My overall impression
OBVIOUSLY MICHAEL is ultimately a solid children’s show. Since I spend quite a bit of time around children I laughed out loud many times – including the reference to Ponypuppies, or as I often hear them called on the playground, “pupihorses”. The text has interesting themes: the power of imagination and our need to label. I particularly enjoyed the performances of Zach Brown and Katie Lyman – they were very specific, grounded and full of energy. Since I am a director myself, I have strong opinions about casting. In this case, I think the title character of Michael would have better suited played by a Christopher Mintz-Plasse type. This is a “must see” for families at the fringe. I wouldn’t say that I “Loved it” or I “Liked it” or it’s “Not My Thing”. I would say what I just said.
