s) over heels for the Pushmi-pullyu. And Kelvette Beacham shines in the second act as Straight Arrow, the surprisingly erudite inhabitant of a floating island where an on-the-run Dolittle eventually lands. Her song, “Save the Animals,” is a huge highlight and one only wishes Beacham had a much bigger role.
While some musicals do fine with only piano accompaniment, this production feels quite threadbare musically, even with music director Ryan Neal’s best efforts.
In all, this is a doctor visit the kids are sure to enjoy. As for the adults, watching the kids’ faces light up is a treat in itself.
Doctor Dolittle Opens at Mercury Summer Stock
Mercury Summer Stock presents Doctor Dolittle at the Cleveland Play House
Book, music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse
Based on the “Doctor Dolittle” stories by Hugh Lofting
Director/Choreographer – Pierre-Jacques Brault
Music Director – Ryan Neal
Ten Performances:
Friday, June 17
Saturday, June 18
Wednesday, June 22
Thursday, June 23
Friday, June 24
Saturday, June 25
Wednesday, June 29
Thursday, June 30
Friday, July 1
Saturday, July 2
All shows begin at 7:30pm in the Brooks Theater at the Cleveland Play House
8500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
View Larger Map
For reservations, call the Box Office at 216-771-5862 or order online
Adults: $18
Seniors: $15
Students: $15 (with valid ID!)
Also ask about our kids’ deal: $12 for 12 and under
Season Subscriptions – to see the entire season: Grand Hotel (which I’m also in) and Showboat (which I’m not).
Adults: $45
Seniors: $36
Students: $36
All of your family’s favorite characters from the books, as well as the major motion picture featuring Eddie Murphy, are back. This time, Doctor Dolittle isn’t just talking with the animals; he’s singing with them, too! Leslie Bricusse, author of such classics as Jekyll and Hyde and Willy Wonka, provides the perfectly magical music and lyrics one would expect of such a tale. With animals of every shape and size crawling, trotting, and flying around the stage, this is a show that’s got something for everyone. Perhaps more importantly, this is a story with strong family values – lessons that emphasize kindness, love, and respect. But it’s not without plenty of room for laughter and smiles!
Cast:
Pierre-Jacques Brault – Dr. John Dolittle
Jennifor Myor – Emma Fairfax
Brian Marshall – Matthew Muggs
Nathon Hoty – Tommy Stubbins
Christopher Aldrich – General Bellowes
Lynette Turner – Polynesia
Kelvette Beacham – Straight Arrow
Dan DiCello – Blossom
Neely Gevaart – Gertie
Ensemble:
Elicia Bryant
Nathan T. Earley
Dominic Fedele
Emily Grodzik
Philip Hamrick
Nathan Huntley
Antoinette Kula
Melanie Leibold
Additional Artistic Staff:
Jonathan Ramos – Production Supervisor
Jonathon Hunter – Production Stage Manager / Lighting
Cindi Verbelun – Assistant Production Stage Manager
