PICKWICK PLAYERS BRING HAPPINESS AS THEY PRESENT LITTLE MARY SUNSHINE SEPTEMBER 2-11

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By Kathy Carpenter

Associate /Youth Reviewer www.sdtheatre.com

September 7, 2016  (Santee) - From the name LITTLE Mary Sunshine and the photo of the play I thought this play to be a Dudley Do-right type show, I was not disappointed. I found not as dastardly but a cutesy cartoony kind of happiness--the kind that puts a smile on your face as you enjoy the corny comedy. Teri Ang brought together a cast to spread the sunshine. This is a great way to end the summer—and the show even had a touch of patriotism, perfect for the Labor day weekend.

Former teacher at the California Ballet Madeline Jame brought the ever cheerful Mary Sunshine to the stage with her beauty, sweet demeanor and angelic voice. The cast wast quite large and I can't decide who was funnier--David Gregory as Captain Jim, whose expressions were priceless,or Marco Kengott as Billy, who was just plain funny.

Michael Joseph Pierce made the perfect Chief Brown Bear. Experience really showed with Joy Feria as Nancy. The way she moved and brought Nancy to life made her a standout in the cast.

The story is about Little Mary Sunshine, who may lose her inn, but remains undaunted. Alas, also the Forest Rangers who protect the area around Mary, and a secret mission to capture her Indian brother Yellowtail.

The show is melodramatic and merry. Contrasts bring out the fun. It’s a great family show, with a beautiful score played by Michael Farley on keyboard and Catherine Barnes on drums. I loved the music in this show.

For their next performance, Pickwick will be be doing a mentor show.  That means two casts: adults and younger actors, with older actors will mentor the young ones. I have witnessed both casts in the past and  both do a remarkable job. The Show will be Something’s Afoot - The Murder Mystery Musical, coming December 2 -18, 2016. Make your plans now.

The youth show has not yet been cast. If you know any budding actors, they can go to www.pickwickplayers.net.

Remaining performances:

Friday September 9th, 2016 at7:30 p.m.

Saturday September 10 at 2p.m.and 7:20 p.m.

Sunday 11 at 2 p.m.


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