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Extraordinary

nytheatre.com review by Geeta Citygirl
August 15, 2005

Extraordinary is a show that attempts to go beyond what is ordinary or usual while teaching acceptance of all peoples. Hurrah for this musical that tickles and delights audiences of all ages. When I read that this was part of the “Fringe Jr.” entries, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But as I watched one of my new summer favorite venues, The Mazer Theater, fill up, I noticed the crowd on this afternoon was not just children. Congratulations to Russo Famiglia Productions who in association with Vital Theatre Company present this musical adventure.The book and lyrics are credited to the director, Dante Russo, who does an impressive job mounting this story (with the catchy music by David F. M. Vaughn) that reminded me of both Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz. At the beginning of the play, we meet nine-year old Lester, the “King of Everything” (as he belts out in the opening song). Accompanied by his imaginary friend Fred, Lester is being scolded to clean by his mother. The chorus, “I am King… King of Everything” repeats so many times that you inevitably find yourself humming along.The adventure takes off when Lester meets his deaf cousin Hope. He wants to get back her hearing and recalls mom’s advice. His mother tells him if he doesn’t clean the living room, there might be an entire world of people in that couch. So along with Fred and Hope (who can also see his imaginary friend), Lester dives into the couch to Imaginary Land to find her hearing. Watching the three actors "disappear" into the couch is wonderfully fairy-tale like. They are off to find the Queen who they believe will grant their wish. Along the way, they meet the Girl with Legs of Stone, Peter the Chocolate Eater, Lonely Lucy, and the dynamic Dustmites.Played with genuine childlike innocence by the tall and handsome Richie Cook, Lester becomes a character we all root for. Maxwell Glick plays Fred with just the right amount of endearing kiddie qualities, and Sandie Rosa does a marvelous job as Hope and her ability to use sign language seems effortless (credit Miriam Morrow for the ASL instruction). Kristen Sergeant is a bit too nagging as the Mother but has fun being Lonely Lucy and the Queen. Mary Theresa Archbold as the Girl with Legs of Stone plays it with the quick pace required for a character who is obsessed with time racing by. The country-bumpkin like qualities brought to Peter the Chocolate Eater by actor Rick Kunzi are amusingly suitable. But my largest applause goes to Archbold and Kunzi for their portrayal of the Dustmites. The physical and vocal energy required for these outrageous characters does not go unnoticed. And the "Dustmite Jive" will get you rocking in your seat.The proscenium stage is used wonderfully and every little detail is tended to. With a groovy live band conducted by musical director Jad Bernardo and fun dance numbers choreographed by Lindsay Rogan, all the production values get thumbs up. The crew is composed of more than 15 people (a large number of behind-the-scenes talent, especially for a FringeNYC show). Notably exceptional are the costumes by Majorie LeWit, scenic design that has the grace to smoothly change by Nikolaus Webern, props by Mike Horowitz, and lighting by Amith Chandrashaker.