Dandelion - review
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Jane Zussman
Apr 24, 2026, 12:20:38 AMApr 24
to Jane Zussman
Dandelion is a powerful, touching new musical, based on a true story written by three women: music and lyrics by Colleen Francis, book and lyrics by Jessica Francis Fichter, story, book, additional music and lyrics by Hailee Beltzhoover Zuniga who was the model/inspiration for the daughter character, “Jane”.
Dandelion is a "deep exploration of the world of caretaking, trauma, healing, and responsibility seen through the eyes of a daughter torn between pursuing her dreams and caring for her mother, who is grappling with addiction and mental health issues within a broken healthcare system.”
That may sound like a preachy downer, but it is surprisingly entertaining and funny with clever and moody songs tied to deep pain and emotional confusion. It is produced in a no-frills “storefront’ setting in MSU’s Studio 60. The deeply felt, beautifully sung emotions came across loud and clear in this intimate setting. The “dandelion” symbol evokes ideas of “flying away” to grant wishes, as well as a tenacious ability to bloom under adverse circumstances.
Director Adam Yankowy and the cast have been working with the playwrights to evolve and improve this new musical, including adding a new opening number. A talkback with playwright Jessica Francis Fichter and the cast highlighted the emotional resonance and societal relevance. (I think they are having a talkback after each show.) Music director Dave Wendelberger’s keyboard was well balanced so all lyrics were clear, without microphones.
Riley Crabtree was wonderful as the daughter, “Jane" torn between heading to college and a journalism career or staying home with her troubled, needy mother, heartbreakingly portrayed by Stephanie Kroschel. Bryce Lang was “Young Jane” charmingly childlike and bearing an appropriate resemblance to older “Jane.” Anastasia Breen as “Gabbie” the best friend was a zesty source of much of the humor, but brought her own issues and depths to the story as well.
Divorced Dad Karam Mawazini was another crowd pleaser with his array of “dad jokes.” Playwright Fichter suggested he represented “flight” — while Connor Cavett represented “fight” in his older brother role — and the “freeze” reaction was represented by our central daughter, “Jane” — these being the hardwired survival mechanisms triggered by the brain under threat or extreme stress.
An interesting and effective device was the personification of Depression, Paranoia, and Rage played by Casey Fosbenner, Sara Sodke and Sophia Catella. We could see, feel and hear the voices in mom’s head.
ONLY THREE MORE PERFORMANCES of Dandelion, Fri/Sat. 7:30 Sun. 2pm. Pick up tickets at the box office on the Farm Lane end of the MSU Auditorium building — then go downstairs on the south side of the building, down the long hall past the Arena to Studio 60, general seating.
Dandelion is a "deep exploration of the world of caretaking, trauma, healing, and responsibility seen through the eyes of a daughter torn between pursuing her dreams and caring for her mother, who is grappling with addiction and mental health issues within a broken healthcare system.”
That may sound like a preachy downer, but it is surprisingly entertaining and funny with clever and moody songs tied to deep pain and emotional confusion. It is produced in a no-frills “storefront’ setting in MSU’s Studio 60. The deeply felt, beautifully sung emotions came across loud and clear in this intimate setting. The “dandelion” symbol evokes ideas of “flying away” to grant wishes, as well as a tenacious ability to bloom under adverse circumstances.
Director Adam Yankowy and the cast have been working with the playwrights to evolve and improve this new musical, including adding a new opening number. A talkback with playwright Jessica Francis Fichter and the cast highlighted the emotional resonance and societal relevance. (I think they are having a talkback after each show.) Music director Dave Wendelberger’s keyboard was well balanced so all lyrics were clear, without microphones.
Riley Crabtree was wonderful as the daughter, “Jane" torn between heading to college and a journalism career or staying home with her troubled, needy mother, heartbreakingly portrayed by Stephanie Kroschel. Bryce Lang was “Young Jane” charmingly childlike and bearing an appropriate resemblance to older “Jane.” Anastasia Breen as “Gabbie” the best friend was a zesty source of much of the humor, but brought her own issues and depths to the story as well.
Divorced Dad Karam Mawazini was another crowd pleaser with his array of “dad jokes.” Playwright Fichter suggested he represented “flight” — while Connor Cavett represented “fight” in his older brother role — and the “freeze” reaction was represented by our central daughter, “Jane” — these being the hardwired survival mechanisms triggered by the brain under threat or extreme stress.
An interesting and effective device was the personification of Depression, Paranoia, and Rage played by Casey Fosbenner, Sara Sodke and Sophia Catella. We could see, feel and hear the voices in mom’s head.
ONLY THREE MORE PERFORMANCES of Dandelion, Fri/Sat. 7:30 Sun. 2pm. Pick up tickets at the box office on the Farm Lane end of the MSU Auditorium building — then go downstairs on the south side of the building, down the long hall past the Arena to Studio 60, general seating.
There is a link to leave feedback on the script. Catch it on your camera as you leave.
Tickets at: https://whartoncenter.evenue.net/events/WC-DOT-MUSICAL
Tickets at: https://whartoncenter.evenue.net/events/WC-DOT-MUSICAL
Jane Zussman
G.L.U.T. List
(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)
cell 517-930-0932
http://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net To review past emails as they were sent, click “About the G.L.U.T.” and choose “email list” from the drop-down menu — also check out the all-theatres calendar.
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