It is the trial of the century! Every juicy piece of gossip you could imagine is wrapped up neatly, just waiting to be unraveled. There are men, women, and a strange woman. There are cops, judges, bailiffs, and animals. What? Animals? Yes, animals! In fact, some can even talk to them. Curious? Then you must see Doctor Dolittle being presented by The Salem Players.
Director Jen Sizer takes the ball to direct her first musical and delivers a touchdown. As everyone knows great scoring is a team effort, and Sizer has huddled some all-stars around her. Music Director Anita Spicer-Lane took a director new to musicals, cast members performing for the first time, seasoned cast members, cast members returning to the stage after a many, many, many (okay a lot) of years, and even baritone cast members singing tenor roles, sprinkled them with dew, covered them with chocolate and a miracle or two; and made the world taste good. My hat is off to Ms. Spicer-Lane. Katie Sheldon kept her choreography simple, clean, and very effective. Sheldon gets the most from her dancers making the intimate space come to life. Set Constructors Paull Timmel and Matt Medicus take full advantage of the space. They make it very clear where you are in a production that has a flashback or two. Excellent idea offsetting the courtroom to allow the members to watch along with us. As if to say, “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet”, Timmel has a big reveal (and no it’s not John Dignam’s legs) at the end.
Perhaps the brightest stars in this galaxy of talent are Costume Designer Fran Huber and Props Mistress Sara Toscano. Making or even finding costumes and props for a particular period can be very difficult. Huber and Toscano made it look as easy as riding a bike. Everything worn by the cast and displayed onstage was perfect. Any cast that includes children and adults is going to have more sizes than a going out of business sale on Temu.com. Huber took on this challenge like a pro. Kudos to Toscano for the homemade wheelchair.
I can honestly say that this cast of animals and ensemble members is the hardest working group of actors I have ever seen in one show. You guys were changing in and out of costumes, moving things, and having a good time. It was so nice to see you all enjoying yourselves. Charlotte Naughton, Viola Sinnott, Phoebe Medicus, Natalie Pocius, Gia Mikel, Emma Hawthorn, Sue Godwin, Coraline Weaver, Ollie Sinnott, and Lucille made up the Animal Brigade the night I saw the show. Many ensemble members doubled in other roles. Phoebe Medicus (Tommy) was on point the entire show. When not speaking watch her interaction with the animals, especially Polynesia. Tim Toscano (Bellowes) will instantly become the man you love to hate, and yet he shows another side. Toscano delivers a well-balanced performance. John Dignam (Straight Arrow) delivers his comedy with precision, and his golden tone will have you stopping off at your local animal shelter. Tim VanSant (Albert Blossom), Sara Toscano (Gertie Blossom), Coraline Weaver (Policeman) round out the dual duties. But that’s not all (I told you this was a hard-working cast)! Emma Hawthorn (Baliff, Dymme-Witt, Toggle, It’s a secret) went through more changes than an i-Phone User Agreement. I most certainly would have walked on stage with multiple costume parts. Outstanding job!
Catonsville was blessed the day Leslie Johnson (Fairfax) decided to return to theatre. Her lovely voice is only surpassed by her stage work. It is motivating to see someone jump back into something they love and not miss a beat. Damien Gibbons (Mugg) is pure joy to watch. Like Johnson, Gibbons is multitalented. His presence is commanding when needed and he can step back as when he is partnered with Johnson. His persona is different with Fairfax, then with the Dr., than it iswith Tommy. He brought out the soft, human side and was very likeable. Gibbons’ duet with the Dr. was the highlight of the show, in my opinion.
Kevin Wilson (Dr. Dolittle) has convinced me that I have spent most of my life in a cave. From the moment he spoke, I had to look in my program to see who he was. Not recognizing his name, I read his biography during intermission. Thus, the cave. How have I missed this man for so many years? Wilson has a voice that fills the room. His sound resonates from the rafters, and you can feel it booming in your heart. Perhaps his greatest talent is his ability to control such a powerful instrument. Wilson masterfully weaves in and out of an echoing rumble to an almost soft lilt. His voice, combined with the others makes “Fabulous Places”, a bring down the house number.
Most theatre people are aware that there is an ongoing debate whether the star of Superstar is Jesus or Judas. Sure, Jesus has his name in the title, but isn’t the story really told through the eyes of Judas? Anyway, it doesn’t matter what side of the issue you are on, thanks to Elinor Bower (Polynesia), we have a new argument. Yeah, the show is called Dr. Dolittle, but who do we meet first, and who carries us through the story? Bower puts on a performance that is not to be missed! She steals the show every time she is on stage. Flawless delivery, with an accent that stays perfect throughout the show, Bowers makes it a point to interact with everyone regardless of what’s happening. Some of her best moments are with the animals but watch her and Tommy during the seaweed pie scene. My only regret with her character was that the writers did not write a song just for her.
Dr. Dolittle is a fun, family friendly show. I hope you enjoy your experience as much as I did. I recommend eating prior to the show and maybe bringing water as there are no concessions.
Running Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission
Doctor Doolittle plays through May 13th 2023 with The Salem Players— Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church at 905 Frederick Road in Catonsville, MD. For tickets call (410) 747-0720 or purchase them online.
