BWW Reviews: AVENUE ZOO is Fun for All Ages

It is summertime in Houston and the perfect time to get outdoors and explore with family members and friends. What's a better place to visit than the Houston Zoo? This summer, in the first-ever collaboration between the Houston Zoo and Theatre Under the Stars, Houstonians have one more reason to visit the zoo-AVENUE ZOO. It's a good time for the whole family!

Written by Broadway veteran Sharon Wheatley, AVENUE ZOO was originally created and produced by the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo. Now, the show has been adapted for the Houston Zoo. AVENUE ZOO tells the story of Zoe, a young girl who has recently moved to Houston after her father's job transfer. Unfamiliar with the Houston area, Zoe gets off at the wrong stop at the METRORail and ends up at Avenue Zoo, where she befriends some really interesting animals. With the help of her new animal friends, Zoe learns more about their species and wildlife conservation. With a great script, excellent puppet work, spirited music by Robert Meffe, and catchy lyrics by Allen Kendall, AVENUE ZOO is a treat for all ages.

Direction by Michael Tapley is evocative of someone who understands how to create the perfect environment for entertaining both children and adults. With his direction, the cast functions in a way that is engaging and highly enjoyable. Sharon Wheatley, who also provided puppeteering expertise and assistance in stage direction, ensured that the puppet work was skillfully executed.

Brittany Halen, the swing actor standing in for Ellen Dyer for this performance, delivers a high-energy and charming performance as Zoe. Her animated delivery throughout musical numbers and the introduction of fascinating animal facts is endearing and entertaining. Brittany Halen's vocal performance is spot-on as she sings while reminiscing about home, and she demonstrates a beautiful upper register as she harmonizes with other cast members.

Jason Broussard provides a positively charismatic performance as Shani the Lion. He excels at actively engaging the audience through his ebullient performance and appealing baritone/tenor vocals. Jason Broussard's performance as Harvey, the "King Vulture" keeps the audience in stitches as he tells over-the-top jokes and performs vaudeville style numbers with Zoe. His puppet work is flawless as he provides the audience with characters that are amiable and witty.

Colleen Trotter successfully plays a big python with an even bigger amount of sass. Her performance as Baby, the Green Tree Python is enjoyable and captivating. Her beautiful alto vocals are perfectly fitting for the diva that she is portraying. Colleen Trotter demonstrates exceptional puppet work as she skillfully maneuvers the large python body and as the second hand for Harvey the Vulture.

AVENUE ZOO provides a healthy dose of education and an even larger dose of laughter. I know I am not the only one who was sold on this adorable, fun-filled performance. Throughout the production, children participated excitedly as they roared like lions and danced in their seats to the musical numbers. This production is a reflection of the successful partnership between The Houston Zoo and Theatre Under the Stars, and I hope that it is the first in a long line of future collaborations.

AVENUE ZOO is currently running at the Houston Zoo through August 18. Performances happen Thursday through Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The performance lasts approximately twenty-five minutes, and is included in the price of zoo admission. To learn more about AVENUE ZOO or other exciting theatre opportunities visit Theatre Under the Stars at www.tuts.com. You can also find more information about the production or other zoo happenings by visiting the Houston Zoo website at www.houstonzoo.org.

All photos courtesy of Theatre Under the Stars.

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