Under the Table and Dreaming

What I liked

There is no doubt that a lot of love went into this writing, adaptation, and directing. But the cast! Amazing talent, all around. Playing characters that grow from the ages of 7 into adolescence, then adulthood and beyond is no easy feat, but Adolfo Lambert (Andy) and Cameron Ley (Sid) do it so beautifully and with great chemistry. You see the growth, you feel the love, and you connect with their worries and struggles. You cannot help but to root for them. Emily Leclair, who played Andy’s mother was so warm and gentle. Her performance is so natural and touching— you just wish and hope that every parent could be as loving and compassionate as her. Crystal Park played Seneca, a Disney child star, and later on, as Casey, Andy and Sid’s future daughter. The two characters were very different from each other— Seneca is obnoxious and over-the-top, while Casey is more reserved and sweet. It’s difficult to play polar opposites, but Park does it with ease and grace. Sarai Jimenez who played the light-hearted and bubbly Molly, and Dan Shaked who played Andy’s friend, were so delightfully humorous! Definitely the comedy characters in the show. You cannot help but laugh and smile every time they’re on stage. Overall such a wonderful show. Well told, well directed, and well played, everyone. You should be so proud.

What I didn't like

The biggest one would be volume— the cast just needs to project more.

My overall impression

“Under the Table and Dreaming” is such a touching story. I wasn’t sure how I would like a Toy Story Fanfic adaptation, but it was so well done and the cast so perfectly fitted, that it was seamless and very natural! A lovely coming-of-age story.