THEATER REVIEW Cape Rep’s ‘Maya Mouse’ Is Fun, Fun, Fun!

Cape Rep’s summer morning children’s shows are not your typical Disney fare, but kids return year after year. As I waited in line for my ticket, there was a family in front of me with four kids and they were jumping up and down with excitement because they come every summer to see the shows. A lot of credit goes to writer and director Holly Erin McCarthy, who each year comes up with an original play, some based on books, some originals, like this year’s.

This year the play is titled, very aptly I’d say, “Maya Mouse’s Madcap House of Music, Movies and Mayhem!” The plot is fun and full of creative play. Maya (Chelsey Jo Brown) lives in a house with her mother (Cara Gerardi and Gracie O’Leary share this role), her grandfather (Anthony Teixeira) and two siblings (Ari Lew and Alex Murray). The five mice are a happy family, especially today as Mother announces it’s beach day!

Everyone is excited except for Maya. Maya would prefer to stay in her room and watch movies on her laptop. She claims the house makes noises and the only way she can drown the noises out is by watching different movies. She loves all kinds of movies. But what’s she to do when the movies come to life? Soon she’s visited by characters from all genres of movies — science fiction, westerns, musicals and more, all recognizable by the audience. The actors perform their little hearts out! They really commit to their roles hilariously; insert “audible gasp” here. My favorite line in the play!

There’s physical comedy, colorful creatures (a giant tarantula!) and even a rootin’, tootin’ ballet that brought giggles galore! Along with this talented group of actors, one needs to acknowledge the folks behind the scenes. There’s a lot going on with multiple sound cues and music in the background. Along with McCarthy, we acknowledge Henry Buck (composer), Nick Nudler (musical director), Thea Goldman (scenic design) and Brielle Whalen (stage manager) for such a super production.

If you love movies, and your kids love plays that are action-filled, full of colorful characters and silly noises, you’ll all enjoy this show. The show is in their outdoor theater and runs about an hour (it moves indoors in case of rain). The audience, both young and old, were captivated from beginning to end.

DETAILS

“Maya Mouse’s Madcap House of Music, Movies and Mayhem” Through Aug. 28 , Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in the Outdoor Theater

Seating is general admission and on a first come first served basis.

Information: 508-896-1888

3299 Rte 6A, Brewster caperep.org