Wide-Awake Jake

Wide-Awake Jake

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Attention sleep-deprived parents: This whimsical musical shines a nightlight on the funny side of insomnia. After tossing and turning in his bed, Jake (plucky 12-year-old Jacob Ross) croons the quick-paced jazz number “I Can’t Sleep.” He awakens his sisters, Mary and Amy, who offer him their slumber solutions—read a book, suck your thumb—via song. When these don’t cut it, babysitter Sarah (Ariana Sepulveda) steps in. With an impressive belt, the 15-year-old performer reveals a surefire way to snooze: find the Yami of Yawn, a magical sage with drowsy powers.

The moment Jake lies down, he’s transported to a whimsical world filled with life-size toys. In a variation on The Wizard of Oz, he meets a ragtag group of storybook characters on his quest—including the Cat in the Hat and Alice in Wonderland—who help him face a rambunctious lion, a dragon that loves hot sauce, a giant with allergies and four robotic guards who have directions to “Keep ’Em Out.”

Robby Merkin’s catchy melodies and Faye Greenberg’s playful lyrics are sold by TADA!’s energetic resident ensemble, made up of talented tykes ages eight to 18. Joanna Greer’s eclectic choreography also impresses, with the cast tackling a variety of styles, including tapping, waltzing and twirling. In fact, the dancing gives them such a workout we suspect these kids drift off nightly before their heads even hit their pillows. If only your brood would do the same.–Sara Claro.

Wide-Awake Jake plays through May 23 at TADA! Youth Theater. Tickets: $8–$25

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