Bubble Boy
at Cooper City High School

Reviewed on March 6, 2020

NameSchoolPublication/Broadcasts
Calvary Christian Academy
Florida Theater On Stage
Calvary Christian Academy
Florida Theater On Stage
J.P. Taravella High School
Florida Theater On Stage
NSU University School
Florida Theater On Stage
J.P. Taravella High School
Florida Theater On Stage
Dillard High School
Florida Theater On Stage
Calvary Christian Academy
The Lariat



Abbey Alder
Calvary Christian Academy

Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

Life itself is a bubble, and at some point, everyone feels trapped. Changing those circumstantial constraints poses challenges, especially for Jimmy Livingston, who stole a bus, traveled with a cult, ran with a gang of bikers, and left the safety of his room to escape the feeling. Although most can avoid these extremes, the desire to be unfettered is still the same. In Cooper City High School's production of "Bubble Boy," audiences were encouraged to embrace their differences and burst free from restrictive bubbles.

The comedic musical, "Bubble Boy," was based
on the 2001 zany screenplay written by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio. Premiering at Rahway's Hamilton Stage in 2013, it later made its New York City debut in 2018. The escapade centers around Palmdale, California's very own Bubble Boy, Jimmy Livingston. Jimmy, born immunity-deficient, isn't like most teens. His days cycle on repeat, filled with the same routine, magazine, and television program all while sealed inside a decontaminated bubble. Despite his controlling mother's attempts to shield him from the outside world,
Jimmy meets Chloe Molinski living next door. Their instant connection evolves from friendship into
love. After news of Chloe's upcoming nuptials, Jimmy creates a bubble suit and embarks on an epic cross-country quest to stop the wedding. Though unprepared to navigate this new world, Jimmy manages to break free from his bubble and change his fate.

Embodying the sheltered boy, Reese Abrahamoff
(Jimmy Livingston) brought believability to the
otherwise silly character. Generating one laugh after another, Abrahamoff exhibited
impeccable comedic timing and delivered the right level of awkwardness with vulnerability in his physicality. Emily Kaufman (Chloe Molinski), sang with an angelic quality that revealed her vast vocal range. Together, the pair's chemistry felt authentic.

Filling the stage with undeniable power and a
beautiful vocal resonance, Marley Meany (Mrs.
Livingston) had a clear understanding of her
character and motivations, forcing her son to
"Stay Clean." Will Barringer (Mark) gave a notable performance as the boyfriend with punk-rock flair. Commendably, the ensemble was engaging and demonstrated optimal energy in numbers such as
"One More Mile" and "Bubble Boy." Any lulls
that occurred while transitioning between scenes and songs, the cast overcame with newfound vitality. During the times when lines became less articulate, the ensemble sustained their coordination.

The technical aspects of this production contributed to the audience's epic atmospheric adventure by adhering to a grayscale color palette for the Livingston home, then contrasting with the use of bright colors to depict the outside world. Another stand-out was the inventive construction of the transparent "bubble," which didn't hamper Jimmy's volume. Though the choreography was lively, the lighting sometimes pulled focus away from the intended performer. The diligent publicity team maintained a constant buzz through its commitment to multiple social media platforms.

Cooper City High School's production of "Bubble Boy" exposes the challenges, both literal and figurative, of being confined by a bubble. The lyric, "Maybe your bubble is you're afraid to let go," exemplifies the vast world beyond our bubble's barrier.





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Annie Sudler
Calvary Christian Academy

Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

If you had to live your whole life in one room, how far would you run away for the person you love? How about 3,000 miles? These are some of the questions audiences are given throughout "Bubble Boy", whose touching story and fun music were so well portrayed at Cooper City High School's recent production.

Based on the 2001 film of the same name, "Bubble Boy" first took to the stage in 2008 with a cast of high school students. Written by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio (also the writers of the film), the musical went on to have multiple other productions, and featured such notable cast members as A.J. Holmes, Alice Ripley, Caissie Levy, and Chris McCarrell, to name a few.

"Bubble Boy" tells the story of Jimmy Livingston, whose lack of an immune system forces him to live his life in a bubble room. When his crush and only friend, Chloe, tells him that she's getting married, he takes it upon himself to make it there and stop the wedding. Dodging germs, police, and his overbearing mother, Jimmy sets off on a cross-country journey to get to Chloe before her wedding.

Playing the titular boy in the bubble was Reese Abrahamoff. Abrahamoff's complete understanding and commitment to the character ensured that the audience felt every emotion with him, and his impressive vocal range and control were truly stunning, shining in such numbers as "One More Mile" and "Out Of Here". His chemistry with other actors was strong, especially in scenes opposite Chloe Molinski and Mrs. Livingston (played by Emily Kaufman and Marley Meany, respectively). Both Kaufman and Meany were vocal powerhouses with strong control and support in all of their numbers. The women also had a hilarious onstage relationship together, and their scenes were laced with nuanced behavior that was hilariously done. Other commendable performances were given by Will Barringer as the rocker Mark and Gabriela Phillips as ice cream truck driver Pushpahp. The two lent their impressive comedic timing to the show in a way that was thankfully received, especially in the gloomier moments of the show.

The ensemble was a whirlwind of energy that swept the show off its feet! Playing many different groups such as rebellious bikers, cheery cultists, and frazzled townspeople, they brought a consistent level of energy and excitement to everything they did. Even with an occasional vocal or volume slip-up, they recovered professionally and ensured the story was understood the full way through.

Technically, the students did an admirable job. The props and sets were well built, and the designers' intentions were clearly seen. The design of the lights, done by Katie Behr, was equally impressive. The decision to use color to highlight mood and emotion was brilliantly done and did not go unnoticed. Of course, the publicity team must be credited. Their innovative use of the relatively new social media site TikTok gained them recognition among the community after some of their short videos promoting the show went viral.

"Bubble Boy" is a heartwarming story that makes audiences think about how far they'd go for the people they love. Cooper City High School's recent production gave a touching answer to that question and did so beautifully.


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Emma Sugarman
J.P. Taravella High School

Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

Like the ending of every classic fairytale, the hero saves the day, leaves his plastic bubble, and dies. Born with no immune system, Jimmy Livingston lives the life of a fantasy inside his safe plastic bubble; concealed from deadly germs, disease filled air, gentle outside breeze, or any chance for a first kiss. Inflated with fantastic adventures and forbidden romance, Cooper City High School's riveting production of "Bubble Boy" will leave you bursting with laughter and bubbling with tears.

Based on the movie of the same name, "Bubble Boy" tells the story of Jimmy Livingston, who lives a "decontaminated" life in his bubble room. With music and lyrics by Cinco Paul and book by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, this sparkling production follows Jimmy's quarantined life, which has remained stagnant for years until Jimmy's true love moves in next door. When she moves to New York to marry her amateur rocker boyfriend, Jimmy suits up in a portable bubble to travel across the country to stop the impending wedding.

Portraying the trapped, yet free-spirited Jimmy Livingston, Reese Abrahamoff led the production with his well developed and clearly established character and excellent vocals. His character may have been isolated, but his motivated emotions were actively communicated despite the plastic barrier. Chloe Molinski, Bubble boy's adored neighbor, was embodied by Emily Kaufman. Kaufman graced the stage with her outstanding and technically rigorous vocalization. Her sincere performance evoked genuine investment in her character's story. The pair provided authentic chemistry and exceptional harmonies, exceedingly present in songs such as "There's a Bubble Around my Heart."

Marley Meany, as Mrs. Livingston, Jimmy's overprotective mother, presented a marvelous performance through her strong commitment to her character. Meany's "pure" intonation and amusing comedic moments supported her engaging role. Countering Mrs. Livingston's outspoken personality, Ander Diez, as Mr. Livingston, provided a comedically quiet performance. As Jimmy's father, Diez remained highly active in each scene and provided a strong sense of comedy regardless of his few spoken lines.

The ensemble maintained bubbling energy throughout the production even through the intricate choreography. Many chorus members were clearly engaged in every scene and showcased expressive facial expressions. The different ensembles depicted an intricacy that allowed for a dynamic progression of the plot.

The technical elements of the production captured the true essence of Jimmy's perception of the world. The monochromatic costumes, lighting, and scenery showed Jimmy's feelings of dread while trapped in his bubble. Conversely, after he experienced the outside world, his feeling of fulfillment was reflected in the vibrant colors that decorated the stage.

The boy's interaction with the world may be coated by plastic, however visible or not, everyone is surrounded by their own metaphorical bubble. Cooper City High School's captivating production of "Bubble Boy" shows us that everyone is faced with challenges, but nothing can seal away their "Bright and Shiny" potential.


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Jennifer Holz
NSU University School

Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

The fear of judgment often keeps people from reaching their full potential. It can make people feel trapped-- as if they're in a bubble. Cooper City High School explores the impact that said judgment makes in its production of "Bubble Boy-the Musical".

Written by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, "Bubble Boy" tells the story of Jimmy Livingston, a boy born without an immune system, as he travels cross-country from his plastic bubble home in Palmdale, California to Niagara Falls, New York to stop the wedding of the woman he loves. The musical premiered at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza's Scherr Forum in February of 2008 and featured a cast consisting of local high school students. The musical received favorable responses and was commended for its lighthearted storyline.

Reese Abrahamoff's portrayal of Jimmy Livingston, known to the town as "bubble boy", beautifully captured Jimmy's childlike wonder and heartwarming optimism. Throughout the entire performance, Abrahamoff wowed with his strong vocals and wide range of emotions. His comedic timing was impeccable and allowed him to immediately create authentic connections with the entire cast. Playing Chloe Molinski, the girl next door who catches the eye of the renowned bubble boy, Emily Kaufman displayed significant character development. Her voice was melodic. As a pair, Abrahamoff and Kaufman had genuine chemistry that showed the giddiness of young love.

Various performances supported the production as a whole. As Mrs. Livingston, Marley Meany commanded the stage. Her comedic timing was astonishing, and her vocal control was exemplary. Along with Meany was Will Barringer who played the carefree rocker, Mark. Barringer's commitment to the role was exceptional.

The Greek chorus style of the ensemble greatly aided the dynamic of the show. Although some of the harmonies were lost due to sound complications, the Bubble Boy Ensemble consistently kept its energy high. A standout moment for the ensemble was during "One More Mile". The harmonies were superb and, despite being sectioned into different character groups, they all worked together seamlessly.

The Troupe 0784 Officers must be praised for their outstanding marketing and publicity. Their "I've got a bubble" campaign was a great way of promoting the show while bringing the community together. The lighting designed by Katie Behr used bright colors to demonstrate the new and exciting world that Jimmy was experiencing. The choreography by Reese Abrahamoff and Donna Nesselroth was fun and upbeat.

People must not allow the judgment of others to keep them from chasing their dreams. Cooper City High School's production of "Bubble Boy" illustrates the power of love and how it can overcome fear and transcend the boundaries placed on people by others and themselves.

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Nick Vela
J.P. Taravella High School

Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

As the profound protagonist of Cooper City High School's brilliant production of "Bubble Boy" passionately professed, "I'd rather spend one minute holding you than a lifetime of knowing I never could." Come on down and allow this fun-filled musical fantasy to expose you to the significant underlying themes of love, courage, and basic humanity.

Based on popular 2001 Touchstone Pictures' film of the same name, "Bubble Boy" made its professional premiere at the Wolfbane Performing Arts Center in Appomattox, Virginia on September 22, 2016 and ended its short run on October 15, 2016. Containing a charming contemporary-pop score composed by Cinco Paul and an incredibly comical book written by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, the endearing musical comedy follows the adventurous coming-of-age story of a young Jimmy Livingston, born with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), as he embarks on a cross-country journey to profess his love to the girl of his dreams. Confined to a plastic bubble room for the majority of his life, Jimmy must learn to overcome the various obstacles his lack of an
immune system causes, as well as face the treacherous twists and turns beyond his isolated world.

Leading the production with impeccable comedic timing and commendable characterization, Reese Abrahamoff delivered a remarkable performance as the lovable Bubble Boy, Jimmy Livingston. Abrahamoff demonstrated extremely expressive facial expressions and a gorgeous vocal tone, acting as the primary driving force of the production. Accompanying our good-natured hero was the strong and secretly insecure girl next door, Chloe Molinski, portrayed by Emily Kaufman. Kaufman brought to life a realistic, relatable, and authentic character, brilliantly articulating her role's inner turmoil through her stunning vocals and clear objectives. Together, both Abrahamoff and Kaufman displayed a heartwarming relationship filled with genuine chemistry, notably showcased in their captivating duet, "There's A Bubble Around My Heart."

Commanding the stage as Jimmy's mother, Mrs. Livingston, Marley Meany embodied her highly controlling and authoritative character with believability and exquisite vocal control. Alongside her was the quiet and passive Mr. Livingston (Ander Diez). As Diez remained engaged, despite having almost absolutely no dialogue, and Meany committed to her character completely, the dynamics of their relationship made for enjoyable comedic relief, specifically showcased in the musical number, "Bring Back My Boy." As for the cast as a whole, the high energy and well-executed comedy from the ensemble, highlighted the joyful spirit of the musical.

Aside from some minor sound imbalances, the overall technical elements of the production were praiseworthy. The lighting designer's use of color helped to create a further distinction between Jimmy's barren bubble world and the contrasting outside world. The individualized costumes reflected each character accurately and effectively distinguished the major ensemble groups. The advertising of the musical through currently popular media platforms, such as TikTok, and the promotion of positivity around the community through various video submissions, raised the publicity of the production to a higher level.

Cooper City High School's thoroughly entertaining production of "Bubble Boy" utilized a humorously heartfelt story to beautifully illustrate the ability that individuals have to burst out of the restrictive metaphorical "bubbles" that surround them.

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Alana Pena-Torres
Dillard High School

Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

"Double, double, toil and trouble", who experienced such struggle as the boy in the bubble? It's hard to imagine a life stuck in a bubble, but Cooper City High School's engaging production of the 2013 musical Bubble Boy made it easy to empathize with Jimmy Livingston's story and connect it to the universal truth that we all have a bubble of our own to pop. There's no better way to learn this than by immersing yourself in the hilarious, animated world of Bubble Boy.

Originating as a book and film written by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, the musical Bubble Boy, with music and lyrics by Cinco Paul, premiered on November 6th, 2013 at Hamilton Stage in Rahway, New Jersey. The show tells of a timeless moral tale of searching for self-fulfillment by letting go of inhibitions in the form of a bright, animated comedy. The story revolves around Jimmy, a boy born without immunities, who under the adamant command of his mother, has remained isolated in a bubble room his entire life. One day, he meets a girl named Chloe and the rest is history… if history entails sunny, delusional cults, erratic bike gangs, and a homemade bubble suit. The story follows Jimmy in his pursuit of love and adventure with delightful surprises along the way.

The tricky role of Jimmy Livingston is skillfully managed by Reese Abrahamoff who exhibits a deep understanding of his character and the range of his emotions. He demonstrates impeccable comedic timing and an endearing innocence as he reacts to the world around him. He showed remarkable vocals in his array of heartfelt ballads and upbeat pop songs, not to mention the emotional duets he shares with Chloe Molinski(Emily Kaufman). Kaufman's full tone and excellent control of her voice made her spunky, yet vulnerable character, all the more enjoyable.

Supporting actress Marley Meany as Mrs. Livingston was truly "living" her mother-knows-best type of character. The way she comedically burst Jimmy's bubble of hope systematically almost seemed like second nature. One can easily believe she is missing a few screws yet sympathize with the pain and love she feels for her son. Her powerful notes balanced seamlessly with her chilling lighter tones. Will Barringer as Mark and Francesco Brusco as Shawn made for a hilariously idiotic and memorable duo. Their commitment to their character's speech and behavior was impressive and well-executed.
The show was further enhanced by the bubbly ensemble's contagious energy and charisma.

The parts of the show that involved offstage blocking further drew the audience into the story; however, at times, their use of the space was not the most effective. The lighting was captivating and captured each scene's distinct characters and moods, pairing smoothly with the set, which was inventive and fun to observe, especially Jimmy's bubble room in the first act with its monochromatic colors symbolizing his one-note life. Additionally, the cast and crew's publicity for this show was inventive and highly effective.

Cooper City High School popped the bubble around everyone's heart with Bubble Boy, telling a story of possibility, hope, and living with no regrets.

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Jenna McCoy
Calvary Christian Academy

Submitted for publication to The Lariat

Jimmy Livingston states, "I have a bubble around my heart". Cooper City High School's production of "Bubble Boy" explores the idea that everyone is stuck in a bubble that prevents them from accomplishing their goals; they need to break free from the bubble constraining them to achieve what they desire.

"Bubble Boy", written by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, was first performed in February 2008. It was workshopped for a few years before it's premiere of a professional production, which opened in November of 2013. The story follows young Jimmy Livingston and his journey in finding love whilst living with no immune system. Throughout the show, numerous abstract characters teach him life lessons that help him persist.

As soon as he came onstage, Reese Abrahamoff (Jimmy Livingston) drew the eyes of the audience. He displayed impeccable vocal control, range, and volume while singing a variety of genres. Not only did his voice impress, he acted through all his solos and revealed a large range of emotions. Alongside him, Emily Kaufman (Chloe Molinski) perfectly played the self-conscious yet determined role she was cast in. Showing off her strong vocal technique in her many solos/duets, her voice fit with Abrahamoff's like a puzzle piece. The pair connected onstage, complementing each other pleasantly.

Playing Jimmy's controlling mother, Mrs. Livingston, Marley Meany did an admirable job showing her character's possessive nature as well as love for her son. She bore great comedic timing and a lovely voice. Also bringing many laughs to the theatre was Will Barringer playing Mark. His portrayal of the idiotic and amusing character was spot on. He was fully committed to every movement and line. The ensemble of the show kept consistent energy throughout and stayed together during the dances. Though at times harmonies were not well blended, the opening number's vocals were impressive and every harmony could be heard.

The technical elements of the show were outstanding. The set of "Bubble Boy" is a vast challenge to take on, yet Rylee Berger handled it with ease. The Livingston home was on stage for a major amount of time and made the show feel like a cartoon. The set also boasted an imposing bubble room for Jimmy. The set and lighting of the show worked well together. As Jimmy was confined in his home, the lights and set were continuously a grayscale palette; when he was able to explore the world for the first time, they incorporated many different colors into the lighting that Jimmy would have never seen before. The choreography was fun and upbeat, also displaying a cartoon style. There were moments when the stage felt a bit too chaotic with so many things happening at once, but the choreography itself made up for it since it's difficulty and execution were well done.

Maybe your Bubble is that you're afraid to let go. Whatever it may be, Cooper City High School's production of "Bubble Boy" reminds us that it's time to break free.

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