Review Roundup: AN AMERICAN TAIL: THE MUSICAL at Children's Theatre Company

Children's Theatre Company is presenting the world premiere of An American Tail the Musical.

With a book and lyrics by Tony Award-winning playwright Itamar Moses (The Bands Visit), and music & lyrics by Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler (Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical, The Secret of My Success), the production will feature music supervision by Andrea Grody (The Band's Visit and Tootsie on Broadway), and choreography by Katie Spelman (World Premiere Musical The Notebook). An American Tail the Musical will be directed by Taibi Magar (We Are Proud To Present at Guthrie Theatre; We Live in Cairo at A.R.T; Anna Deavere Smith's Twilight: Los Angeles at Signature Theatre; Co-Artistic Director of Philadelphia Theatre Company).

In An American Tail the Musical, an army of cats forces young Fievel Mousekewitz and his family to escape from Russia by boat. When a storm at sea separates them, Fievel arrives alone in the vast city of New York. In this riveting new musical based on the beloved animated film, the steadfastly optimistic Fievel makes his way as a new immigrant, encountering friends and foes (including a few scene-stealing cockroaches!). Despite everything stacked against him, Fievel clings to his dreams of a better life and reuniting with his family. Are they Somewhere Out There?

An American Tail the Musical will play through June 18, 2023 at CTC's UnitedHealth Group Stage.

See what the critics are saying...

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Jared Fessler, BroadwayWorld: The music and lyrics were catchy and fun. There were large ensemble musical numbers along with duets, and solo musical numbers that were accompanied by choreography that fit the style of 1885 times. I enjoyed the dancing cockroaches! The iconic hit song from the movie "Somewhere Out There," was also included and was enjoyed by the audience especially those of the 80s and early 90's it made us feel the nostalgia of that time.

Rob Dunkelberger, The Stages of MN: Playing the lead as Fievel is Matthew Woody who performs with the assuredness and stage presence of a veteran performer. He'll be an inspiration to any young people in the audience who think they might like to try their hand at the acting life. Equally appealing and talented is Lillian Hochman as his older sister Tanya. The duet share on that holdover from the film version "Somewhere Out there" is a high point of the show and an emotionally resonant moment towards the end of the first act. Luverne Seifert plays duo roles as the warm and loving Papa and the devious Warren T. Rat, pulling these complete opposites off wonderfully. Becca Hart likewise plays both Mama and Rat's cockroach accountant Digit, getting a chance to show off her dance moves in a seen with her fellow cockroaches that's wonderfully choreographed by Katie Spelman. Other notable performers are Ryan London Levin as Tony, Kiko Laureano as Bridget, Autumn Ness as Gussie and Reed Sigmund as Honest John. They, along with the entire ensemble, bring this tale of mice and cats to glorious life.

Wendy Schadewald, Short Redhead Reel Reviews: fter a brave, optimistic young mouse (Matthew Woody) leaves his native Russia with his Jewish family in 1885 onboard a ship bound for New York City to escape constantly threatening felines because all mice know there are "no cats in America" and gets separated from his parents (Luverne Seifert and Becca Hart) and sister (Lillian Hochman) when he is washed overboard during a horrific storm in this entertaining, poignant, engaging, multilayered, well-acted, humor-punctuated, star-studded, 2-hour musical.

Justin Kwong, phenoMNal twin cities: The musical numbers are a mixed bag, but the showstopping "Somewhere Out There" now than makes up for the lesser bits (not that the kids really care but the time the dancing cockroaches emerge in the second act). There were also a few sound issues in the second half, with some performers mics either too loud or too quiet, but they should be easy enough to sort out.

Joy Peters, Family Fun Twin Cities: One of the things I love about Children's Theatre Company is that it offers true family entertainment. Kids will enjoy this musical as much as their parents loved the film, because it is a great story. But, parents and grandparents will also find much to love - great choreography, thoughtful commentary on our world and the cross-generational entertainment we have come to expect from CTC.

Keith Russell, Life in Revue: Towards the end of the show there is a quite a bit of talk about the class system, unions, and immigration. While this is one aspect that I love about the Children's Theatre (education through art), at times it didn't seem to hold the attention of some of the younger kids around me. That being said, it was still a wonderful experience, and a great show! I have high hopes that this will eventually work it's way to New York.

Arthur Dorman, Talkin' Broadway: While it broaches difficult material, it also lifts the spirits, and leaves us with positive outcomes that sing of the virtues of tenaciousness, family and communities working for the common good. You can save the show's serious side for meaningful conversations about these issues on the drive home-as I had with my two young guests on opening night. That's a terrific take-away, but the even greater payoff is that An American Tail is wonderfully entertaining for all ages.

Lettered in Theatre: An all-star cast brings this tale to life on stage. Matthew Woody plays Fievel and wonderfully captures the innocence and determination of this little mouse on a big mission. A true highlight is during the Somewhere Out There duet between Fievel and sister Tanya (Lillian Hochman) as they sing from their separate rooms wishing on the stars that their family will be reunited, they perfectly conveyed the emotion of the song and made me want to call my brothers. Each member of the cast brought their A game and over exceeded my expectations.

Ron Hubbard, Twin Cities Pioneer Press: If you've ever left a theater performance mulling why its producers thought it important to present that particular show at that time, know that you won't feel that after attending Children's Theatre Company's world premiere production of "An American Tail."

Becky Monpetit, Twin Cities Mom Collective: I was overwhelmed when I realized the significance Story has in this production of An American Tail the Musical. Fievel finds the inspiration he needs in the many stories his Papa has told him at bedtime to overcome the obstacles and challenges. Fievel's challenges also subtly and not-so-subtly parallel the story of immigrants and refugees coming to the United States to start new lives in turmoil. As a parent, I truly appreciated seeing this played out on the stage. There were multiple talking points after the show and my children were chattering away asking question after question about what they had seen and heard.

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