‘Birdbrain‘ is a smart, heartwarming, young audience musical with a wonderful moral that will entertain the entire family.
As someone who doesn’t have kids, I was absolutely adored ‘Birdbrain‘—The Wayward Artist’s latest gem! The very moment I know this was going to be a memorable experience was seeing a little boy put down his 8″ tablet to fully immerse himself in the show. It was such a clear sign of how engaging and magical ‘Birdbrain‘ would be for audiences of all ages.
Genevieve Kauper is a revelation as Cora the Cockatoo, infusing the role with a boundless energy and charisma that is simply captivating, especially with the growth of her character. And Kelsey Redmond as Wiggles the Duck? Absolutely delightful! Her performance is so endearing especially with the one cracking most of the “dad jokes.”
The entire cast shines, with Kennedy Jensen and Allen Montes seamlessly taking on multiple roles and bringing each non-bird character to life with flair. Sherry Domerego’s portrayal of Grandma Aviary is a warm, comforting presence that adds a lovely depth to the story.
One of the best parts about ‘Birdbrain‘ is how it keeps its humor family-friendly without needing to rely on any adult-oriented jokes. The creators clearly put a lot of thought into making sure the show is engaging for all ages. The songs are catchy, and the performances by the various bird puppets—whether it’s mango loving Tico the Toucan (Dimitri Tiatia-Garaud), the sleekness of Val the Vulture (Elise Lindenau), or the flighty, yet emotionally grounded Dude The Dodo (Kevin James Arnold)—are a joyous celebration of friendship and avian charm.
The production team behind ‘Birdbrain‘ has truly crafted something extraordinary. Sarah Ripper, the Director and Choreographer, brings a remarkable vision and energy to the stage. Her direction not only ensures a seamless flow between scenes but also imbues each moment with creativity and precision. The choreography perfectly complementing the musical numbers and adding an extra layer of excitement for the viewing experience. Sarah’s ability to draw out the best from her cast is evident, making the entire production feel vibrant and cohesive.
Craig Holland, serving as both the Music Director and Playwright, deserves high praise for his dual role. His musical direction is impeccable, with each song resonating beautifully. The catchy tunes are a testament to his skill in crafting music that appeals to both children and adults. Nicole Bernardini’s set design is equally impressive, transforming the stage into a whimsical avian cartoony world that captures the imagination. Her creative use of space and color creates an playground like backdrop that enhances the story’s magical atmosphere. Together, this team has created a visually stunning and musically captivating experience that makes ‘Birdbrain‘ a must-see.
Moreover, ‘Birdbrain‘ touches on meaningful themes like trust, friendship, honesty, and avoiding false accusations, all woven into the story in a way that’s both educational and entertaining.
The Wayward Artist, now in their seventh season, has truly created a hidden gem in Downtown Santa Ana, CA, with their intimate 70-plus seat theater at the Grand Central Arts Center. Don’t miss out on this wonderful show running from August 9, through August 18, 2024.
If possible, plus bring a donation of gently worn or new shoes to any performance and get a free concession item as part of their Wayward Soles shoe drive.
To purchase tickets for ‘Birdbrain‘ at The Wayward Artist visit: https://ci.ovationtix.com/.
The Wayward Artist is located at:
125 N Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(across from the water fountain)
For more upcoming shows for visit: www.thewaywardartist.org.
Follow on Instagram: @thewaywardartistoc and on Facebook at: The Wayward Artist.
Summary
With its fantastic cast, infectious songs, and heartfelt messages, ‘Birdbrain‘ is a show that flies high with the eagles.