Big Bad Musical: A Review by Calista Motisher
Quinn Schneider as “Fairy Godmother”
Everyone shudders at the thought of the dreaded letter saying you're called for jury duty arriving in your mailbox. Well, this may be your only time to have fun on jury duty, because The Big Bad Wolf is on trial! Is he really as “big” and “bad” as he seems? Find out at Horizon Youth Theatre’s production of The Big Bad Musical!
The show opens with ominous music and a spotlight on the main culprit: the Big Bad Wolf (Asher Dielman). Members of the ensemble creep onstage, leading into a musical dance number, right before the wolf is tried for his crimes. Chaos erupts: all the fairytale characters are arguing over the validity of the notorious offenses. This number is sure to leave audience members in suspense, craving answers.
Whisking the audience straight into the story, or rather, the courtroom, Sydney Grimm (Ruby St. Louis), a flashy reporter whose narrative propels the story forward, introduces the prosecution, spearheaded by the Fairy-Godmother (Quinn Schneider), along with Judge Wise Old Man (Oliver McClure), whose comedy is a driving force throughout the show as he presides over the case. Everyone is worried as the defense attorney, the Evil Stepmother (Carina Motisher), hasn’t arrived yet. It’s clear she isn’t a big fan of the task ahead of her.
Asher Dielman (Big Bad Wolf) and Carina Motisher (Evil Stepmother) discuss legal strategy
Nevertheless, audience members soon witness the Evil Stepmother’s change of heart as she realizes that she and the wolf might have more in common than she originally thought. Afterall, it’s not easy having everyone constantly fear your every move. This story, while being humorous, contains some important messages, too.
Next up, the prosecution makes some very compelling arguments during the questioning of Little Red, leaving no time for the defense to cross examine the witness, which solidifies the jury’s preconceptions about the wolf. The defense ends this segment with “No more”, sung by the Fairy Godmother, whose commanding vocals drive her message home. However, the fight isn’t over yet, and doubts begin to creep in once the Evil Stepmother reams Granny Hood (Boudi Grills-McCarty) with her straightforward, yet powerful, knowledge and stage presence. Tensions continue to increase when both sides question the Wood Cutter (Ella Beach) as uncomfortable truths about heroes and stereotypes come to light. Nevertheless, the verdict is still undecided, even after The Three Little Pigs (Gavin Snyder, Livy Emch, and Bradey Smeltzer) are called to testify. These three’s teamwork is evident and their musical number is sure to bring a smile to your face!
Livy Emch as “T’Woah” (Little Pig #2)
Next to the stand are the shepherd (Chloe Mayle) and the boy who cried wolf (Devin Rogel), who claim that the wolf is a violent terrorizer, while the defense questions their credibility. Both actors play into these allegations to maximize the comedy of the scene. Now the court is in an uproar! The matter isn’t helped when Miss Muffit (Charlie Beach), the defense’s second witness, is scared away from the stand.
Finally, the moment everyone has been waiting for, the Big Bad Wolf himself is called to the stand! He explains the reasoning behind the attacks and ends his plea to the justice system with the song, “Have Mercy On Me”.
The final decision, however, is left up to YOU, the audience members. Be sure to advocate for the ending you see most fit and come to multiple shows to be able to see each verdict! You hold the fate of the Big Bad Wolf in your hands: is he GUILTY or just MISUNDERSTOOD?
Devin Rogel as “Boy” (the one that cried “wolf”)
This playful show is sure to capture the hearts of audiences from all ages. The playful banter between witnesses alongside the serious allegations made by both sides will have audience members gasping, laughing and holding their breath! It’s clear by watching this show that the kids love doing what they do, and Horizon Youth Theatre cultivates a positive, encouraging environment that acts not only as a creative outlet for students, but also a family.
