Photo: (Below) Jimmy Dieffenbach (front) and the company of Captain Louie
Photo by Carol Rosegg

REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

The York Theater is serving a charming, child's-size slice of Broadway with "Captain Louie," a one-hour musical based on the 1978 picture book "The Trip" by Ezra Jack Keats. Mr. Schwartz knows how to write both big, rousing ensemble numbers and tender, plaintive solos…One leaves the theater grateful for the good fortune of New York children, who can hang out with Broadway-caliber talents as if they were neighborhood friends. – The New York Times

Schwartz's tunes include a perky paean to Halloween, a goofy tango with foreboding shadows and a sweetly soaring theme song for Louie's magical flights on his red toy plane. – Newsday

Delightfully imaginative. The cast is first rate. A fanciful mix of urban grit and whimsey; something city children can both relate to and appreciate, Child-size entertainment with adult-size talent -- The music alone should have all ages soaring. -- Roma Torre, New York 1 TV

When all those kids come together to create Louie's big red airplane as they sing the terrific title song, you're sure to have a smile on your face. It's just the sort of simple joy that makes Captain Louie worthwhile. – Theatremania.com

"A delightful tale about how the powers of a child's imagination can overcome loneliness and change, it is performed by an outstanding cast of young professionals who display dynamic singing voices and enormous stage presence. Their talent, along with the imaginative direction of Meridee Stein and clever choreography of Joshua Bergasse, make for a captivating visit to the theater… It's an extremely entertaining show and the expressions of delight on the faces of the younger members of the audience proved that they were enjoying every minute of the show."- Broadway.com

Anthony Stein's book is a model of simplicity and innocence, cute but not cloying, fun but not frantic. The physical production is in much the same whimsical mode, with inventively adaptable set pieces (from Jeff Subik, based on Keats's drawings) that change into streets, alleys, or even Louie's airplane for a visually impressive climax, and delightful Halloween-themed costumes (Elizabeth Flauto, also working from Keats) cleverly comprising a broom, a mouse, a flower, and even a mushroom. Annmarie Duggan's lighting and multimedia from The Joshua Light Show also contribute to an environment where seemingly anything can happen.

When [Louie] uses a diorama to escape into fantasy and visit his friends again, the musical scene Schwartz has concocted, "Big Red Plane" (based on Louie's cherished toy), is nothing short of magical. So are the songs that conclude Louie's adventure - the joyous title song, in which he convinces his old friends to take to the skies with him, and the sad but expectant "Home Again," when it's time for them all to say goodbye again. –TalkinBroadway.com

MORE PHOTOS CAPTAIN LOUIE PHOTOS, SYNOPSIS, LYRICS

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