Displaying items by tag: Shelby L Miguel
Review: 'American Girl Live' at Broadway Playhouse
I know I’m not the target audience of the current production at the Broadway Playhouse (or of the American Girl store nearby), but I suppose my wallet is. What I do know is that my six-year-old daughter was excited for the show, and I was excited to watch her watch it. There’s something about seeing someone else experience joy that’s even better than experiencing it your own self. And that’s what I got to experience while watching a whole audience full of joyful kids watch American Girl Live.
If you’re considering attending this show, then I needn’t educate you on the line of American Girl dolls that have not only built a successful franchise but have now spawned an actual touring Broadway production. And if you’re considering attending this actual touring Broadway production, then I need only tout its impact on the little girls or guys you’ll be taking along. For the wee ones, this show’s a success, mostly thanks to its spunky cast and the onstage world they inhabit for the two hours (yes, two hours) that the play runs.
We’re greeted at Camp American Girl by Monica Poston’s over-the-top counselor, Alyssa. Alyssa not only greets us, but five girls who’ll be attending camp right along with us. Jenna Bruce plays the hesitant newcomer, Tori. Ashley Diane’s Bella is ready to go, though, as are Shelby L. Miguel’s Rosie and Laila E. Drew’s uber-talented Nia. But the camper who bounced and flexed and made the most of her time onstage was peppy Kelsey Pressnall. Each of the actresses got their moment to sing a solo number, and each of them did a nice job on backing vocals throughout.
Gina Rattan’s direction keeps the story going, even when the story drags, and Lauren Helpern’s scenes and Faye Amon-Troncoso’s props and set design keep things moving, as well — from the bunkhouse to the deep, dark woods.
But back to that dragging story…overall, the show’s a nice-enough tale of girls at summer camp. And yeah, I know it’s about American Girl dolls, but the way that the girls’ six dolls were shoehorned into the show was not at all organic or natural. Each of the six actresses are fine when it comes time to appear as one of the toys from another era (we meet, in chronological order, a Russian-Jewish immigrant at the dawn of WWI, a Hawaiian girl in Pearl Harbor as WWII gets underway, a boomer-to-be in sunny 50s Fla., a Motown hopeful from 1964, a hippie in San Fran, and an astronaut from today). But despite me being a history buff, I couldn’t help feel like my beloved history was being used not to educate or inspire young women, but rather to inspire young people’s future consumerism (or their parents’ present purchases).
But I guess I shouldn’t gripe too much. My daughter and all the other kids in attendance absolutely loved the show, and I was charmed by the cast and crew’s dedication and talent. So as long as you can stomach blatant capitalism, then this show’s not a bad trip to Camp American Girl.
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A Night to Remember Aboard Marriott Theatre’s Titanic
Written by CJ BurroughsAs a lifelong aficionado of the ill-fated ocean liner RMS Titanic, I’ve always gravitated toward any experience that would leave me feeling immersed in that famous moment of an era that nobody any of us knows anymore is alive to… -
Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces casting for the NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE of a new musical from the producers of SIX - 42 Balloons
Written by Buzz Center StageChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces today the cast of the North American premiere of the new musical 42 Balloons. From the multi-award-winning producers Kevin McCollum (Oh, Mary!, Rent), Andy Barnes and Wendy Barnes (SIX), and Sonia Friedman Productions (Merrily We Roll Along), 42 Balloons is an '80s-inspired musical based on the unbelievable true story… -
Pegasus Theatre Chicago announces cast for its revival of Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery
Written by Buzz Center StagePegasus Theatre Chicago and Director ILesa Duncan proudly announce the casting for the revival of playwright Shay Youngblood's Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery, which follows "Daughter", who returns home to eulogize the last of the women who raised her in 1960s Georgia. Shakin' the Mess Outta…
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Steppenwolf Theatre Announces LookOut's Summer 2025 Season
Written by Buzz Center StageSteppenwolf's LookOut Series is pleased to announce its action-packed summer lineup of comedy, magic, storytelling, drag and more! The Summer 2025 Season includes captivating solo works from some of Chicago's most accomplished storytellers; showcases of comedy, theatre and puppetry artists; and a…
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