Crisp, energetic 'Hairy' sure hit with under-5s

By GILBERT WONG

MAIDMENT THEATRE, Auckland - The little dog from Donaldson's Dairy has snuffled himself into too many New Zealand childhoods to count. Judging by the packed theatre, Lynley Dodd's creation continues to push toddlers' buttons.

Certainly the pre-schooler was ready to be entertained. The show is pitched tightly towards the under-5s and is structured on retelling in song and dance many of the stories that have become required bedtime reading.

Up front is the considerable presence of Jackie Clarke, at first resplendent in a crimson gown, followed by a series of costume changes that included a "Hairy" tribute dress of brown fake fur. Clarke, who has a strong voice, was not helped by a muddy sound mix that made some of her singing indistinct, but she pumped a lot of energy into the production.

An energetic cast, with Kate O'Rourke, as Hairy, gambolled on stage inhabiting the characters of Scarface Claw, Hercules Morse, Bottomley Potts and the rest of the canine crew.

Paul Jenden's choreography was crisp and had his cast working hard on stage for most of the show.

Jan Bolton had the task of setting the words to music and used the songs to try out a range of styles from the zany to Broadway cabaret without forgetting the need for jingle-like repetition in the main theme.

Puppeteers Tim Denton and Annie Forbes manipulated their creatures so ably that we forgot the puppeteers were there. The tale of Hairy Maclary and Zachary Quack was a particular highlight, with the energetic duck and his new dog mate "swimming" amid shimmering sheets.

For some clearly exhausted adults, a combination of a warm theatre and a lot of repetition proved an irresistible temptation to nod off. But this show is for children and the secret to children's theatre is brevity. The pre-schooler sat happily throughout the performance, which lasted about an hour with a short intermission.

And she quickly picked up the theme song which she continued to sing for some time afterward, a sure sign of success.