Maddy’s Theatre, located in the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, presents Blueberries For Sal: The Musical. Blueberries, based on the popular Maine children’s book by Robert McCloskey, is sure to delight generations of readers, as well as those new to the story, as characters from the beloved classic come to life.
Blueberries For Sal is ideal for children ages 3-10 and their families, and has a runtime of 1 hour.
Before we get into the blueberry filling, I need to first let you all in on one of my favorite things about the theatre itself. Two words, Viewing Gallery. The Viewing Gallery located in the back of the theatre, is a soundproof room with a big window overlooking the show, and has adjustable sound levels that can be adjusted in case the show is too loud for you or your children. This allows kiddos who want to make a little extra noise, still able to enjoy the show without disturbing others. As a Mom who was nervous about bringing her children to their first play, I let out a big sigh of relief when I first saw the viewing gallery. I love knowing the viewing gallery is there “just in case,” and it has allowed me to feel safe enough to return to Maddy’s Theatre with my children again and again. Now on to the play itself.
Set against a beautifully simple backdrop (set design by Emily M. Dixon) that pays homage to McCloskey’s original illustrations, Blueberries follows Sal (Aliza Dwyer-they/them) and her Mother (Colleen Clark-she/her), who have ventured out to collect berries for Grandmother’s Blueberry Pie recipe. On the other side of Blueberry Hill, Little Bear (Carrow MacLean-she/her) and her Mama (Savannah Irish-she/her) are getting their fill in preparation for winter hibernation.
Sal is fearless, can’t wait to turn 6, and has an insatiable appetite for blueberries. Baby Bear on the other hand is scared of most everything, especially of “hairless humans,” and has no interest in eating berries or hibernating. Along the way Little Sal and Baby Bear become separated from their mothers. They each meet a family of birds with important moral lessons for them. Mother Crow warns Sal that she needs to be more “caw-caw-cautious” while Mother Partridge teaches Little Bear not to be afraid, and that she can trust her Mama to protect her until she’s “ready to fly” on her own. Sal and Baby Bear each find the other's Mother, and hilarity ensues in an epic chase scene when both Mothers realize they have the wrong child. In the end, Sal and Baby Bear are happily reunited with their Mothers, changed by their adventures.
All of the actors do an excellent job with their characters. Children are sure to relate to either the lively Sal or timid Baby Bear, while parents will empathize with the Mothers. I found myself laughing and nodding when Mama Bear answered “So Mama Bears and Papa Bears can get some sleep” in response to Baby Bear asking why winter has to happen, and could relate to Mama Bear's annoyance at Baby Bear dragging her feet and constant insistence on being carried on their journey.
Puppets created by Michela Micalizio and Elliot Nye were a huge highlight of the show. The audience was delighted to see a giant moose puppet walking across the stage throughout the show, and the crow and partridge puppets added a fun touch of whimsy.
Musical Director, Sabrina Gallego (she/her) beautifully executed the soundtrack, and lent the perfect accompaniment to strong vocals and tight harmonies from the entire cast, especially from Colleen Clark who really shined on vocals.
Maddy's Theatre Blueberries For Sal is delightfully good fun, and the perfect way to spend time together as a family this summer.
Blueberries For Sal: The Musical
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plays through August 21, 2022 at Maddy’s Theatre in the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine
250 Thompson's Point Road, Portland, ME 04102.
Tickets are $15 per person for adults and children. Purchase Tickets HERE
PAY WHAT YOU CAN: The Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine is offering two Pay What You Can performances of Blueberries for Sal: The Musical in hopes that everyone who wants to attend the show can do so without the financial barrier. Pay What You Can performances are Sunday, July 17 at 3pm and Friday, August 5 at 11am.
American Sign Language (ASL) Provided: Sunday, July 17 at 3pm and Friday, August 12 at 11am. ASL interpretation for the season is provided by the Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust.
CAST LIST, ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION CREDITS
Blueberries for Sal: The Musical, written by Sandra B. Eskin and Michael J. Bobbitt. Directed by Amanda Eaton. Music, and Lyrics by William Yanesh. Traditional fiddle music composed and arranged by Frank Ferrel. Original American folk music by Darlin’ Corey.
Aliza Dwyer-Little Sal, Colleen Clark-Sal’s Mother, Carrow MacLean-Little Bear, Savannah Irish-Mama Bear
Alyssa Pearl-Ross-Understudy, Cass Snider-Understudy, Amanda Eaton-Director and Understudy
Sabrina Gallego-Musical Director, Samantha Roche-Stage Manager, Emily M. Dixon-Set Design
Kyah Morrissette-Costume Design, Sam Rapaport-Sound Design, Blaise Garcia-Lighting Design
Michela Micalizio, Elliot Nye-Props and Puppet Design
Anna Elvin, Merritt Holman, Ava Keniston-Deck Captains
Ben Callaway, Nora Courtney, Eli Merrill, Adey Wrona-Board Operators
Andrew Laflamme, Jacob Hufstader, Caleb Streadwick, Katelyn Lavadiere-Front of House Ushers
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