Walnut Street Theatre's Henry and Mudge Tickets

My 4-year-old son loves the Henry & Mudge books, so of course he was thrilled and delighted to see this show. Afterwards, he was "singing" the songs (his own, made-up version). That said, he had a difficult time following the lyrics, and most of the plot was carried forward with music. Some of the time, the problem was that the songs were too fast, and sometimes it was the problem of layered voices. This is the case with many modern musicals--complex, layered music--but that just doesn't work for a little kid who is used to clearly articulated children's music. I was also a bit puzzled by a bearded Mudge. He came across as a bit like Jack Black, and his ears looked more like bunny ears--not like the press-release photos, which looked more fitting and wholesome.

Although my 4 year-old granddaughter was rapt for most of the hour-long show, I expected better from the Walnut. Of the five characters, Annie's microphone was off for the entire performance. The other sound was interrupted by what seemed to be clothes rubbing against the microphones. The book was weak as was the score. I wasn't expecting Broadway but I was expecting a more professional performance. That being said, I will give the Walnut Children's series another chance.