Freckleface Strawberry the Musical

Freckleface Strawberry the Musical

• Photo: Carol Rosegg_freckleface.01.jpg670971
• Photo: Carol Rosegg_freckleface.02.jpg670982
• Photo: Carol Rosegg_freckleface.03.jpg670993

PreviousNext

Photo: Carol Rosegg

The 2007 picture book Freckleface Strawberry isn't known for its intricate plot. Oscar-nominated actor (and NYC mom) Julianne Moore's first foray into kid lit features a simple, sweet and semi-autobiographical narrative: A child struggles with her self-image after her peers tease her about her freckles. In order to transform such introspective stuff into a musical, songwriter Gary Kupper and his collaborator on the book, Rose Caiola (who also serves as producer), had to pile on complexities and additional characters. The show introduces an ethnically diverse gaggle of archetypal schoolmates—bespectacled nerd, boy-crazy girl, mindless jock, uptight ballet girl, etc.—who, like Strawberry (the appropriately perky Hayley Podschun), feel insecure about various traits. In one of the musical's most rousing numbers, "We Wanna' B Like Them," they all croon about how they envy their cohorts.

Sadly, a few of the tunes aren't as engaging. The 80-minute show features 17 songs (not including reprises!), some of which are unnecessary and stretch Kupper's talents—particularly as a lyricist—to their limit (complain and plain do not rhyme). Strawberry's mom (the wonderful Linda Gabler, who also plays the kids' rapping teacher) delivers not one but two I-love-you-just-the-way-you-are–type ballads, and some minor characters inexplicably get solos. And while pop-culture references, like Lady Gaga and Marlon Brando in The Godfather (don't ask), elicit knowing chuckles from parents, they're cheap laughs and don't seem to fit into the story.

The show works best when it sticks with Strawberry and her journey to self-acceptance. Happily, that's most of the time (she gets the lion's share of the songs). The seven-person cast includes many Broadway vets, and their professionalism shows; they engage the kids in the audience without leaving the stage. Set designer Beowulf Boritt and costume designer Fabio Toblini smartly emulate book illustrator LeUyen Pham's whimsical illustrations, right down to Strawberry's pink-and-yellow ski mask. Any child who's ever felt different—that is, all kids—will see their own reflection behind Strawberry's dots.—Raven Snook

is playing at New World Stages. Tickets: $39-$68.50.