Doctor Dolittle: A New Musical at The Coterie

The Story of Doctor Dolittle (and subsequent books by Hugh Lofting) has been capturing the imaginations of children since 1920. For over a century, tales of the famous doctor who can talk to animals including a parrot, a pig, a big fluffy dog, Dab-Dab the duck, and the beloved and rare Pushmi-pullyu have brought laughter and inspiration to children.

This summer, the Coterie brings Doctor Dolittle and his menagerie to the stage in a delightful 60-minute musical show. 

Over the years, adaptations have been made for film from the 1967 version starring Rex Harrison (a fairly close adaptation to the book), and modern versions with Robert Downey, Jr, and Eddie Murphy. In every iteration, the main premise is the same - Doctor Dolittle possesses the distinct ability to speak to animals and he aspires to rescue and rehabilitate them and befriend extinct and lesser-known species (including the Pushmi-pullyu, resembling a two-headed llama, the Lunar Moth, large enough to fly Doctor Dolittle to the moon, and an exotic giant snail).

Coterie's show adapts the beloved stories and presents a musical version that follows favorite aspects of the books quite well. With professional puppetry and a talented cast, the audience is transported on adventures with the doctor and his animal pals. 

This terrific cast, including Francisco Javier Villegas playing Doctor Dolittle, Elise Poehling playing Emma Fairfax, and supporting players and puppeteers, take children on a journey as the Doctor faces a trial, helps reunite a seal couple, cares for and rescues animals, escapes to a far-off island, and encounters many rare animal species. Through song and dance and the magic of puppets, the fun and funny story is a delight.

Children in the audience enjoy the engaging tale and the many surprises along the way. We especially enjoyed the musical talents of Elise Poehling and Francisco Javier Villegas, and the shadow puppet scene as Julie Shaw, playing Straight Arrow, sang about the animals.

The play isn't just delightful, it also packs a powerful message about caring for animals. Doctor Dolittle: A New Musical is showing thru Aug. 6 at The Coterie and is a great summer show to enjoy with preschool and early elementary-aged children.

Purchase tickets online at The Coterie's website.