Theater Review: Everyone Will Love CCTC/HJT’s ‘Click Clack Moo’

 Brrrr! It’s been a cold winter for all of us this year. So imagine if you had to sleep in a barn! 

 The Cows and the Hen who sleep in Farmer Brown’s barn are freezing and feel like he’s not listening to them about their discomfort. So when Duck, their friend who lives down by the pond, finds an old typewriter, they put it to good use to communicate their desires. Soon the sounds of “Click Clack Moo!” can be heard all over the farm. They want electric blankets, or no more milk or eggs! 

 The charming children’s book “Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type,” written in 2000 by Doreen Cronin, was made into a musical in 2003, adapted by James E. Grote with music by George Howe, lyrics by Howe and Grote, and is now on stage at the Cape Cod Theatre Company/Harwich Junior Theatre. Seeing a book come to life creates a wonderful moment for children and their parents, and this story also offers helpful messages about problem solving and being heard.

Director Mary Arnault’s cast of Cape veterans and one newbie are all incredibly talented and bring these crazy characters to life. It’s a fun and funny show. The sweet sound of children laughing filled the air at the show I attended. That alone is worth the price of admission in my book! 

 As Cow 1 and Cow 2, Chelsey Brown and Trish LaRose are the epitome of two siblings: one loud and ready to take on the world (LaRose) and the other sensible and rational. Hen (Emily Murray) and Cow 2 are constantly bickering and their squabbles are not only relatable to youngsters but hilarious for everyone. “You’re chicken!” yells Cow 2. “You’re a COW-ard!” responds Hen. Poor Cow 1 has to play referee more than once. But they are united in their dilemma: they’re cold and they’ve had enough. This trio of performers are so perfectly in sync and a delight to watch. 

 Duck (Katy Taylor) plays narrator and liaison with Farmer Brown (Anthony Teixeira). Both Taylor and Teixeira are exuberant and animated, extracting waves of giggles from the audience. We loved Duck’s remote control, especially when she hit “rewind!” Kudos to the cast on the physicality of these segments. 

 These animals not only type, they sing and dance, too. The Cows do a fun disco-like routine and Hen does a mean tap dance. Suzette Hutchinson’s choreography was vivacious. 

 Bob Wilder (musical director and piano) and Cris Santos (drums) enhanced the show at every turn with their music. Robin McLaughlin’s costumes were spot-on, cleverly portraying the animals with style and flair. Andy Arnault’s inventive set design revealed every aspect of the farm, both inside the barn and out. Completing the enchanting and engaging production were theater tech director Matthew Kohler’s lighting design, Fionn Pina Parker’s sound design with stage manager/lightboard operator Laura Froeschner and soundboard operator Alex Ingraham. It’s these little things, perfectly executed sound cues and spotlights, that add to the quality of the show.

 The show is about an hour long with no intermission, a perfect outing for the entire family. Grab those tickets today!