Review: IVY AND BEAN, THE MUSICAL

So yesterday was a crummy day. I didn't really want to go to the Rose Theater in Omaha to review IVY AND BEAN, THE MUSICAL. I wasn't in the mood. But since it was a short production (just over an hour), I went and am happy to report that this little show based on the popular children's books by Annie Barrows is mood elevating. If you need something to cheer you up, this could well be it.

Directed by Susann Suprenant and choregraphed by Sue Gillespie Booton, this small cast of characters takes us into Pancake Court where the exuberant Bean seeks to become known beyond the confines of her neighborhood. Unsure whether the quiet Ivy next door is friend material, her interest is piqued when she discovers that Ivy considers herself a witch with magical powers. Together they enlist the help of neighborhood kids: a soccer loving Leo and amiable Sophie, to set a new world record...doing something. Anything. However, their efforts are frequently thwarted by Bean's interfering big sister Nancy.

You just gotta like Amy Bahr as Bean. She pulls off "kid-dom" easily, both with her youthful appearance (that hairstyle!) and her boisterous actions. She has energy to spare. As her mysteriously intriguing pal Ivy, Bethany Bresnahan brings an endearing wistfulness and lighthearted appeal. She could never be boring.

Young veteran actor Max Hauze adds a pleasing solid voice to the mix as the athletic Leo. The harmony in "Sports!" with Amy and Bethany is beautiful teamwork. Olivia Jones does impressive double duty as the young Sophie and as Bean's mother. Zach Kloppenborg does equally as well as the goodnatured Eric and as Bean's wannabe stern father. Zach, Olivia, and Amy are especially fun in "Gotta be Good."

The music and lyrics by Scott Elmegreen overall are not particularly catchy or memorable. The standout song for me was "I'm in Charge Now" sung by the imperious Nancy, Stephanie Jacobson. It was really good, but there were parts of the song where her voice hinted of an even bigger power and beauty that didn't completely come through. I was hoping she would pull out all the stops and let it rip. I feel she has something special.

Scenic designers Bill Van Deest and Matthew Hamel do a great job recreating the cartoonish feel of the Ivy and Bean books. Paired with Sherri Geerdes' bright costumes, there is the feel of a world where reality meets imagination.

The lively throng of children in the audience on opening night voiced approval of the show. They especially loved the bits of juvenile humor such as wiggling behinds. Judging from their reaction, I judge this production to be another winner for The Rose.

IVY AND BEAN runs OCT 9-25.

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