Earlier today Sean and I went to experience The Ohmies at the Daryl Roth Theatre as media guests. At the end of the show, Sean shared that he “loved the show” and expressed an interest in going back to see it again with his older brother Michael. Although Michael thinks that he is too old for the show, I think that the messages of friendship and teamwork are universal.
Every since I showed Sean the invite for the show, he has been referring to the Ohmies as “Beetle Bugs” or “people dressed up like bugs”. Despite messing up their names, he was entranced from the opening words. He wasn’t the only one. There was a mom seated behind us, who kept saying to her child, “Isn’t this magical?!” in a sing song voice. Although the show is primarily geared towards kids ages 3 – 5, I saw a lot of really young kids (under 3) who had a really great time running and playing around on the fitness mat seating.
From the moment that the Ohmies poked out their heads, the kids were focused on the brightly dressed, animated actors. Bella Butterfly was the enthusiastic lead actress who went on an adventure with her determined little brother, Carlin Caterpillar. This interactive experience follows the siblings as they travel to go wake up Mr. Sun. They need his sunshine because it is the last ingredient needed to make wishes in the wish garden grow.
On their journey, Bella and Carlin encounter several friends. Standouts include the laughter-filled Grasshopper who sprinkles information into the show by using and explaining words such as metamorphosis and canine. Then, there is the dancing dog and the sweet snake with the beautiful voice. When the friends encounter the bad guys/the “worries” they take a deep breath, sing, dance, laugh and shake them off. (I have to remind myself to do that!) Then, Carlin reminds the group that “Every adventure is a dream if we work as a team.” By working together as a team and listening to each other (even the younger sibling), do you think that the Ohmies are able to wake up the sun? I won’t tell, but I will say that the kids in the audience were giving the Ohmies high fives and hugs at the end of the show.
As I mentioned, the entire show was very interactive with the audience singing, dancing and moving (stretching, hopping, doing the downward dog yoga pose, and slithering like a snake). The kids and adults alike all seemed to enjoy participating. (I know that I did. I need to take a yoga class – that stretching was relaxing!) In any event, the The Ohmies will be playing on Thursdays – Sundays at 11am and 1:30pm until January 30th. The show has general seating, so if you can make the Thursday or Friday shows, I recommend those because you will have more space to move around…
The Ohmies
Daryl Roth Theatre
101 East 15th Street (Between Union Square East and Irving Place)
New York NY 10003
www.ohmies.com
Thanks to BP MEDIA RELATIONS for the comp tickets and the top post image.