The Mom Review: Oh, The Places We'll Go

Editor's Note: This is the seventh installment of The Mom Review, a summer-long series of reviews of family-friendly theater, dance, art exhibits, etc., by iBerkshires Community Editor Rebecca Dravis and her 8-year-old daughter, Noelle, who hope to give you some ideas for summer family fun.

Wikipedia describes "Seussical" as a "rather complex amalgamation" of Dr. Seuss stories. After having seen it for the first time on stage at The Colonial in Pittsfield, I think that may be an understatement.

The production, Berkshire Theatre Group's ninth annual Children Theatre Production, was lovely and colorful and musical and energetic. The 100-plus community members of all ages that participated in it were fabulous. The costumes and sets were wonderful, and the special effects - particularly the flying over the stage - are sure to delight people of all ages. I just can't say enough good things about the production itself.

I just really didn't like the story itself. I love Dr. Seuss, and Noelle and I have amassed a large collection of his books. I used to read "Fox in Socks" over and over to her when she was littler, delighting in her giggles as I tripped over the tongue-twisters. I just don't think "Seussical" does Dr. Seuss justice. I love the reinforcement of the message - "a person's a person no matter how small" - but I think the real voice of Dr. Seuss is missing.

But maybe that's just me, and it has nothing to do with this production, which is fun and worth the (kind of steep) ticket price of $25/$30 for adults and $15/$20 for kids.

The production at The Colonial continues Thursday, Aug. 14, at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 15, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 16, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 17, at 2 p.m. It's recommended for kids above the age of 4. Note that it does require some patience on the part of a young audience, particularly with the overture at the beginning and a couple of the "slower" songs, so beware if you have young fidgety children. And please don't bring babies and toddlers; this show is really not for them.

Now for Noelle: I liked it. It starts late so I wouldn't recommend it for younger children. I really loved the bathtub scene because all of the colors were so pretty and the flying/swimming over the stage.