Yorick Ensemble's 'The Trail to Oregon' is Unforgettable Laughter

Anything could happen on our journey to Oregon.

Yorick Ensemble achieved barrels full of laughter in its production of The Trail to Oregon. Based on the computer game, the musical centers around a family of pioneers embarking on a journey along the Oregon Trail in search of a better life. Encountering several obstacles, the audience gets a say in what happens next.

I had no idea what to expect when I went to see Yorick Ensemble’s The Trail to Oregon. The production is an uproarious comedy that had the entire audience in stitches from start to finish. The Trail to Oregon is an innovative show and an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

The exceptional performances in Yorick Ensemble's The Trail to Oregon deserve equal praise. Josh Telepman, Katie Iafolla, Aiden O'Neal, Demi DiCarlo, and Tom Marsh form a cohesive bond, bringing their characters to life with remarkable chemistry.

Amidst the hilarity and silly encounters, I was not expecting the family to discuss personal challenges in reflective conversations. It made their interactions feel real. On any travels, you have to learn to get along.

One of the standout performers in the cast is Bradley Boutcher, who portrays the character of McDoon and countless other roles throughout the show. Boutcher's versatility and comedic timing are exceptional, effortlessly switching between characters. The same goes for Tom Marsh who plays both a frail grandpa until bouncing into Cletus Jones.

The Trail to Oregon is based on an interactive computer game. I distinctly recall playing this game when I was in elementary school which broadened my curiosity about the show. This means each audience gets a different show every night! I want to attend a second showing to see what elements change.

The interactive portion immerses audiences (or the watchers) in the world of the show. Right at the start, you get to name the characters. Names consisting of ‘Pikachu’ or ‘Marty McFly,’ the decision-making by the audience shapes the course of the narrative.

The songs of The Trail to Oregon are an integral part of the musical, provided by a live orchestra onstage. The music is catchy. Songs to name are ‘Gone to Oregon’, ‘Wagon on Fire’, and ‘Dysentery World.’ ‘Naked in the Lake’ was easily the audience's favorite.

Now, let’s talk about the comedy portion of the night. The cast had impressive quick-thinking improvisations. The cast's exemplary ability to play off each other's comedic cues enhanced the show’s entertainment value.

The cast skillfully uses minimal props to create the various settings and environments along the Oregon Trail. With a few simple props, they transport the audience from the plains to the mountains, from river crossings to campfire scenes.

Directors Michael Jay and Josh Telepman's collaborative approach to the productions’s artistic vision contributed to the show’s overall success. Their hard work with the cast paid off extremely well, letting them fully embrace the humor and silliness required by the show.

If I could somehow capture the laughter from that night, I would. I am never going to forget the audience's reaction to this show. I have never laughed with an audience as much as I did compared to any show that I have seen. Audiences buckled in their seats laughing, applauding, and having the best night ever.

Heads up, The Trail to Oregon contains comedic innuendoes and themes that may not be suitable for all audiences, mainly children. I highly recommend that you join Yorick Ensemble and see The Trail to Oregon at the Hovey Players in Waltham, Ma. Shows play until July 8. You don’t want to miss this unforgettable show.