Sunday, January 19, 2020

THE SQUIRRELS
Aurora Fox Arts Black Box Theater
January 17 – February 9,2020
L-R: Andrew Uhlenhopp and Rachel Turner
(Photo credit: Gail Marie Bransteitter)

Upon entering the auditorium of the Black Box Theater over at Aurora Fox Arts Center one is regaled with a breathtaking tree that sprawls out, reaches above and even wraps around part of the playing space. This magnificent tree (quasi forest) has been created by Technical Director and Scenic Designer Brandon Philip Case. For this reason alone one might suggest you hurry to get a ticket. 
       Jen Orf’s superb lighting design in tandem with Jason Ducat’s amazing sound design create a magic all on their own. Nicole M. Harrison’s furry costume design is delightfully spot on.
          Director Missy Moore has assembled a fine cast to create her vision of Robert Askins’ THE SQUIRRELS. 
     Stitched together by the amazing acting talents of Andrew Uhlenhopp as a goofy scientist who narrates the show, while also playing a squirrel named Sciuridae, this dark comic allegory touches on numerous topics. Among these are: sexism, classism and bigotry of every hue. And, yes, it also comments upon disregard for the animals and environment.
      There are some lovely performances in this apocalyptic comedy. Glamorous Kelly Uhlenhopp is most memorable as matriarch Mammalia. Her biomimetic stage movements and squirrel chittering astound.  Rachel Turner turns in a thoroughly enjoyable performance as Rodentia. This actor’s ability to transform herself into a squirrel physiologically squeaking, is amazing.  Leinie Rigg(Chordata), Joshua Levy(Scurius) and Hossein Forouzandeh(Carolinensis) round out this cast of tail swishing tree rodents.
       It’s the Grey squirrels vs. the Fox Squirrels in an only slightly veiled comparison to the human race.  
                    There are a lot of nuts in this show so please take this reviewer’s opinion with a grain of salt.

WHERE: The Aurora Fox Arts Center | 9900 East Colfax Avenue | Aurora, CO 80040
 FOR TIX: Box office – 303.739.1970 | Website ‐ AuroraFox.org

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