“Mr. Popper’s Penguins” cast: (l-r) Russell Garrett, Lisa Kate Joyce, Michael Jennings Mahoney, Kristian Espiritu, Yasmeen Duncan, and Todd McNeel. Photo by Jake Belcher.
Presented by Wheelock Family Theatre
Book by Robert Kauzlaric
Music and Lyrics by George Howe
Based on the novel by Richard and Florence Atwater
Direction and Choreography by Ilyse Robbins
Music Direction by Dan Rodriguez
Scenic Design by Janie E. Howland
Costume Design by Bethany Mullins
Puppet Design by Alex Vernon
Featuring: Yasmeen Duncan, Kristian Espiritu, Russell Garrett, Lisa Kate Joyce, Michael Jennings Mahoney, Todd McNeel
February 10 – March 3, 2024
Wheelock at Boston University
180 Riverway
Boston, MA 02215
Run Time: 70 minutes with no intermission
Recommended for ages 3+
Review by Maegan Bergeron-Clearwood
BOSTON, Mass. — After a long afternoon at work and a particularly sluggish MBTA ride, I was in a grim mood when I finally walked into the Wheelock Family Theatre last night – but my spirits were almost instantaneously lifted at the sight of Captain Cook (the first of many heartwarming creations by puppeteer Alex Vernon), a full-sized penguin puppet, complete with waddling feet, flapping wings, and expressive, blinking eyes.
Mr. Popper’s Penguins is a vibrant adaptation of the 1938 book by Richard and Florence Atwater. For anyone who grew up with the source material, the story will seem warmly familiar: Mr. Popper, a seasonal housepainter with an unfulfilled adventurous streak, has his prayers answered when a world-famous explorer sends him a real-life Antarctic penguin in the mail. Mr. Popper and his beleaguered but supportive partner, Mrs. Popper, must work together to make ends meet for their ever-growing feathered family. Chaos and adorableness ensue.
While some parts of this classic story might have benefited from a bit of additional updating (such as Mr. Popper’s penchant for naming his pets after notorious colonizers), this is an overall refreshing adaptation by Robert Kauzlaric and George Howe. The Great Depression serves as a striking – and timely – backdrop for a story that’s ultimately about the power of communal care in the face of systemic hardships. And, despite the now-dated source material (particularly as it pertains to gender norms), Mr. and Mrs. Popper model a true partnership, having to make compromises in their efforts to do what is best for their blended family. It’s a charming addition to Wheelock’s seasonal theme of familial and communal love.
Janie E. Howland’s scenic design feels right out of a Richard Scarry picture book and Howe’s chipper, vaudevillian score keeps the energy sky-high, such that last night’s all-ages audience was surprisingly jitter-free: all eyes and ears seemed transfixed by the bubbly sounds and colorful stage world — not to mention the constant anticipation of more adorable penguins.
Matching this energy on every level is a small-but-mighty ensemble. Michael Jennings Mahoney brings a sensitive sweetness to Mr. Popper, and Kristian Espiritu a bold but compassionate warmth to Mrs. Popper – together, they are an enchanting pair. The rest of the ensemble, when not manipulating penguin puppets, switch between various silly townsfolk personas, filling the world with color and joy. Lisa Kate Joyce stands out for her particularly dynamic performance as the Poppers’ vaudeville agent (don’t worry, the animal exploitation subplot doesn’t last long – a much kinder ending is eventually had by all).
Almost 24 hours after seeing this menagerie of critters brought to life, I still feel a little lighter, a little more hopeful. Not even the MBTA managed to bring my spirits down today.
