the animals speak
Written by Cameron Darwin Bossert
wild project | 195 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009
August 5th - 17th
Walt Disney is beyond iconic. He transcends trends, pop culture, and time. His impact does not just influence our daily lives, it underscores them. The Animal Speaks, the third installment of the “Venomous Color” trilogy (following The Fairest [2021] and Burbank [2024], both available via streaming), continues the exploration of Disney: the visionary, the dreamer, the ever-expanding idea.
This chapter takes us to South America, where the narrative unfolds in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Santiago during July 1941. World War II rages in the background: the Blitz has devastated Britain, Germany has invaded the Soviet Union, and genocide is underway. In this fraught global context, the United States sends Disney and his team on a goodwill tour, a soft power mission designed to encourage the continent to resist fascism and, in Disney's case, to restore his creative spirit.
Uncle Walt (played by Cameron Darwin Bossert) is at his lowest, grappling with deep depression. Accompanying him are his wife Lillian (Ginger Kearns) and key members of his creative team: Norm “Fergie” Ferguson (Cian Genaro), Frank Thomas (Adam Griffith), and Mary Blair (Krysten Wagner). While the men attempt to relax, their imaginations remain fired up by their new surroundings. Mary finds inspiration in the colors and textures of South America, capturing it through her sketches and paintings. Meanwhile, Lillian, an artist in her own right, serves as Walt’s emotional anchor and logistical manager, juggling her duties as wife, mother, and personal secretary. When they arrive in Santiago, they are enthusiastically and respectfully welcomed by Jorge Delano (Felipe Arellano), their host and fellow artist.
Throughout the play, we see the progression of Disney’s farewell speeches, evolving from wooden to engaging. We also witness a harrowing moment in his depression when he receives devastating news from home.
I am always excited to return to wild project, a space that continues to host interesting and original work. For this production, the stage is thoughtfully divided into three distinct areas: a dining space stage right, a lounge with chairs at center, and a beach or dock setting stage left. The simple set, accented by splashes of color, invites the audience to listen intently, observe the performances, and use their imaginations. I especially appreciated how the production made full use of the space, with actors entering through the audience and exiting the theatre. That choice is a personal favorite of mine, as it creates an immersive connection between performer and viewer.
That said, one element I missed was a rich soundscape reflective of South America. The production’s quiet atmosphere, while perhaps intentional, left me craving more sonic texture: music, ambient noise, or any aural cues that could have anchored us more deeply in the vibrant landscapes the characters described.
Cameron Darwin Bossert embodies Walt Disney with a physical and emotional commitment that anchors the production. Lillian, as portrayed by Ginger Kearns, stood out with a strong character presence. Her interpretation leaned into a sharp, commanding tone in her efforts to be supportive and empowering. At times, it felt condescending, but I appreciated the clarity and commitment in her performance.
The comedic talents of Cian Genaro and Adam Griffith added a vibrant energy that kept the audience laughing and engaged. Krysten Wagner delivered a thoughtful, layered performance as Mary. While the play reveals more about her character over time, the nuances of her relationship with her husband remained intriguingly elusive. Felipe Arellano (Jorge) may have had a brief moment on stage, but it was a memorable one that added texture and energy to the piece.
The Animal Speaks may have occasionally felt long and lost some momentum in spots but it offers a meditative, often poignant look at one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, refracted through a lesser-known chapter of his life. It invites us to reflect on the intersection of art, history, and personal transformation in our own lives.
Click HERE for tickets.
Review by Malini Singh McDonald.
Published by Theatre Beyond Broadway on August 9, 2025. All rights reserved.