Click, Clack, Moo

With source material as clever as Doreen Cronin’s beloved book and a creative team that includes the writer of the witty Off Broadway juggernaut Altar Boyz, it’s really no surprise that this musical is so udderly (sorry, couldn’t resist) fabulous. Book author Aronson has added characters and enhanced the plot—the curmudgeonly Farmer Brown gets a plucky niece, who figures prominently—but his changes won’t inspire purists to cluck, or quack or moo.

For those who haven’t read the story (and seriously, what are you waiting for?), a group of cold cows stage a strike with the help of Duck (the sassy Demond B. Nason) and a laptop (in lieu of the book’s typewriter). The trio of dairy cows is masterfully played by Gretchen Bieber (the sweet one), Kristy Cates (the grouchy one) and Michael Thomas Holmes (the ditzy one), who becomes their de facto leader during an amazing anthem that galvanizes his bovine buddies. It’s at once funny (“God bless…the USDA”) and, for adults—who very well may fantasize about staging walkouts at their own jobs—truly moo-ving. Other highlights include Nason’s funky, pun-riddled “Get Down” and the self-explanatory “Mad Cows.”

Audiences respond audibly to the broad humor (Urinetown helmer Rando certainly knows how to milk his cast for high camp), the cartoon aesthetic of the costumes and set (which hark back to Betsy Lewin’s illustrations), and the myriad visual gags, such as the “long road” between the farmhouse and the barn: a three-foot expanse traveled by puppet versions of the characters.

Given Theatreworks USA’s track record of turning classic kids’ lit into magical musicals—past productions include the riotous Junie B Jones and the critically acclaimed Sarah, Plain and Tall—Click, Clack, Moo just reaffirms the organization's reputation. And the fact that its summer shows are free (and have been for the past 21 years) means you can hang on to your kids' milk money.—Raven Snook

Click, Clack, Moo plays at Lucille Lortel Theatre through Aug 28. Tickets: Free!

Parents take note: The show has been selling out, so arrive early if you want to be sure to get in. Also, babies are not allowed! We don't want anyone to be disappointed.

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