When I first heard about Pamela’s First Musical, I was ecstatic at the idea of my children’s first play being a story about a girl attending her first musical. I didn’t even hesitate to trek to the charming Two River Theater in Red Bank to catch this magnificent adventure!
Pamela’s First Musical is about a little girl whose mother has passed away. She lives in a world of her own, fueled by imagination and her eccentric aunt. Pamela’s aunt has an affinity for Broadway musicals, which Pamela has now inherited through all of her aunt’s entertaining stories. Her birthday doesn’t quite go as planned so her aunt swoops in to take her to her first Broadway play, allowing her to really immerse herself in the flair of New York City and the theatre.
Sarah McKinley Austin (Pamela) has a gorgeous singing voice and executed her role in such a fun way that I felt was perfect for kids, especially young girls with acting aspirations. The journey that Pamela went on was adorable and the music was fun and inspiring, very pro-uniqueness and creativity. Every kid should be encouraged to embrace their individuality and imagination!
There were a bunch of funny jokes, not necessarily all just for the kids. I was particularly interested in the song mocking critics, which poked a bit of fun at all of the Broadway shows and writers, to include Pamela’s First Musical‘s own Wendy Wasserstein. I certainly hadn’t seen all of the shows they were referencing since I’m new to productions (and so excited to start seeing them all)! Still, it made me laugh, especially because I know how scathing critics can be in their reviews!
This musical is actually full of Tony award nominees/winners and I thought it was obvious that there was some real talent here. Carolee Carmello is another main character, Aunt Louise, whose booming beautiful voice and eccentricity made for a fun ally for Pamela. Seriously, everyone should have an energetic aunt with big dreams! Even the smaller roles were entertaining. Erica Dorfler (Lyndell/other characters) has the most infectious smile and I loved her villains here but I’m definitely dying to see her in more shows! I kept saying how I had so many questions for these wonderful actors, like “Is Carolee now stuck using the word ‘splendiferous’ in her every day life because her character had to say it so much?” My wish came true as we headed across the street to meet up with Sarah McKinley Austin herself!
Sarah is only twelve years old but has already toured with Once and Matilda. She’s the sweetest kid and seems most comfortable on stage! She’s from Texas but doesn’t mind picking up and taking off with the shows, where her delightful mom joins her to cheer her on from backstage. It was cool for my kids to have the opportunity to meet her and see that kids can chase and achieve their dreams!
My son, age 5, said, “Her singing was so beautiful”. My daughter, almost 7, really liked that Pamela imagined herself inside of the Broadway play because she likes to do that too. I think that this was an unforgettable experience for my children and Pamela’s First Musical is THE performance for kids to see for their first musical!
What was YOUR first musical and who took you?!
Pamela’s First Musical will be showing at the Two River Theater until October 7th! Get your tickets here.
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*The Quirky Mom Next Door received tickets in exchange for coverage of this event. All opinions and experiences are our own only.
My first and only Musical I went to was the phantom of the opera. I went with my high school chorus. I was enchanted by the sounds, sights, and freedom the city felt to me. For a stint I wanted to perform on Broadway and live in NYC. Obviously that didn’t go as planned but that magical feeling has never left me.
Sounds like a good play. I am yet to wait before bringing my son to a theater with confidence that he will actually behave to sit and watch. He’s still a very active 2 year old so we got a long way to go. I love watching theater plays back in college as I am an Arts student and to be able to see one with my child is on my bucket list. Hope you all had a fun time 🙂
Oh definitely, I wouldn’t yet! My mom did bring my two year old niece and she handled it well but I would say for a toddler, that’s rare. I know mine wouldn’t have lol.
How fun! The only musical I’ve been to was South Pacific which was put on by our high school drama students. My dad took me 🙂 It was good, but I’d love to go see one in a theater somewhere!
It looks like a fun show! I haven’t been to many musicals, actually think I’ve only been to one in high school. I’ve been to a couple of plays though.
Oh how fun! Looks like a great experience!
I haven’t been to a musical, but this looks like fun. 🙂
How fun and so creative! The only musicals I’ve been are the ones my kids participated in. One was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and a 50’s Soda Shop Musical.
I love musicals. My first musical play was The Nutcracker and I went with my class on a school field trip. Now a lot of years later, I went with my daughter to see Annie and it was fantastic. Now even more years later it’s time for my grandchildren to go see their first musical soon….