Review: Orlando Shakes' STUART LITTLE is the Pick-Me-Up We All Need

Orlando Shakes' STUART LITTLE delights young audiences and keeps the grown ups entertained too. This play is filled with colorful adventure, limitless optimism, and easy laughs that is exactly the pick-me-up needed this time of year. While most of the performances are sold-out to school audiences, there are still a few shows left for the general public to catch. If you have young ones this is definitely too much fun to miss.

STUART LITTLE was originally a novel by E.B. White and a movie in 1999, but for those who need a refresher, STUART LITTLE is about a boy mouse. He is growing up in New York and his life is filled with New York adventures like visiting Central Park, driving to Connecticut, and dealing with loud garbage men. His parents and brother are human and treat him like just another member of the family. In fact, the human family members will not even refer to his mousiness and take great care not to treat him differently. In this adaptation STUART interacts with the family cat, other humans, and a bird. Stuart waxes poetic language throughout the show without dropping a beat. Stuart's overall message to the audience is that you don't have to be big to get things done.

One thing I loved about this show was how doggedly passionate the young audience was about Stuart's experiences. Not only were there tons of giggles the slapstick moments, but there were screams of total belief that whatever mess Stuart was in he couldn't get out of without the audience's help. One little girl stood up yelling at the actors and adamantly tried to protect Stuart from a doomed fate. For me it was a nice reminder to live in the moment. As adults we do not have nearly enough of those moments of complete immersion.

There are definitely challenges putting on a show that features a boy mouse, who on the surface appears to be the size of a small boy. The solution? Some "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" moments with well-timed oversized props. The result is clever non-invasive storytelling.

The cast is small and mighty. With only six billed performers, there are dozens of roles that are flawlessly executed. Madelyn James plays the tenacious and spunky Stuart Little. James' youthful energy carries the show with boundless zest. The young audience has no choice other than to be drawn into this world that revolves around Stuart Little. James is easily likeable as Stuart Little and portrays the character well physically.

Other standout performances include Eric Eichenlaub as the sneaky cat Snowbell. Eichenlaub is suave and portrays himself exactly as the jerk cats are in real life. On a side note, earlier this month, I took a tour of the on-site Orlando Shakes costume shop (Video coming soon). At the time of my visit, Snowbell's tail was being hand sewn, but it did not look like much. Seeing the full costume on stage was one of those magical theater "ah ha" moments.

My other favorite character was Gabrielle Toldeo as Margalo. Toledo, must have come directly from her run in WEST SIDE STORY because she doesn't miss a beat or drop an accent. As a bird, Toledo floats figuratively throughout the stage, mesmerizing the audience and Stuart.

Overall, STUART LITTLE is a light comedic show that tells a great many adventures in a short amount of time (just 55 minutes). It is enjoyable for kids, but also for adults who revel in classic stories. Directed by Melissa Mason Braillard, STUART LITTLE runs until November 18th. There are just a few performances left for the general public as most of the run is sold out or sold to school groups. Be sure to arrive early for some fun entertainment and to "shake out the sillies." For tickets and more information visit: http://orlandoshakes.org/shows/stuart-little/.

Photo Credit: Olivia Winslow

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