Ferdinand the Bull - Review050

Grab the kids and charge over to see Ferdinand the Bull, on stage at the Arden Theatre Company through May 27. The show features an utterly charming and compelling ensemble cast of four (plus a roving guitar player) that joyously brings to life the story of Ferdinand, a peace-loving bull who loves flowers. Based on the children’s book The Story of Ferdinand, by Munro Leaf, this hilarious musical is packed with pop culture references and word play to amuse adults, and just enough audience participation to keep kids engaged. Children will marvel as flowers magically sprout from the floor of the stage, and rose petals drift down from the rafters. There are no stand-out performances in this show; each actor is fantastic. Joe Coots is endearingly adorable as Ferdinand the Bull, a gentle giant imparting a message of peace and love. His flamboyant, fame-seeking pig friend, Cochina (Maggie Lakis), coaxes laughter with porky puns and playful banter. The insecure, wannabe dancer Duquito Danilo (Conrad Ricamora) coveys enough conflicted heartache to melt hearts, while his father, Duque Dodo (Tom Teti), the confrontational duke, gets giggles with an over-the-top performance enhanced by cartoon-like lighting and sound effects. Ferdinand the Bull runs only 60 minutes (with no intermission), making it an ideal performance for even the youngest theater-goers. At the end of each performance, warm and friendly cast members answer questions from the audience, and mingle in the in lobby with patrons. Copies of the book The Story of Ferdinand are available for purchase in the lobby before and after the show.