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Life & Arts

Second time's a charm for 'Dolittle'

by DARREL HOLNES
The Daily Cougar

New stars shine the brightest during the Theatre Under the Star's presentation of Tommy Tune's Dr. Dolittle.

Upon entering the theater, one sees a beautiful, blue-toned curtain with animal caricatures. The curtain lifts to reveal a lovely, almost pop-up style stage. The show was produced and carried by the enormously talented and multi-Tony-Award-winning actor/singer/dancer/Houston native Tommy Tune. The show was a brilliant spectacle of colors, sounds, and sights.

This presentation of Dr. Dolittle is the first stop on the nationwide tour of the Broadway show, a revamped version of the first touring show that was canceled because of unpromising sales. However, with Tune attached to the production and the new cast he helped put together, the show's luck is sure to change.

Dr. Dolittle is the classic story of a veterinarian with the ability to talk to animals, but as opposed to the movie version starring Eddie Murphy, the Tune vehicle is set in England and is much more animated and musical.

With all due respect to Tune, the most impressive element in the show is the orchestration, which is led by musical director Michael Biagi. 

The music more than complements the writing of Leslie Briscusse and Lee Tannen, Patti Colombo's choreography, and Tune's direction. The score defines the emotion felt by the audience, as if what occurred onstage accompanied the audio instead of the other way around. 

And the Wagnerian moment where Dolittle's love interest Emma Fairfax, played by Tony Award nominee Dee Hoty, enters and sees Dolittle in action makes for an almost Disney-like moment.

The same creative team as the first production remains: Designer Ann Houd-Ward, set designer Kennet Foy and puppet designer Michael Curry help bring this masterful story to life. The lighting designer, Ken Billington, in particular does an impressive job; the lighting helps to create the perfect moods necessary for the audience to appease their imagination and enter the realm of pretend.

Great performances go to Hoty, whose voice and presence is so strong that it competes with the legendary abilities of Tune. Hoty is sure to become a Tony award-winning star rather just on who settles for the nods.

Aaron Burr also gives a spectacular performance as Chee-Chee the chimpanzee. Adam Cates and Denise Payne do a great job. Do not expect to enter the theater and be completely lost in the magic of the story; the not so inconspicuous puppet hands and wiring remind you that it is just a show. However, it is just as entertaining as it would be without.

Truly, the production is typical of a touring musical, not at all as elaborate and regal as its Broadway presentation, yet nevertheless captivating. The show is excellent and highly recommended for family and friends, and also those who enjoy laughing and who want to recall the sensations and fascinations of their childhood.

Dr. DolittleTheatre Under the Stars800 BagbyPlaying: Through Jan. 29Verdict: It's always good to see a Houston native shine.
 

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