Do Wop Wed Widing Hood

Once upon a time, I think everyone gets a smile of his or her face when we hear that line start a story. We all recall the sweet fairy tales of our childhood. Well mix that with “Grease,” and poodle skirts and you have Steel City Theatre Company, and Pueblo City Schools’ production of “Do-Wop Wed Widing Hood,” a great children’s show with singing and dancing. This is a funny twist on all we remember from our past. All long list of sweet stories mom used to read to us just before bedtime. This wonderful story by Charlie Lovett and music by Bill Francoeur is a charming and fun show. Waiting for the show to start I enjoyed listening to the fantastic soundtrack from “Glee.”

This show had it all. There was a Fairy Godmother, an Evil Queen, a big bad wolf, and also not one but three brave princes. That worked out just well because as was pointed out in Fairy tales everything comes in threes. There is Goldie Locks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, and Snow White and the…Oh never-mind you know what I mean. The show had children of all ages, smiles and talent. It was a joy to watch. The costumes were so colorful and fun. The most charming had to be the poodle skirts of Riding Hood and her two sisters, and the fun and very soft green and two-person costume of the delicate fire-breathing dragon. The set though nicely built was minimal but with a purpose, giving more room to highlight the actors and dancers on stage, well done there.

As the children took the stage the applause and ohs and ahs began from the very excited crowd that nearly filled the auditorium at Central High School. The cast of just over 30 was all an enjoyment to watch and listen to. Especially the two Arco types of fairy tales, the wait till you see him Big Bad Wolf and the completely adorable Grandmother. With every show there is always those on stage who shine brightly and seem to stand out. Tonight’s production was no different. Some of the most pleasing were the Three Princes mentioned earlier. Each had their strengths and charms. Although not one of the major roles young Audrey McCaw as the Medium Purple Riding Hood was strong and joyful. The Cheerleaders and Narrators kept the story moving along with great performances.

The two who had the largest presence on stage were the Evil Queen and the Fairy Godmother. Rachel Jaco as the Evil Queen was clear in voice and in movement. Her warm voice and confidence on stage was a pleasure to see. Layla Shahmohammadi as the Fairy Godmother was so sweet and goofy. Yet she was able to play that role and walk that line between those two personality traits in a way that seemed to go beyond her age. Both these young ladies are sure to go on and do great things in theatre here in Pueblo.

If this reviewer were to have any suggestions and advice to the production they would all be technical. First there was a great deal of feedback from the wireless mics making them at times difficult to hear. Secondly some of the mics were left on and some of the back stage conversations could be heard over the actors on stage. Lastly some of the light cues and sound cues seemed off. These are all things that could be easily fixed with strong and detailed stage management. Congratulations and hardy well done goes out to everyone involved in this amazing show.

Please come and join the cast as they show off their talent. Performances: August 12, 13, 14 @ 7:00 & August 15 @ 2:00 All at Central High School’s auditorium. Tickets: $5, at the door but call 258-8399 for reservations as this show is bound to have big crowds.

-John M. Valdez, ReviewerPPAG