Christopher Robin (Jordan Essex), Eeyore (Brigid Wallace Harper), Pooh (Jimmy Bartlebaugh), and Piglet (Ashley E. Nguyen). Photo by Margot Schulman.
For over 100 years, Winnie the Pooh has captured the hearts of young and old. Through inspiring tales, this renowned bear has taught many generations about the importance of friendship and love. Featuring lovable characters and timeless messages, A.A. Milne’s Pooh stories have become a fixture in pop culture, inspiring everything from the classic Disney franchise to Kenny Loggins’ hit song, “Return to Pooh Corner.” At Imagination Stage, Pooh is coming to life once again through a charming musical adaptation, with music by Allan Jay Friedman and lyrics by A.A. Milne and Kristin Sergel. The musical is set during a busy day in the Hundred Acre Wood, where Pooh and his friends catch a Heffalump, conduct a search for Eeyore’s tail, and sort out a misunderstanding between Roo and Kanga.
…a charming musical adaptation…captivating and enchanting all ages…
Imagination Stage is highly immersive and interactive, and these characteristics play a crucial role in the show’s success. A dulcet piano and guitar soundtrack of Pooh-themed songs welcomed guests as they entered the lobby, and the peaceful pre-show nature music playing in the theatre helped set the tone for the Hundred Acre Wood theme. On the way into the theatre, a large chalkboard was available for young visitors, many of whom attended with stuffed Pooh bears in tow. Using the chalkboard, the children were given the opportunity to answer, “What do you think a Heffalump looks like?” This was a wonderful activity to encourage creativity and imagination.
Directed and choreographed by Christopher Michael Richardson (with music direction by Elisa Rosman), a nimble four-person ensemble brings Milne’s beloved characters to life. The cast includes Jimmy Bartlebaugh (Pooh), Brigid Wallace Harper (Eeyore/Kanga/Owl), Ashley D. Nguyen (Piglet/Roo), and Jordan Essex (Christopher Robin/Rabbit). At the reviewed performance, Quincy Vicks (understudy for Christopher Robin/Rabbit) filled in for Jordan Essex. Vicks played Christopher Robin with warmth, perfectly portraying the character’s inquisitive personality. As Rabbit, Vicks was dynamic and engaging. His charismatic storytelling was fueled by his strong singing voice and solid acting, delightfully depicting Rabbit’s energetic personality. In the title role, Bartlebaugh was outstanding as Pooh. With a pleasant singing voice and mellow demeanor, he brilliantly personified this cherished iconic character. Harper’s entertaining performance as Eeyore was a highlight, and her expressions, vocals, and movement excellently conveyed the character’s gloomy disposition. In great contrast to Eeyore, Harper was loving and motherly as Kanga (beautifully singing a heartwarming lullaby to Roo), and her portrayal of Owl was marked by an authoritative presence and on-point British accent. Nguyen played Piglet with frenetic energy, performing her songs and scenes with enthusiasm. Her physical acting skills were showcased in an amusing balloon scene, and her comedic facial expressions were communicated effortlessly throughout the entire play. She was also adorably childlike and innocent as Roo.
The whimsical staging was a sensory treat, with a lovely set, colorful costumes and props, as well as eye-popping projections. Sarah Beth Hall stunningly brought the Hundred Acre Wood to the stage with a map backdrop and decorative floor set, complete with tree stumps and logs. The Heffalump tracks in the aisles of the theatre brought the story into the audience, while many shades of green and brown complemented the woodland setting. An array of bright colors and patterns defined Frank Labovitz’s costumes, and his effective layering allowed the performers to seamlessly transition characters simply by putting on a robe or switching a hat. Giant honeypots and balloons were created by properties designer, Andrea “Dre” Moore, and these props added an appealing dimension to the performance. Zavier Augustus Lee Taylor’s wondrous projections brought the pages of Milne’s books to the stage, and seeing these words and illustrations come to life was endearing. Wind/rain effects, buzzing bees, and dancing honeypots were just a few of the special effects that the projections displayed, eliciting audible responses from the audience.
“Winnie the Pooh,” welcomed adults and hundreds of delighted children to the theatre, captivating and enchanting all ages. The enjoyment that this musical brings will create lifelong memories for all. It is the perfect avenue to introduce young children to the theatre.
Running Time: Sixty-five minutes with no intermission.
“Winnie the Pooh” runs through October 27, 2024 at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814. Performances are Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Box Office at 301-280-1660, visit the box office prior to the performance, or go online.
