by Shirley Lorraine

Plaid Tidings hits all the right holiday notes

The holiday season is a time to enjoy familiar tunes, tons of laughter, friendship and all things red, green and festive. The Rubicon Theatre Company brings all this and more to their stage as 2019 comes to a close.

Plaid Tidings, a special holiday edition of the popular musical Forever Plaid, tells the story of a quartet of lovable, slightly nerdy musicians whose careers are cut short in an auto accident one fateful night. They are given the opportunity to come down to Earth to perform the holiday show they couldn’t complete in life.

And what a show it is. Written and directed by the Original Creator, Stuart Ross, Plaid Tidings is simply heavenly from start to big finish. It has warmth, an abundance of humor, great harmonies, toe-tapping choreography, and four highly multi-talented young men with sparkles in their eyes to delight the audience throughout. For me, it is one of those shows I didn’t want to end, it was so captivating and enjoyable.

All four of the Plaids come with extensive theater credits and it shows. Sean Bell, Adolpho Blaire, Zak Edwards and Joshua David Cavanaugh each bring a wide range of skills to delight and amuse. They each shine in their solo areas as well as complementing each other beautifully.

Interspersed with holiday tunes are familiar refrains from the 50’s and 60’s such as “Hey There,” “Fever” and “Matilda” (with a twist). The Plaids even geta little heavenly help from Rosemary Clooney and inspiration from Perry Como.
A three-minute rendition of an entire Ed Sullivan Show features well known elements and much hilarity as the four frantically pack in more than one would think possible. It’s great fun and a bit nostalgic.
Accompanying the quartet is a piano and a bass, led by Musical Director Andrew M. Chukerman. The seemingly simple setting is like a magician’s box of tricks, with props and details appearing in surprising ways. The entire theater is strung with holiday lights, adding to the beauty and the general festivities to sustain the holiday mood.

Ross made some alterations to the ever-in-progress script to customize some areas for Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre, adding a quite personal element to the performance. The actors speak directly to the audience at times and even enlist the assistance of a few to move their story along. He also makes use of some of the actor’s special talents, such as Edwards on accordion, a soft-shoe for Bell and more. As Ross relates, he enjoys “creating a special and unique production” for each cast and the theater in which they perform.

If you love holiday music and can attend only one holiday performance this season, I heartily recommend this one. Take your family. Share it with a friend. Enjoy.
Plaid Tidings runs through December 29. Performances are Wednesdays at 2 and 7 p.m. Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Rubicon Theater, 1006 E. Main St, Ventura. (805) 667-2900 for tickets. Prices vary.

by Cindy Summers
Harriet

Harriet is based on the true life story of Harriet Tubman, known historically for her work and leadership in the Underground Railroad that brought slaves to free territories. Released by Focus Features, Directed by Kasi Lemmons, Written by Gregory Allen Howard and Kasi Lemmons, and Starring Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman.

When she was in her early 20’s, Harriet had married a free black man, but her slave owners went against a former agreement and would not allow her to go and live a free life with her husband. She decided then she would be free or die, so committed to escaping, first seeking the advice of her free father who sent her to the local pastor for help.

Harriet was strong in her faith, prayed and talked to God a lot, and it seemed that he tended to listen to her requests. She also had visions of future events which she called spells that helped to guide her throughout her life and was known by her family and those around her to be reliable information.

The pastor told Harriet that fear was the enemy, and that she needed to put all fear aside and follow his directions exactly if she had any chance at escaping. Part of the issue was that like most slaves Harriet could not read, so had to memorize route markers and names given to her by the pastor to make the 100 mile journey to free territory.

Against all odds she arrived in Philadelphia where she met William Still (Leslie Odom Jr.) eventually known as the father of the Underground Railroad, who recorded her slave story and then gave her a new identity from the new name she chose for herself – Harriet (for her mother) Tubman (the surname of her husband). Still helped Harriet to settle into a new free life, but she was lonely, so against his advice she decided to return to bring her husband back to a better life.

Harriet returned to discover her husband had remarried, thinking Harriet had died in her initial escape attempt, so Harriet decided to rescue and free her brothers and their wives, though sadly her sister would not go. Having been successful on her second journey, Still had her inducted into the secret Underground Railroad that was set up by whites and blacks to help slaves escape to freedom.

Harriet would sing from the woods “let my people go” and dozens would run away from the plantations and follow her to freedom. Due to the fact that no one saw her, and she dressed in male clothes, the plantation owners called her Moses (thinking she was a man) and offered increasing rewards for her capture. Harriet was never caught, and herself was responsible for leading 70 slaves across the Underground Railroad to freedom. She also lead 150 troops to free 750 slaves in one single event, and was the first known woman to lead troops into battle.

Cynthia Erivo is outstanding in the role of Harriet, and truly embodies her fierce demeanor in this amazing tale of how one determined woman fearlessly freed herself and thousands of others with her belief that God didn’t intend for people to own people. Harriet is not only an inspiring true story, but also shares some uncommonly known aspects of Harriet Tubman’s life as well as some interesting historical details.

PG-13 (for thematic content throughout, violent material and language including racial epithets)
125 minutes

by Shirley Lorraine

Seussical, an Amuse-ical Musical

The Ojai Art Center Theater closes out its 2019 season with the City’s Urban Forestry Department’s new 4,000 gallon water truck, the Musical directed by Gai Jones. An amalgam of Dr. Seuss stories bring their characters together for a new look at many of the familiar characters as their tales intertwine.

Performed almost entirely in Seuss’s inimitable and fanciful rhyme, the show builds around the plight of the hapless Horton, the elephant who egg-sits for the flighty and flamboyant Mayzie the bird who literally flies the coop. Horton is assisted by love-struck Gertrude McFuzz and, of course, the ultimate catalyst for chaos, Cat in the Hat.

From beginning to end, the stage is filled with beloved characters. Who-Ville is represented, naturally, complete with charming Cindy Lou-Who. Yertle the Turtle and General Ghengis Kahn Schmitz with his merry band of cadets grace the stage. The Wickershams, a lively group of monkeys (kudos to make-up artist Kaelynn Adams) play pranks throughout. Even the Grinch makes an appearance. A quite large cast handles creative choreography, scene and prop changes and colorful background throughout.

In short, the production is fun, lively and visually entrancing. Sheryl Jo Bedal has outdone herself with creative costuming to bring the characters to life. Choreography by Debbie Ayes is innovative and appropriate for all skill and age levels. Live musical accompaniment accents the rapid lyrics and keeps the singers on pace for the almost non-stop musical numbers.

Several roles are double cast. The night I attended Steven Michael held the pivotal role of Cat, Kyra Amal-King played JoJo (a Who-Ville lad whose travels help save Who-Ville) and Hayley Silvers played Mrs. Mayor. Although the players may be different when you attend, the performers will no doubt be just as capable as the cast I saw.

Michael McCarthy as Horton provides a solid representation of the down-trodden, put-upon but loyal elephant. McCarthy also designed the intricate set and graphics. Standout performances are given by Emily Hall as Mayzie, Marisa Miculian as Gertrude McFuzz, Christian McAteer as General Ghengis Kahn Schmitz and Evan Austin as Mr. Mayor.

When you go, if you can still get a ticket, be prepared for a high-energy performance. As a bonus following the show, the cast holds autograph signing in the Gallery or patio, weather depending. Young patrons especially will delight in the opportunity to meet and greet their favorite characters.

The Art Center is also collecting donations of new or gently used Dr. Seuss books to be given to the Ojai Union School District. You can help introduce new generations of youngsters to the whimsical imagination of Dr. Seuss. The gift of reading is always an excellent offering.

I left the theater challenged to make a sentence without rhyming for the entire drive home and had a hard time keeping my feet from continuing to dance. Not a bad way to spend an evening.

Seussical continues through December 15. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. matinees Saturdays. and Sundays. $25 general admission, $20 for seniors and Art Center members, and $10 for those 25 and under. The Ojai Art Center is located at 113 S. Montgomery, phone (805) 640-8797 or www.ojaiact.org .at:
113 S. Montgomery Street
Ojai, California 93023

Tel: 805 640-8797cated at:
113 S. Montgomery Street
Ojai, California 93023

Tel: 805 640-8797

by Cindy Summers

FORD v FERRARI

Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best.

FORD v FERRARI is based on the amazing true story of pioneering car designer Carroll Shelby and fearless English born driver Ken Miles and their quest to build a race car for Ford motor company to beat Enzo Ferrari in the Le Mans in 1966. Shelby and Miles together overcome the challenging physics, corporate egos and seemingly unbeatable odds to build Fords first race car, the Ford GT40. Released by 20th Century Fox, Directed by James Mangold, Written by Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, Jason Keller and Starring Matt Damon as Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale as Ken Miles.

In the early 60’s, Ford Motor Company was suffering significant losses and Henry Ford II fired everyone and gave them the option to come back if they came up with an idea to turn things around. Ferrari was building the best cars that would win the Le Mans Grand Prix every year, but there was a high cost in building cars one at a time that had the company in financial troubles. Lee Iacocca (Jon Bernthal) approached owner Enzo Ferrari (Remo Girone) with a proposal to merge and Ford and Ferrari, but Ferrari was so insulted he called all the Ford execs “sons of whores” and belittled Henry Ford II by calling him number 2.

This fueled Henry Ford II in an all out war against Ferrari to build a Ford race car that could win the Le Mans. Iacocca then contacted innovative auto designer Carroll Shelby, an ex race driver who previously won the Le Mans in 1959, who owned his own company building and racing Corbas with British driver and ace mechanic Ken Miles. Shelby was winning races, but Miles was known to be “difficult to work with” and often threw tantrums, fighting with race officials, etc.

The synergy between Carroll and Miles was pure brilliance together creating the Ford GT40, and set out to race it in the 1965 Grand Prix., and had a very close relationship like brothers, and even got into “brother like” physical fights but were together were a great team at building fast cars. There was just one problem, Ford corporate executive Le Beebe (Josh Lucas) did not like Miles, and convinced Ford to exclude him from the Le Mans racing team, which ended up losing.

Henry Ford II goes after Carroll for the loss, but Carroll argued it was due to Miles not racing, so Ford gives the team another year to engineer and race in the 1966 Le Mans. They face challenges and compromise of working with corporate execs and their underhanded ways of control, even tricking Miles into throwing the Le Mans by asking him to slow down and have all three Ford cars cross the finish at the same time, and though way ahead in the race placed 2nd due to a technicality.

Carroll and Miles brushed it off, and set out to better the engineering on the Ford GT, but the car malfunctioned during a test drive and Miles died in the crash. Ken Miles was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame and Ford won the Le Mans in 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969 and was the only American car to ever win the Le Mans.

FORD v FERRARI is a thrilling story about people who love their life’s endeavors and live their lives pursuing excellence through gifted brilliance and perseverance. Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt were originally cast in the starring roles, and feel that the success of this movie comes primarily from the winning combination of Damon and Bale and their ability to immerse viewers in this inspiring true story of American ingenuity.

Rated: PG-13 (for some language and peril)
152 minutes

by Shirley Lorraine

Travelers find common ground

The Beacon Theater Company has mounted its second production in the form of Walter Cronkite is Dead, now playing on the Elite Theatre’s main stage. The Elite, currently in a restructuring period, has graciously invited Beacon to use the stage while they are between productions.

Walter Cronkite is Dead is a two-person play by Joe Calarco that is filled with humor, familiar conversation dilemmas and finally, friendship. Directed by Kathleen Bosworth, the play is set in a bar area of the Reagan National Airport just outside Washington, D.C., waiting out a storm that has all flights grounded until further notice.

Jill Dolan embodies the character of Margaret, a woman embarking on her first plane trip. She has battled years of fear of flying and the storm delays certainly don’t help ease her nerves. She tries to stay focused, but her mantra of calm is quickly shattered when Sindy McKay, as traveler Patty, a compulsive talker, enters. With nowhere else for Patty to sit, Margaret reluctantly shares her table.

The personalities and demeanors of the two are like oil and water. Margaret is buttoned-up and business-like, while Patty is comfortable in jeans and sneakers. Patty brings a tote full of snacks and things to do while Margaret is armed with just a travel guide to her destination. However, with time (and a little wine), the two begin to share bits of their lives with each other, finding that they have more in common than either would have imagined.

A few political references rankle each as they discover they have opposing viewpoints, but ultimately even those are put aside as they do what they can to make the best of their limited time together.

Both actresses are a delight to watch as they work their craft. The single setting is minimal, giving both free reign to engage the audience through their reactions, inflections and body language.

The 90-minute play runs without intermission. The action is periodically punctuated with some amusing announcements and storm updates. The play is definitely worth catching. Pass the word.
Tickets for the current production are $22. Purchase online at www.beacontheatercompany.com or 805-233-6965. The production runs Friday and Saturday at 8 and Sunday at 2 p.m. through November 24 at the Elite Theatre, 2731 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard

SOAPBOX:

Almost all Ventura County live theaters are non-profit and do not pay their actors or technicians. Participants do it for the love of their art, volunteering a great deal of time and effort to entertain audiences. All aspects of live theater provide opportunities to learn new skills and enhance skills already in place, both onstage and behind the scenes. Your support of all Ventura County theaters is crucial to their continued success.

The Beacon Theater Company is seeking a permanent home. Any help in this effort is encouraged. Contact Tom Eubanks, Co-founder, at [email protected] or 805-233-6965.

The Elite Theatre, too, is experiencing challenges in keeping the doors open. Visit its new website, www.theelite.org for more information. or e-mail [email protected]. 805-483-5118.

by Shirley Lorraine

Big River a Memorable Journey

The prolific humorous storyteller Mark Twain’s characters Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer and others come to life on the Rubicon theater stage. Adapted from Twain’s writings, Big River explores Huck and his slave friend Jim’s journey on the Mississippi searching for freedom. The book by William Hauptman and down-home music by Roger Miller has earned the show numerous awards as well as audience’s hearts.

From the opening sounds of crickets and bluegrass/country the familiar characters emerge, spinning the yarns on which most of us grew up.

This tale centers on Huck Finn, a restless teen who yearns for life beyond his drunken Pap and best friend Tom Sawyer and rag-tag gang of wanna-be tough guys. Huck decides to join the family’s slave Jim in a river adventure by faking his own death. The two encounter many trials on their journey, including befriending two aging hucksters, the Duke and the King.

Along the way Huck learns many valuable life lessons including the value of honesty and doing the right thing, no matter what the consequences.

The Rubicon’s production arose from director/choreographer Kirby Ward and his wife Beverly’s desire to bring the musical to Ventura. In keeping with the ongoing relevance of the story, language has been preserved from the original that may be uncomfortable for some, but which is vital to the telling of the story. Kirby keeps the action moving along with creative staging and choreography. I could almost feel the pages of the story being turned as it unraveled before me. The music is engaging throughout, fitting perfectly into each chapter of the tale.

Many in the large cast play several roles, adding to the storytelling aspect that is so critical to the production. The addition of background projection adds to the scenes to bring the picture to life. Even the on-stage musical accompaniment gets into the act, with several musicians taking active roles in the story itself.

The cast is superb throughout. Leading the action is Josey Montana McCoy as the irascible Huck and David Aron Damane as Jim, larger than life in both presence and voice. Together the two-produce vocal magic.

Broadway actress Teri Bibb plays Miss Watson and other characters, with Rubicon company everyman Joseph Fuqua handling the character of Pap and more. His rendition of Miller’s song Guv’ment is a highlight.

Standout performances are given by Larry Cedar and Richard Hebert as the hucksters who present themselves as royalty with outstanding comedic timing. Nick McKenna, one of Tom’s gang and more, shines as Young Fool singing Arkansas with pluck.

Additional fine performances are given by Cassidy Stirtz as Mary Jane/Fiddler, Brandon Ruiter as Tom Sawyer, Renn Woods as Alice, who delivers some fine gospel, and Clarinda Ross as the Widow Douglas. There is not a weak player in the cast or orchestra.

Big River is an experience in high quality theater, intimate storytelling and ongoing themes that are as relevant today as ever. Ventura is indeed fortunate to have the Rubicon in our midst.

Big River runs through November 10. Performances are Wednesdays at 2 and 7 p.m. (talkbacks follow the Wednesday evening performances) Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Rubicon Theater, 1006 E. Main St, Ventura. or (805) 667-2900 for tickets. Prices vary. Make reservations soon as many shows sell out.

Movie Review by Cindy Summers
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is the sequel the the 2014 Disney box office hit, and centers around Aurora’s planned wedding to Prince Phillip, which would help to bring peace between fairies and man and bring together the kingdoms of Ulstead and the Moors. Though this seemed great cause for celebration and supported by King John of Ulstead, Queen Ingrith was not pleased with their plan to marry and set out to undermine their upcoming wedding through ruthless and diabolical deeds. Released by Walt Disney Pictures, Directed by Joachim Ronning, Written by Linda Woolverton, Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster and Starring Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Michelle Pfeiffer as Queen Ingrith, Elle Fanning as Aurora, Harris Dickinson as Prince Philip, and Robert Lindsay as King John.

A call was sent out throughout the land to attend a grand celebration at the castle of Ulstead to honor the upcoming marriage of Aurora and Prince Phillip, but when the fairies and other forest beings came it was actually a trap set by Queen Ingrith to kill them all.

Quite by accident, Maleficent discovers the Dark Fae, which is the hidden kingdom of her original people, and learns that she is the last of the Dark Fae to carry the Phoenix power of those born in her bloodline. It was up to Maleficent, with the aid of Aurora, Prince Phillip and the Dark Fae to rescue them all, though it took Maleficent channeling her Phoenix power to win the battle.

In the end it’s discovered that the Queen Ingrith actually poisoned the King and admited to making up a story to demonize Maleficent, who was not guilty of any wrong doing, but a hero in a sense that served as godmother and raised a human child Aurora making her Queen of the Moors in an effort to aid in bringing peace between Ulstead and the Moors.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is quite the visual spectacle and viewers will easily find themselves lost in the realms of the Ulstead kingdom and the fairy forest. It also has many wonderful lessons regarding acceptance of diversity, the power of peace, and the importance of family however it is defined, and uses clever humor and witty dialog to keep viewers entertained throughout.

Rated: PG (for intense sequences of fantasy action/violence and brief scary images)
118 minutes

by Shirley Lorraine

Moorpark’s “Mermaid” Enchanting

High Street Arts Center in Moorpark has done it again. The company consistently brings high-quality talent to their stage with every production. Now open is the enchanting stage extravaganza The Little Mermaid.

This Disney adaptation, based on Hans Christian Anderson’s timeless tale, is a lively, colorful, fun romp under the sea with a happy ending. With book by Doug Wright and music by eight-time academy-award winning composer Alan Menken, audiences will exit the theater smiling and singing.

Anderson’s morality play directly targets children of all ages – mind your parents, be true to yourself, listen to your friends, beware of unscrupulous figures and weather the struggles of life.

Ariel, the youngest of seven daughters to King Triton, is a free spirit with a golden voice and a penchant to obey her desires rather than her father. She witnesses a shipwreck and is immediately smitten by a handsome sailor who turns out to be a Prince. She decides that what she really wants is to be human.

A typical teenager, however, she rebels against her father’s strong and protective hand in order to pursue her dream. Against the advice of her closest friends, Sebastian the Crab and Flounder, a young fish who admires her, Ariel succumbs to the magic of her evil aunt, Ursula. Along the way lessens are learned and misunderstandings are mended.

She discovers the pitfalls of pursuing the unknown as she fights to adapt. However, in true Disney fashion, her dreams are ultimately realized, and everyone lives happily ever after.

This production is outstanding. The cast is superb. They are aided by a spectacular setting designed by Chris Bell, complimentary choreography by Wendy Babb and creative, colorful costuming by Barbara Mazeika and Raquel Karoly. In short, it is a full package of visual delight. Director Dana Marley-Kolb uses the entire theater and all the actors to excellent advantage.

Ariel is delightfully portrayed by Charlotte Green; whose beautiful voice and graceful movements bring her character most believably to life.

Her sidekick, Flounder, is embodied by young Theo Chambers, who is one to watch. His clear voice, excellent diction and enthusiastic performance made him a stand-out.

The pivotal role of the irascible crab Sebastian is held by the scene-stealing Vincent Perez, who displays comedic acumen, dancing and vocal skills par excellence.

There are almost too many outstanding performances to mention because they are all top-notch. Notable performances are given by David Gilchrist as Grimsby, Cameron Liljervist as Prince Eric, John Gaston as King Triton (who doubled as musical director), Erin Fagundes as seagull Scuttle (a tap-dancing power ball of energy), Noah Terry as Chef Louis and Alison Rosenblum as the evil Ursula the Squid.

The ensemble showcases many skills with numerous actors playing several roles.

Clearly the entire cast is having a blast being under the sea. The audience falls under the spell from the opening notes to the grand conclusion.

If you are looking for a production that will enchant young and seasoned alike, this one is it. The show runs through November 17 and is expected to sell out. Reserve your seats early.

The Little Mermaid, High Street Arts Center, 45 E. High Street, Moorpark. Tickets online at www.HighStreetArtsCenter.com. (805) 529-8700. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

by Shirley Lorraine

Ruddigore Right for the Season

Apropos for the month of October, the Ventura County Gilbert & Sullivan Repertoire Company brings a production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic operetta, Ruddigore, or The Witche’s Curse to the stage at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts in Thousand Oaks through October 20.

Generations of titled gentlemen, a long-standing family curse, ghosts, mad woman and eerie goings-on, the fast-paced actions give many opportunities for the actors to overact with studied sincerity.

The VCGCRC has offered all the famous pair’s works over the past decade plus and they are always a delight to behold. Under the expert tutelage of the dynamic duo of John and Rebecca Pillsbury, singers and actors take on the vocal challenges provided by the operettas.

As in all G&S’ works, the plot is highly stylized, great fun is made of many stereotypes, and all comes out well in the end, usually in unexpected ways.

The rich Murgatroyd family have been cursed by a witch whereby the current heir must commit a crime a day or endure a death by torture. A legion of ancestors have all befallen the same fate. The eldest son, Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd, decides to fake his death and reinvent himself as a peasant, leaving his unfortunate brother, Sir Despard, to carry the curse.
Sir Ruthven, now known as Robin Oakapple, falls in love with a lovely maiden, Rose Maybud, but cannot reveal his true identity. With a cadre of professional bridesmaids ever at the ready for some nuptials, Rosebud turns to her trusty etiquette book for advice.

Meanwhile, Robin engages the services of his foster brother recently back from maritime service, to approach the fair maiden on his behalf. The two fall instantly and madly in love.
Misunderstandings prevail and a wedding is planned. Sir Despard is apprised that his brother lives, and Sir Ruthven must once again assume the role of the cursed Murgatroyd. Despard is then free to marry his long-time love, Mad Margaret.

Much haunting ensues when ancestors come to life from portraits on the wall in the second act. The ghosts help resolve the family’s plight and in the end all is well. And there is more to the plot to complicate, delight and confuse.

The lead role of Sir Ruthven is ably carried by company regular Gary Saxer, who has perfected the art of rapid-fire vocal patter required in a G&S production. A trio of Saxer, Emma Hall as Mad Margaret and Mark Goldstein as Despard is a highlight of the second act. Laura Barrows handles the role of the sweet Rose with a beautiful voice. Perhaps because of the vocal range, I found the men’s singing easier to understand throughout while still enjoying the purity of the women’s voices. Perusing the general plotline beforehand is highly recommended as there are continual twists and turns to follow.

A fine setting and outstanding musical accompaniment set this show apart. Do yourself a favor and go enjoy this delightfully different production.

Ruddigore, Theatre on the Hill, Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. (805) 381-1246, www.hillcrestarts.com. Tickets are $25 adults, $19 children/students/seniors. Friday and Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.

Movie Review by Cindy Summers
Abominable

Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best.

Abominable centers around a young determined female protagonist named Yi (Chloe Bennet) who finds a young Yeti on the roof of her apartment building in Shanghai and sets out to return it to it’s home, Mt. Everest, which is why she named the Yeti Everest. Yi is constantly challenged during her heroic quest by a wealthy investor named Burnish (Eddie Izzard) and zoologist Dr. Zara (Sarah Paulson) who have their own plans to reap financial reward from capturing Everest. Through this epic adventure, Yi learns that with the help of Jin (Tenzing Norgay Trainor) and Peng (Albert Tsai), and Everest’s special gifts revealed along the way, that anything is possible. Released by Universal Pictures, Written and Directed by Jill Culton, and starring the voices of Chloe Bennet as Yi, Tenzing Norgay Trainor as Jin and Albert Tsai as Peng.

Director Jill Culton conveyed conservation messages through the film regarding exotic animals and the importance of them living in their natural habitat. There were insightful lesson learned throughout the movie, such as Peng’s comment regarding Everest being connected to nature like Yi was connected to her violin, as well as plenty of adult commentary, like when Burnish questions out loud the integrity of his plans regarding Everest upon recognizing his unique, exotic status.

Chloe Bennet (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) was perfect in the role of Yi, as was Tenzing Norgay Trainor as Jin and Albert Tsai as Peng, as the animated characters were actually almost identical to the real actors and played a huge role in the realism of the animation – worth the visuals here to show what I mean.

The real star of this animated masterpiece is writer-director Jill Culton, who studied at the Character Animation program at the California Institute of the Arts, where she later taught animation. She’s been in the animation industry for 30 years and previously worked on other well know animated movies including Toy Story, Toy Story 2, A Bug’s Life, Curious George, Open Season, Open Season 2 and Hotel Transylvania. Colton began working with Deamworks Animation on Abominable in 2010, stepped off the project in 2016 and another team took over, then came back to direct the movie.

Abominable is a heartwarming movie filled with amazing visual brilliance and magical adventure the whole family can enjoy. It’s ranked No.1 on the Top Box Office list grossing $21M it’s first week and look for it to win the Best Animated Movie at this year’s Oscars. I would recommend seeing it in Cinema XD, which offers trillions of colors on a colossal screen for you to be totally immersed in this spectacular animated adventure.

Rated: PG (for some action and mild rude humor)
97 minutes