Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience

Book, Script and Lyrics by Mo Willems

Original Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma

Directed and Choreographed by Alli Betsill

Music Directed by Adam Wright

Audience Rating: G

Running Time: 1 hour with no intermission

Accessible Seating: Available

Hearing Devices: Available

Sensory Friendly Showing: Oct 3, 2026

ASL Showing: Oct 11, 2026

Volume Level: Comfortable Volume

Audio/Visuals to Prepare For: Spinning lights

Reviewed by Natalie Shaw

Have you ever seen a naked mole rat? I'll admit, it'd been a minute since I had. Naturally, I've never seen one in person, only photos. Sitting with my son in the Dallas Children's Theater Rosewood Center had me wondering, "Hmmm... what do they look like again," so we looked it up! Ugh! This is one of many creatures that wasn't blessed with that "I want to take you home as my pet" adorable-ness. But, somehow Mo Willems manages to shape this unique-looking creature, Wilbur and his colony of friends into something so cute, we'll all remember it with fondness.

Likewise, Dallas Children's Theater has a really special knack for taking something basic, like a story about a naked mole rat in Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience, and creating an unforgettable experience that all children and adults can treasure and enjoy. One thing is for certain, this production is a feast for the eyes! Expert choices of textures, patterns, and color are woven into the fabric of every aspect of the production. Scenic design by Leah Mazur transplants us underground in the Naked Mole Rat tunnel with texture paint designs of brown hues, hollowed out holes in the tunnel of all sizes and a "CNN News Station" strategically carved to look like a TV with a dial. Very clever and super cute! Lighting Designer Adam Chamberlin makes imaginative use of multiple lighting patterns, as well as stage lights outlining the carved tunnel holes of the set, to give us that extra rock and roll feel! Again, very clever and super fun! Costumes by Kristina Miller are an eclectic variety of patterns, styles and colors, all mismatched but full of pizzaz! I may have never seen a better or shinier suit than that of Grand-Pah! Sound is excellently balanced and designed by Marco Salinas, who gives us just enough rock vibe to want to dance at our seats. What's even better is how all of these elements work together in such a way that isn't over-powering or over-done. They've struck a perfect balance and know exactly where and when to pull our eyes in the right direction! Very well done!

Naked Mole Rat, Wilbur is played with genuine charm and sincerity by Henri Sudi, who embraces the self-worth of proud self identity of Wilbur. At the heart of the play is Wilbur's choice to, well...get dressed, which in the naked mole rate world is considered scandalous, perhaps dangerous. Daring to stand out from the crowd with such a statement might mean losing friends. Is this a choice he's willing to take? Like any change, this is difficult for his musical friends to accept. These comrades and band mates include Venti (Brian Gibson,) who reminds me a bit of Kelso from That 70s Show, has difficulty expressing his feelings, except through by saying "Dude!" in a variety of hilarious different ways; Grande (Karrington Sneed) who is the band's lead singer and group's ring leader, and Tall (Via Rubio,) who is easily grossed out and the girly-girl among the bunch. Together, the musicians make up a high energy, fun loving ensemble of rockstars! But, Wilbur's fashion choices may be pushing them all too far. Consulting Grand-Pah (Jonah Moon) is their next step, but could be the outcome that Wilbur fears the most. Here's where I must take a moment to mention Moon's excellence in comedic timing through movement and vocal pitch. Notably, as the CNN Newscaster and Grand-Pah, Moon uses his natural hair as a costume/prop with variation and intentionality that keeps us on our toes and gives us pause to chuckle each time. He is so much fun to watch! Rounding out our sensational cast is CNN Weather Mole and Secret Service Agent, Elena Rosales, who adds a no-nonsense intimidation to her Secret Service Agent, opposite her chipper Weather Mole who struggles to report when it's suddenly "raining socks" in their underground tunnel.

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience gives us courage to be ourselves, no matter the consequences and reminds us of the importance of sticking by our friends, even when we don't understand their particular style.

There's only four more chances to see this heartwarming and joyously fun musical at Dallas Children's Theater between now and October 18! Grab your tickets at dct.org and bring your little mole rats with you... clothed, if you don't mind.

Enjoy the Show!

Natalie

Photos by Shafkat Anowar