Musical Theater is for Kids
January 4th, 2009This weekend, Olive and I had the chance to check out the charming off-Broadway show Dear Edwina, created by Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich, creators of Junie B. Jones The Musical.
This was Olive’s first live theater experience, unless you count the Big Apple Circus. At a running time of just over an hour, it seemed like a good bet for her 3-year-old attention span. For the first couple of numbers, she had the funniest perplexed look on her face as she watched. I know where she gets it from. I’m not typically a fan of musical theater. I’m constantly distracted, wondering why the characters would break into song. Exceptions to my dislike of musicals are Avenue Q, Jekyll and Hyde (seen on Broadway for the magical star power of one David Hasselhoff), Moulin Rouge, and Grease. OK… and Grease 2.
As I sat watching Dear Edwina, though, it came to me: musical theater is for kids. I tapped my foot and laughed along with the show and realized watching the show was like watching Yo Gabba Gabba with Olive, with dancing, catchy tunes with gentle moral lessons, and kid-friendly humor.
The show is a little high-concept for kids. Edwina Spoonapple is a giver of advice in Paw Paw, Michigan, who is dying to go to an advice-givers event in nearby Kalamazoo. She puts on a show in her front yard, as letters are read and advice is dispensed in song. I was wondering if this was going over the little heads in the audience, but all of the giggles told me otherwise. The sweet spot for this show is older than three, to be sure. I’d put it at 7-9. In fact, I was wishing all throughout the show that I could take my 7-year-old niece, who would LOVE it.
There are several songs that are sticking with me. Olive was tickled by Say No Thank You, a song that addresses picky eaters. My clear favorite was Frankenguest, a hilarious little number made even better by one of the stand-out cast members, Doug Thompson. Seriously, go see the show and tell me if this kid isn’t Jack Black, Jr.
Dear Edwina runs throughout this month at the DR2 Theatre on Union Square. If you’re cooped up on a cold winter day watching Hannah Montana or High School Musical 3 for the 40th time, I highly recommend checking out this show.

















