This is another project of MSU’s “Sense-Ability Ensemble” creating “innovative, multi-sensory, interactive theatrical performances for audiences that are neurodiverse” — which I’d translate into MOST young kids in the 4-10 age range — who may be too wiggly, and chatty for sit-still-and-watch-for-a-long-time theatre. Tonight’s audience was a little “adult-heavy” but we played along. I imagine the daytime performances will have enough kids to up the energy level significantly.
Meleah Acuff is engaging as Faith, our cat-loving, worried protagonist. The rest of the cast inhabit a myriad of puppets, large and small — with all operators visible to the audience. I particularly enjoyed Tobias Sanders as the Skunk. Shelby Ginsburg added lovely violin accompaniment — but her positioning sometimes blocked the sight lines for audience left. This is general admission seating; I recommend the center section for best perspective.
There is a lot of interaction and talking to the audience, offering opportunities to touch and feel “cat whiskers” and and the like. Actors warn to put on earphones or cover your ears before a few loud sounds. There’s even a brief “draw-along” using the fun activity booklet and crayons provided.
But the show is only part of the experience. COME EARLY for the fun activities offered in a room off the Arena Theatre lobby 45 minutes prior to each performance, including coloring, face painting, a mini art gallery — and photos and interaction with the What if Wilhelmina puppets and puppeteers after the show.
Future shows:
• Saturday, March 9, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Sunday, March 10, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Friday, March 15, at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Mar. 16, at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Sunday, March 17, at 11 a.m.
https://www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/what-if-wilhelmina
Tickets also can be purchased at the Arena Theatre Ticket Office, which will open one hour prior to each performance. The Arena is in the lower level of MSU's Auditorium Building. Ticket office on the Farm Lane end of the building.