“Owen and Mzee,” an off-Broadway children’s musical from New York’s Vital Theatre Company, is coming to Vashon to delight families next week — delivering the message that, despite our differences, we can all get along, care for one another, and grow together.
The musical tells a real-life fairy tale from Africa that touched and inspired people worldwide.
Owen, a baby hippopotamus, was separated from his family during the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004. After being rescued and relocated to a wildlife reserve in Kenya, the frightened little hippo immediately took to a 130-year-old giant tortoise called Mzee (Swahili for “old man”). The two became inseparable companions, and the rest is history.
The musical theatre writing duo of Danny Haengil Larsen (composer and co-lyricist) and Michelle Elliott (book writer and co-lyricist) are both New York University’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program graduates. They’ve penned seven musicals together, garnering acclaim and awards nationwide. While based in New York City, Larsen and Elliott are no strangers to our neck of the woods, having been invited to show new works at the Village Theatre in Issaquah four times —with “Hart Island” in 2017, “Maiden Voyage” in 2013, “Cloaked” in 2010, and their first musical, “The Yellow Wood,” in 2008.
The talented four-person cast — Kyle Jack (Owen), Justin Emmanuel Parker (Mzee), Dakarai Brown (Pappa Hippo and Others), Aerika Gabbin (Mamma Hippo and Others) — are directed and choreographed by Stanley Mathis. Mathis is a Broadway veteran and children’s theater performer from Washington, D.C.
He was last seen on Broadway and in the national tour of “The Book of Mormon,” as Mafala Hatimbi. His many credits include “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” as Schroeder (with Kristen Chenoweth), and the original cast of “The Lion King,” as Banzai, the hyena. Mathis has also spent time on stage in Seattle, in August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean,” at Seattle Rep, directed by Phylicia Rashad.
The last few years have revealed how adaptable and resilient our spirits can be in the face of unforeseen obstacles and adversity. Our ability to care for one another, find new ways to connect, and rediscover what’s most important to us has been one of our most meaningful rewards.
Perhaps this is why so many have been able to relate and feel inspired by the story of Owen and Mzee. Of course, having some catchy musical theatre tunes and a cast of great performers under an experienced director also helps.
“Owen and Mzee” will run for one night only, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at Vashon Center for the Arts. Adult tickets are $18-$20. Youths ages 18 and younger are free. Buy tickets and reserve youth seats at vashoncenterforthearts.org, or by phone at 206-259-3007.
