Imagine if we could talk to animals! This September, Chico Performances and Blue Room Young Company are bringing the one person who can (and that would be Dr. Dolittle, of course!) to the Laxson Auditorium stage, in the wacky and magical musical—Dr. Dolittle, Jr.! This fall, join us on a journey to the far corners of the world in this classic tale of adventure, kindness, and unlikely friendships.
All of the talking animals we have come to love through the stories of Hugh Lofting and the hit movie musical will come to life, thanks to the young local talents at the Blue Room Young Company. More than twenty kids, between the ages of 7 and 16, will be hopping, trotting, and swimming their way into your heart, with their performances of Dr. Dolittle, Jr. on September 22nd.
This 50-minute shortened stage version tells the beloved tale of a wacky, but kind, Doctor who can talk to animals. Knowing almost 500 animal languages, Dr. Dolittle plans an adventure to seek out the Great Pink Sea Snail—the oldest and wisest creature on earth. The Doctor’s quest takes the audience on a journey full of twists and turns, from the small village of Puddleby-in-the-Marsh to the far corners of the world. Dr. Dolittle, Jr. is a wonderfully witty show that is fun for the whole family!
Starring in the title role of Dr. Dolittle, is 12 year old, Ethan Hoe, of Marsh Jr. High School. This will be Ethan’s first time acting and singing in a local production. Regardless of his inexperience, Ethan is extremely excited to tackle the big stage of Laxson Auditorium.
Madline Mugg, Dr. Dolittle’s devoted, yet sassy, best friend, will be played by 12 year old Molly Brown, also from Marsh Jr. High School. Unlike her counterpart, Molly has been acting since she was 5 years old, starring in several other Junior productions, including: Frog and Toad Jr., 101 Dalmations Jr., and Sleeping Beauty Jr., to name a few.
The role of Polynesia—a silly, wise, and confident parrot—will be played by 13 year old Seven Mills of Core Butte Charter School. Starring in the role of the high-spirited Tommy Stubbins is 11 year old Lilia Chavira of Chico Jr. High School. Lilia has been acting since she was 6 years old and is excited about her first lead role.
Amber Miller, who is the director and set designer of Dr. Dolittle Jr., says, “The message of respect and kindness to all, one another and our furry friends, is an important in this production. It is a great message told in a really lively and fun way.”
Miller says that the set, costumes, and production will be bright and dynamic. “The one thing that encompasses most scenes is the ocean,” says Miller, “we will use flats, fabric and different lighting, sky colors and furniture to alter locations—all of which will help bring the Doctor’s adventure to life.”
Helping Amber Miller, is assistant director and stage-manager, Julia Rauter. For the last two years, Rauter has worked on the Young Company productions at the Blue Room—Alice and Wonderland, Jr. being her first. “I am very excited for this one,” says Rauter, “I love the music in this musical, and the story is fun and entertaining. I can’t wait to see it on the big stage!”
Featured in this junior version are some of the classic songs from the hit movie musical, including: “My Friend, the Doctor,” “Talk to the Animals,” and “I’ve Never Seen Anything Like It.” The kids have been hard at work with musical director Addison Desantis. “I am very excited to go through the process of learning the songs together and feeding off of the fantastic energy and enthusiasm all the kids have; they really put their whole hearts into what they’re doing,” says Desantis.
A free preview of Dr. Dolittle, Jr. will be at this year’s Chico World Music Festival on the Kid’s Stage, on September 10th from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. In addition, a sponsor performance preview will be held for the patients at Enloe Rehabilitation Center.
The cast of Dr. Dolittle, Jr. will perform three performances at Laxson Auditorium at CSU Chico on Thursday, September 22—two morning performances for students as part of the Chico Performances Field Trip Series, and one evening show at 7:30 p.m. for the general public. Tickets can be purchased online at www.chicoperformances.com, or by calling the University Box Office at (530) 898-6333.
