Review: MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS is Not to Be Missed at Coterie Theatre

If you want to smile, laugh, and be thoroughly entertained then pop on over to MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS now playing at the Coterie Theatre in Crown Center. The musical brings to life the beloved children's book of the same name by Richard and Florence Atwater. With a script by Robert Kauzlari and music and lyrics by George Howe, Heidi Van directs this highly enjoyable adaptation.

MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS is a delightful tale of Mr. and Mrs. Popper who receives a mysterious box from Admiral Drake, who at the time is exploring the South Pole. Much to the delight of Mr. Popper inside he finds a large penguin, which he promptly names Captain Cook. Soon they acquire a second penguin, this one female, from a zoo that believes she needs a male companion. As can be expected when you have a male and female penguin living in your refrigerator, the couple has 10 baby penguins. While trying to come up with a plan to afford to feed the newly born family Mr. Popper decides to take them into show business. From the opening song to the final curtain I found myself smiling and laughing continually.

Seth Jones gives a fabulous performance in the role of Mr. Popper. He has a marvelous voice and is stage presence is second to none. Jones returns to The Coterie having previously appeared in A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD and SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! Besides, being an accomplished actor he is also a celebrated visual artist. His art can be viewed on Instagram at @sethmichaeljones and on Facebook at Seth M. Jones Art.

No finer performance has been given at The Coterie than that of Elise Poehling as Mrs. Popper. What a fantastic voice and stage presence. I could spend a night listening to her sing and then throw in the duets with Jones and it isn't music for the ears it is music for the soul. Every aspect of her performance (voice, body movements, and reaction to the other characters) is charismatic. I have seen several performances by her and each time she outdoes her last performance.

Roan Ricker, The Coterie's resident actor, is wonderful in the nine characters he portrays. He will appear in the remain shows of the theaters 2018-2019 season. Antonia Washington plays Copper and the puppeteers (sorry they don't use real penguins) are Faith "Phoenix" Johnson and Ashley Elliot-Rowe.

This is a show you really don't want to miss, it's hilarious, fabulously staged, and the songs will turn the grumpiest mood to happy. MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS continues at The Coterie through March 31. Purchase tickets at web.ovationtix.com/trs/redirect_full/34948 or call the box office at 816-474-6552.

Photos by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of The Coterie Theatre.