Mr. Poppers Penguins Take the Stage at Allendale Theatre
Eric Ortner
North Buffalo Rocket / West Side TimesFebruary 2000: Theatre of Youth will be performing its second Production in its new home at the Allendale Theatre located at 203 Allen Street. Mr. Popper’s Penguins will be opening on Thursday, January 27th at 7 p.m.
The popular children’s book was originally written by Richard and Florence Atwater. It has since been adapted for stage, with book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and Music by Mel Marvin. Cyndy Argona, who is Assistant to the Director for the production, elaborated somewhat on the story line. She said, “This is a story about Mr. Popper, Billy and Janie. He (Mr. Popper) dreams of polar exploration, and he gets sent a penguin.
The Popper Family entertain themselves around a piano. From L to R: Billy played by Don Korzelius, Mrs. Popper played by Mary McMahon, Mr. Popper played by Tom Owen, and Janie played by Nicki Formato. Photo: Eric OrtnerCapt. Cook becomes Mr. Popper’s best friend. The whole Popper family loves Capt. Cook, but he is still very lonely. So he meets another penguin that is shipped to him named Greta. Together they have three baby penguins. For entertainment purposes, they dance together. Then they are seen by a man named Greenstreet. So they travel around the country doing this Vaudeville show singing and dancing with the Popper family and the five penguins. Well, I won’t tell you the end.”
Mr. Popper’s Penguins has a cast of ten people. Tom Owen performs as Mr. Popper and Mary McMahon plays Mrs. Popper. The children, Janie and Billy, are portrayed by Nicki Formato, and Don Korzelius. The penguins are played by Andrew Delo as Capt. Cook and Suzanne Fitzery as Greta. Mr. Greenstreet is played by John Fredo, while Allan Mangaser performs the part of Henry. Mary Ann Moselle plays Isabella and Devon J. Goffman is the postman.
Andrew Delo, who plays Capt. Cook, commented on the production.“It’s a very different and elaborate production. Its not just a kids show! Ya’ know, with fuzzy things and beautiful costumes. It’s a very good score, the music is beautiful and obviously the sets are just gorgeous,” said Andrew as he pointed to the stage of the Allendale Theatre. He further commented, “The staff is delightful, we have a wonderful director, and all of the tech staff is just great.”
Mr. Popper’s Penguins is directed and Choreographed by Lynne Kurdziel Formato with Musical Direction by Donald R. Jenczka, set and costume design by Kenneth Shaw, lighting design by Brian Cavanagh, Sound Design by Chester Popiolkowski and stage managed by Jeanine Huber.
Tom Owen, who plays Mr. Popper, described his performance in the production. He said, “Well what’s funny is, Tom is a little bit like Mr. Popper…Mr. Popper is a dreamer, and I’m a little bit like that, we all are. That’s what makes this a great show.”
Mr. Popper’s Penguins will be performed by Theatre of Youth on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. running through February 20. Tickets are $10 and group rates are available. If you would like to find out more about what promises to be a great production, call TOY at 884-4400.
