BWW JR: GUSTAFER YELLOWGOLD'S INFINITY SOCK

by Guest Writer Dawn Berkowitz Ader

"Many thanks to my good friend Dawn for scouting this show out for me while I was out of town". -Erin

When my friend Erin asked me to check out GUSTAFER YELLOWGOLD'S INFINITY SOCK with my four and seven-year-old daughters and then write about my experience, I was both excited and nervous. I was excited because my always "on the go" family is constantly looking for new things to do and see around the city, but I had some apprehension about the "job" part of this. You see, ever since becoming a mom, I have involuntarily started taking naps when at shows. Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that I never have a stretch during the day without hearing whining and ‘mommy" every other minute? I agreed to take on the challenge, and hoped for an engaging, upbeat show that would help me stay awake and interested.

I was tempted to Google the intriguing title to see what GUSTAFER was all about, but decided against it. For a change, I'd rather go in with an open mind.

As we were on our way downtown to the show, my seven year-old daughter asked, "What kind of show is it? Is it a movie?"

"No", I replied. "It's a show...live theater,"

Well as it turns out, we were both right!

GUSTAFER YELLOWGOLD'S INFINITY SOCK is a refreshing addition to the children's theater landscape, artfully blending mellow yet catchy and clever live music with simple, wonderfully stylistic illustrations.

The laid-back show's creator, songwriter, musician and illustrator Morgan Taylor takes the audience on a magical, musical adventure. Taylor sings his heartfelt, melodic tunes and plays guitar while the story of former sun-dweller Gustafer (looking for the toe end of the longest sock in the universe) is projected on a large video screen.

Along his journey, Gustafer meets a menagerie of woodland animals, all of whom use the sock for different purposes. Each time Gustafer encounters new creatures who are curious to learn more about the sock, Taylor whips up another imaginative and poignant tune. From the bees performing in their late night hangout to a Broadway romp set in an all-cheese clothing store and everything in between, my children sat remarkably still, watching and listening - not even asking for snacks or to sit on my lap (which is the norm). They both relished the catchy music throughout the journey and were mesmerized by the illustrations of Gustafer embracing the absurd. As for me, I wasn't even tempted to nod off. Instead, I found myself tapping my foot, swaying in my seat and smiling at this sweet little fellow's inquisitive nature. 

As soon as the show ended, my 7 year old said, "See Mom, it was a movie."

As a special treat, the cute, yellow, cone-headed Gustafer was waiting in the lobby to greet children and take photographs. Unfortunately my little one is scared of people in costumes and my big one is too cool for it (let the whining begin), otherwise I would have stopped to pose for a picture with this lovable guy as a memento of the day.

GUSTAFER YELLOWGOLD'S INFINITY SOCK is anything but ordinary. Spending an hour on this unique musical journey is a delightful treat for kids and parents alike.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
• A multi-media performance of live music, animated illustrations and storytelling.
• Best for ages four to ten.
• An EXTREMELY limited engagement (Saturdays through April 2nd) at the DR2 theatre.
• For more information including show times and how to purchase tickets visit www.gustaferyellowgold.com

Dawn is a veteran of the media industry, and over the past 17 years has worked in an array of media including radio news, documentaries, on-air promos, music videos, short films and commercials. As the head of On-Air and Corporate video for A&E Television Networks/The History Channel, Dawn launched 20 channels on three continents. In 2004, she founded Dawn's Early Light Creative which enables her to share her experience and vast knowledge of operational efficiency with executives and teams of all sizes within cable companies and outside agencies. She uses her creative energies to produce large scale high profile cable television projects for clients such as Bravo, USA, Oxygen, Sci-Fi, Univision, History and MTV. Dawn lives in Manhattan with her husband and two daughters, ages 4 and 7. www.DawnsEarlyLightCreative.com