If you love the best-selling book, Freckleface Strawberry, written by Oscar nominated actress, Julianne Moore (Linda Partridge in Magnolia), you are sure to fall in love with the musical. It’s a captivating musical that teaches the importance of loving the skin you’re in.
Freckleface Strawberry the Musical, by actor, singer, writer Gary Kupper (L.M. in Pump Boys and Dinettes) and film producer Rose Caiola (Mickey Blue Eyes), was the latest production in NSU’s Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences’ 2014-2015 performance series, following Betty’s Summer Vacation.
From Nov. 21 to 23 in the Miniaci Performing Arts Center, audience of all ages enjoyed stellar performances that showed the talent of NSU students. The musical featured music (created by Gary Kupper, directed by Bill J. Adams and Justin Landers) fun, dancing (choreographed by Catalina Vanegas) and non-stop laughter. This musical was a fantastic way to spend the weekend with family and friends.
Directed by Toby Barton, Freckleface Strawberry the Musical sets itself apart from all the rest with its infectious music, Broadway quality acting by NSU students, and charming characters. Freckleface Strawberry the Musical is interactive. It makes the audience part of the story. Protagonist Freckleface Strawberry, played by Kelly Johnson, has the potential to easily become America’s third-favorite goofy little red-head after Annie and of course comedian Kathy Griffin.
The musical follows the adorable red head, Strawberry as she does the impossible to get rid of the freckles that have caused her to be picked on by the school kids.
Johnson’s role as Strawberry captivated the entire audience. The role came naturally to her as she completely immersed herself into the role . It was truly a match made in musical heaven.
Strawberry hates the way she looks, her bright red hair and freckle covered face earned her the name, Freckleface Strawberry and makes her different form everyone else at school. Strawberry’s hilarious ways of disguising her freckles, from using soap to scrub them off, to using makeup, and even a ski mask, will have you in endless laughter. The enthusiasm the cast radiated across the stage was infectious. They truly brought every character from the book to life. There was not a single person without a smile on their faces.
Soap, make-up, ski mask and all, Freckleface Strawberry, with the help of her schoolmate, Ballet Girl, played by Maria Incorvaia, friend Emily, played by Marrissa Dybas and teacher, played by Pryscila Salinas, learns that everyone is different in their own special way. A valuable lesson in learning to be self-confident-whether your face is covered in freckles or not-taught in a funny and entertaining way that appeals to audiences both young and old.
A wonderful production with a powerful message and 70 minutes of pure entertainment. Caiola did a fantastic job adapting the famous book into a musical fit for audiences young and old. Freckleface Strawberry the Musical is the perfect boost of confidence everyone needs in the judgmental world we live in.
