Theater Review: 'The Great American Mousical' at Legacy Theatre

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

“The Great American Mousical” has been brought to life at the Legacy Theatre in Branford in a completely adorable musical version of the book written by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton. The mother/daughter team has published over 35 books for children and adults. The Legacy production is directed by Julie Andrews herself, who was spotted in the area during the rehearsal process.

Artistic Director and Co-Founder Keely Baisden Knudsen notes that it has been a tremendous honor to be part of the further development of this musical that had its premiere at Goodspeed’s second stage, the Norma Terris Theatre in Chester. The Legacy Theatre is “busting out all over” with “excitement and joy, bringing this band of singing, dancing mice to life.”

Hunter Bell wrote the book for the musical version. Bell wrote the Tony-nominated Broadway musical “(title of show).” While some might find this a musical for young audiences, I believe that adults can appreciate the cute storyline nicely augmented with cheerful singing and dancing.

I loved listening for the Broadway parodies in the script, some with a clear “mouse take” on a beloved show and others with a quick reference that a true theater geek will catch. At times, the spoofs came so quickly that I could not write them down fast enough. However, I did smile at the homage to (in no particular order) “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Les Miserables,” “Oklahoma,” “The King and I,” “Chicago,” “Phantom.” “Sweet Charity,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Annie” and “My Fair Mousey.” I also caught “Somewhere that’s green,” Art isn’t easy,” “I’m tellin’ you,” and “Another 100 people.”

Equity member David Beach reprises the role that he originated in the Goodspeed production, that of Henry/Father (the human.) He was also part of the delightful “Mystery of Edwin Drood” at Goodspeed. Legacy Theatre Development Director and Equity member Anne Runolfsson delightfully plays the leading role of the theater diva mouse named Adelaide.

Equity’s David Garrison convincingly covers the roles of Emile, Uncle Bernie and Fausto. Megan Hasse shines in her Legacy debut as the stage manager Toby. Stephen C. Kallas returns to his home state to play Curly, Rat 2 and an ensemble member. Julia Lennon steps up to play Wendy in her Legacy debut.

Thomas Beebe, who last appeared in Legacy’s “The Play The Goes Wrong,” is very funny in the role of the costumer Hysterium and in the ensemble. Michelle E. Carter, who will be part of the national tour of “Hadestown” when it opens in Waterbury in October, steps out of the ensemble to play the company member named Rose. Hayden Elefante plays the young intern named Pippin in his Legacy debut. Angeleia “Angel” Ordonez is adorable as Ping, who enters on a bicycle.

Josiah Rowe, no stranger to the Legacy stage, takes on the role of Harold. Zach Williams, who appeared on Broadway in “Aladdin,” covers the role of both Sky and Scud. In the ensemble are Chelsea Dacey and Jackson Glenn.

Stefanie Anarumo had the honor of working with Andrews as associate director. The musical was lovingly choreographed by Christopher Gattelli. Music direction by Cameron Moncur (“Mean Girls”) is on display as he conducts the seven-member orchestra seated in front of the small stage while wearing mouse ears. The music composed by Zina Goldrich with lyrics by Marcy Heisler is witty and charming. Orchestrations were done by Mike Morris.

Jimmy Johansmeyer was the perfect choice as the costume designer. Johansmeyer’s designs are simply adorable. The wigs suggest mouse ears without veering into Disney ears.

The scenic design by Anna Louizos brings the basement of the crumbling Broadway theater to the Legacy stage, beautifully lit by Michael Gottlieb. The setting is the Sovereign Theater, and various places in and around New York City in the present a few days prior to New Year’s Eve. Sound design by Adam Jackson worked well throughout.

The run of “The Great American Mousical” was sold out with a waiting list for tickets. Next up is “Sweet Dreams: A Bedtime Story Comes to Life,” a new musical for young audiences on Aug. 17.