Wesley: An Off-Broadway Love Story That Soars Beyond Species

Wesley is based on the book Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of a Bird and His Girl by Stacey O’Brien.  

The narrative describes how a woman’s life changes when she adopts a young, injured barn owl.  Some of the events in the musical are from the memoir, and others are fictional. The music and lyrics were written by Scott Steidl.  The book of Wesley was written by Mark Hantoot.  He also provided additional lyrics.  German Cardenas-Alaminos was the scenic designer.  He uses projection on white walls to show the changes of scenery.  Austin Phillips has created a puppet that captures the essence of Wesley as an owlet.

Andrianna Ayala debuts in her Off-Broadway role as Casey, an unhappy lab technician who is cleaning bird crap at Caltech Owl Laboratory to pay for rent and food.  This is a holding position until she achieves fame as a musician. The scientists urge her to care for a baby owl who has an injured wing.  She postponed taking responsibility until she encountered the owl.  Ms. Ayala clearly shows how the relationship with the owl grows. Her soprano voice conveys the narrative as she interacts with Wesley and others.   Zane is played by Jack Kehoe.  He depicts a human character whose romantic relationship is overshadowed by an owl.  Christa Lisette Beveridge debuts in her Off-Broadway role as Casey’s best friend, Willow.   Her clear voice blends with the others.  However, her strength is her non-verbal acting.  During the first trio, “Never Saw It Coming – I,” it is obvious that she dislikes Zane.  She wishes that her guitar was a submachine gun.  Wesley (the owl) is played by Daniel Sanchez.  He is also new to Off-Broadway.  He manages to bring humanity to an owl. One can see that Wesley is capable of love and loyalty, and Sanchez makes it believable that he is an owl who loves Casey.  The role of Doctor Penrose is played by Christopher Kirby-Saunders.  His portrait of a man obsessed by science is nuanced.  Maya Pierace is Jane.  Marie is Tara Dougherty.  They are happily “doing” science in a basement at Caltech. With Kirby-Saunders, the two women’s voices blend into a Greek chorus pointing out the joys of science versus any other career. Unlike some musicals, the characters are clearly drawn.  Their humanity (or owlness) comes through each song. 

Casey spends almost two decades caring for Wesley.  One premise she develops is that humans can form a bond with an animal so deep that the animal and human can hold a conversation that both understand.  It is clearly illustrated in Wesley.  This situation seems ludicrous. I was explaining this to my cat, and she tapped my lips every time I mentioned the word “owl.”   She then lectured me in Siamese Cat, telling me to stop discussing silly birds and talk about an important subject – cats.  Whoops – guess that humans and animals can have conversations that both parties understand.

A line from the libretto is “life is about love, wherever you find it.”  This is Wesley’s theme.   Casey gives up a career, friendship, and love for an injured barn owl.  Her life is richer because of her connection with Wesley.

Stacey O’Brien’s book inspired Wesley.  It is a musical love story.  Despite Wesley being an owl and his female companion being human, their love is genuine.   If you enjoy a love story that is not schmaltzy, you will enjoy this musical.