BWW Reviews: Stages St. Louis's Production of DISNEY'S THE ARISTOCATS

Since I first started taking my son along with me to see children's shows (he's seen over twenty), it's become readily apparent to me that he especially enjoys seeing the ones put on by Stages St. Louis. That's because they're always entertaining and fun, and they don't wear out their welcome by running too long. Their current presentation of Disney's The Aristocats is another fine example of the kind of engaging productions they present year in and year out. And, I'm happy to report that my son absolutely loved it (my wife and I did, too)!

For those unfamiliar with the plot, the stage version follows the basics set down in the 1970 feature film, but with a few tweaks to make it work on stage. Madame is proud of her cat Duchess, and her three little kittens, Toulouse, Berlioz and Marie. In fact, she's leaving her entire fortune to them in her will, much to the chagrin of her allergic butler, Edgar, who's aversion to the feline family extends beyond his physical conniptions; he wants the money for himself. So, he "catnapps" the brood, leaving them in the woods, far from their stately Parisian residence. Luckily, they happen upon the ever-resourceful Thomas O'Malley, an alley cat with considerable charm and guile. With the aid of two geese named Abigail and Amelia, they manage to make their way back home. And, even though love blossoms between Duchess and Thomas, they part ways, only to be reunited when Edgar makes a second attempt to do away with the cats.

Pamela Reckamp is a delight as Duchess, effectively conjuring up the vocal inflections of Eva Gabor with apparent ease. She guides her charges with a calming concern, and John Kinney (Berlioz), Lisa Christine Fahey (Marie), and Kyle Gunby (Toulouse) are equally cute and appealing as her kittens. David Schmittou is also quite good as Thomas O'Malley, projecting an endearing cockiness that works quite well for his character.

Kari Ely is solid as Madame, and she also does nice work as Abigail, waddling alongside Taylor Pietz, who does charming work as Amelia. Shaun Sheley is properly villainous and buffoonish as Edgar, and Edward Juvier is a riot, channeling the voice and style of Ed Wynn as the helpful mouse Roquefort (yes, I know it was Sterling Holloway in the movie, but who can do his voice?). Borris York, Ben Nordstrom and Nic Thompson deliver enthusiastic performances, and pull double duty as fellow alley cats, as well as a kind of country canine patrol.

Stephen Bourneuf's direction and choreography are splendidly realized, and he keeps the show moving at a fast tempo that prohibits any possible loss of interest from the children or adults in attendance. Al Fischer's music direction, along with Stuart Elmore's orchestral constructions, makes nice work of a typical Disney style adaptation that reworks the best melodies from the movie (like my favorite, "Ev'rybody Wants To Be A Cat"), and adds some additional compositions to carry the story along. Mark Halpin's simple scenic design works well with Matthew McCarthy's mood-lit panels (from Promises, Promises). John Inchiostro's costumes are outstanding, and some of the children were even fooled from realizing that some of the actors were switching off from playing dogs and cats.

This terrific production of Disney's The Aristocats by Stages St. Louis continues through August 15, 2010 at the Robert G. Reim auditorium in Kirkwood, Mo.

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