Angelina Ballerina the Musical

Angelina Ballerina the Musical

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Photos: Sun Production, Inc.

Much like Pinkalicious the Musical, Vital Children's Theatre's other book-to-boards hit, Angelina Ballerina has incredible built-in appeal thanks to its branded title character. There's no question that little girls who love the tutu-clad mouse will dance in the aisles at this straightforward, hour-long tuner. And though parents may sit steadfastly in their seats, at least they won't be suffering.

Rather than using Katharine Holabird's picture book series as its basis, the show hews close to the eponymous PBS TV series (perhaps because the company behind it, HIT Entertainment, coproduced this musical). Angelina (played with spunk by Whitney Meyer) is now a tween attending Camembert Academy, and while Alice (Cassie Okenka) is still her BFF, dance instructor Miss Lily has been replaced by Ms. Mimi. The jovial tone and quaint charm of the material, however, remain unchanged. Angelina's still a wide-eyed mouseling obsessed with ballet, which is why she squeals with delight when she discovers she'll be performing for prima ballerina Serena Silvertail. Predictable (if a bit nonsensical) problems ensue, and Angelina's forced to face—and ultimately overcome—her disappointment at not being able to dance in her signature style (as one number advises, when you get lemons, make lemonade).

While kids under five may have trouble following the plot, simple as it is, older kids will probably find the show pretty cheesy (literally—there are a lot of cheese puns). But the story isn't the attraction here. Preschool girls, especially those who enjoy dressing in pink and twirling around the room, will adore the choreography (courtesy of director Sam Viverito), the frilly costumes, and the pleasant if forgettable songs by Ben Morss and Susan DiLallo. For parents, the biggest pleasures are Amanda Yachechak as the hilariously pretentious modern dancer Gracie, and watching the kids have a good time. In the end, isn't that why you're seeing the show anyway?—Raven Snook

Angelina Ballerina the Musical runs through Jan 2 at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre.

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