Review: BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE at Delaware Theatre Company

When the title of the musical is followed by "based on the book/film...", there tends to be one of two reactions- excitement (LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, MARY POPPINS, RAGTIME) or dread (SISTER ACT, GHOST, CARRIE). And while the Broadway-bound BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE, now playing through May 10th at the Delaware Theatre Company, does not quite reach the level of LA CAGE or RAGTIME, it's hard to resist the feel-good charm bubbling off the stage.

Based on the children's book by Kate DiCamillo and the 2005 film of the same name, BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE follows the story of Opal and her preacher father (Clarke Thorell), new transplants to the small town of Naomi, Florida. Young Opal, perfectly captured by Kylie McVey, has a hard time fitting in and befriends a misfit yet lovable canine (Bowdie) in the local Winn Dixie grocery store; therefore, his name becomes Winn Dixie. Fresh off his turn as Nana in NBC's Peter Pan Live!, Bowdie steals the show at every turn. Much of the credit goes to animal director and trainer Bill Berloni, who must navigate back and forth between the controlled chaos when Winn Dixie misbehaves and the quieter moments when he is the recipient of a number of tuners. The rest of the company is first-rate. Evan Dampman, Nicholas Barasch, Leonay Shepherd, and Anya Rothman all deserve high praise as the children of Naomi. Joliet Harris is magnetic as Gloria, the "Witch," and Carolyn Mignini is wonderfully funny as Miss Franny, the town's librarian. Christopher Ryan Grant shows off his impressive range of musical talents as Otis, the misunderstood pet shop owner, and the score shines because of it.

Duncan Sheik's music is infused with bluegrass and country influences that tend to blend very well with his distinctive pop sensibilities. There are a number of musical moments that eclipse his Tony-winning score for SPRING AWAKENING ("Bottle Tree Blues," "You Can't Run," and "What I Got Is You"). The show-stopping "Not True At All" is the highlight of the evening and expertly choreographed by director Marcia Milgrom Dodge. Despite some lackluster numbers ("Sweet Life," "No One Watching," and "World's Most Awesome Town"), Shiek and lyricist/librettist Nell Benjamin successfully rise above much of the book's melodrama to create sincere moments of emotional resonance.

It's worth noting a particular device used at the beginning of the production. Right off the bat, the audience is introduced to the character of Otis who, from his pet store, serves double duty as pit director. He introduces each member of the orchestra as if they are pets for sale in his store. It's a clever way to introduce the musicians who are all too often taken for granted yet so vital to the success of a musical.

While Broadway musicals have become almost synonymous with spectacle like chandeliers falling and witches flying, you won't find any of that in BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE. But what you will find at the Delaware Theatre Company is a fantastic company of actors telling a simple yet beautiful story. In the program, Mr. Berloni asks the audience to "think about that animal that changed your life and insert his or her name into our title Because of (your dog's name) and enjoy the show." It is a very easy thing to do.

BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE is playing through May 10, 2015. For tickets and a complete performance schedule, visit delawaretheatre.org or call 302-594-1107.

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