Family musical ‘Rosie’ really worth your time

Las Vegas Little Theatre’s show “Really Rosie” is really wonderful.

The family­-oriented musical, with book and lyrics by Maurice Sendak and music by Carole King, is based on the poetic children’s books of Sendak and is enveloped in King’s familiar piano-­driven sound. Featuring a talented cast of grade-school students, it is whimsical and clever, with catchy songs that delight kids and wink nostalgically at adults.

Set in 1965 on a steamy July day, it takes place on the stoop and in the basement of lively young Rosie’s Brooklyn brownstone on Avenue P. Mini­diva Rosie is “the enchanted one” around whom her friends the Nutshell Kids gather. She entices them to audition for a part in the imaginary musical movie of her life, called “Did you Hear what Happened to Chicken Soup,” who happens to be her pesky brother who’s hiding somewhere. And so, through their auditions, they put on a show.

Evocative of a more simple time, grown-­ups of a certain age may wistfully recall the educational 1975 animated TV special, voiced by King and on which the play expands. With the accomplished direction of Emily Fagan-­Baker the production visually takes its cues from the special and exquisitely emulates Sendak’s colorful designs.

Ron Lindblom’s lovely set features Avenue P’s red brick rowhouses and the stoops upon which the kids play, and at one point rotates effortlessly to reveal a dingy basement. It is to here that the kids flee during a rainstorm, which the vivid lights of Ginny Adams bring thundering to life. And the costumes of Abby Dandy perfectly illustrate the personalities of their goofy inhabitants.

Sendak’s iconic image of Rosie, wearing a floppy yellow hat and red evening gown oversized to suggest that it belongs to her mother, is nicely captured by actress Bella Zoila Smith. She is an elegant and graceful Rosie, and commands the stage with showy moves much like the animated character does. Confidently carrying the bulk of the vocals, she belts out tunes such as the haunting “Really Rosie” with aplomb.

Ava Rogers is Rosie’s bestie Kathy, who reluctantly bows to her every command and is even relegated to secretary. But she stubbornly maintains her individuality and brings a delicate color to her singing in “The Awful Truth.”

As Alligator, Maxwell Claydon is endearing and waifish. His signature song, the alliterative “Alligators all around,” teaches the alphabet and is probably the most recognizable tune of the bunch.

Ken Haley plays the book­worm Johnny, giving him the proper, smarty­-pants attitude. His solo “One was Johnny” is a memorable counting song about various creatures acted out by the ensemble that intrude on his solitude.

As the boy­who­doesn’t­care named Pierre, Gary Easton is pleasantly disagreeable, and his song “Pierre” teaches the dangers of disobedience and is amusing as he gets gobbled up by a lion when he refuses to care.

The entire ensemble is polished both musically and choreographically, and incredibly cute. Musical director Brandon Grayson provides formidable skill in his arrangements and also live musical accompaniment on keyboard. On opening night there were a few issues with sound levels and jitters but nothing that couldn’t be forgiven.

Las Vegas Little Theatre’s production of “Really Rosie” is a really fun, nostalgic show the entire family can enjoy.