Tucked away in Downtown Santa Ana is an amazing little theatre, the Wayward theatre. According to its website, "The Wayward Artist is an ensemble of artists from the Orange County area committed to creating wayward art. The first Wayward season began in February 2018 with Godspell." Although only a few years young, it continues to add a little magic to our city with its "passionate collective of artists with a dream to create a home for our fellow wayward souls." And yes, I do feel like I've come home.
Their latest creative endeavor was Birdbrain: A Musical for Young Audiences. It's an original piece by the very talented Craig Holland. Yes, this play is for little kids. I secretly wanted to see it for myself but my kids aren't that little. I took my teenager with me to appear less awkward. And, you know, we both enjoyed this experience a lot. From the moment we took our seats up until the final feathery bow, we loved every moment. In that moment, Cora the Cockatoo and Wiggles the Duck became my best friends who I felt I have known my whole life. The props, the costumes, the lighting really transported the audience to a world where birds have association meetings and investigate crime.
I applaud the talented cast for their great comedic timing and ability to draw the audience in with their antics and charm. Genevieve Kauper, Kelsey Redmond and Elise Lindaenau really tugged on my heartstrings and made me believe in their characters. Dimitri Tiatia-Garaud was hilarious as Kennedy Jensen was adorable. Kevin Arnold and Allen Montes added great comic relief and stole every scene they were in. Sherry Domerego played Grandma Aviary so warmly that I kind've wished she was my grandma.
In the end, Birdbrain helps its young audience understand what friendship and honesty truly means and Craig Holland, director and writer, presents those themes in a way children understand, with laughter and song.
My lost and vulnerable inner child has found a home at the Wayward Artist (125 N Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701)
Check out their 2024 Season: https://www.thewaywardartist.org/season
