Imagination Movers: Stir It Up

As a steadfast champion of Aussie group The Wiggles, I was immediately “who do they think they are?”-skeptical of the Imagination Movers, a bouncy quartet of singing, dancing, coverall-clad thirtysomethings named Rich, Scott, Dave, and Smitty. But, hey, they're good! The New Orleans-based IMs jump right into action with the hip-hoppish music video “Recipe (Stir It Up),” which features smiley 'tweens, paper airplane tossing, sidewalk chalk art, and innovative lyric lines such as “ideas, they bubble to the top!” Containing a mix of live concert footage and music videos, this toe-tapping, high-energy 15-song program also includes, among others, “Clean My Room,” “My Favorite Snacks” (spotlighting a variety of healthy treats), the infectious “The Medicine Dance,” “Please and Thank You” (stressing the magic words), “Playing Catch,” “Toothache," “Birthday,” “First Day of School," “Calling All Movers,” and my personal favorite, the reassuring bedtime tune “I Want My Mommy” (the video is cute: hiding in fearful places such as under the bed or in the closet are…smiling IMs!). Boasting wacky overacting, silly scenarios, interactive dance moves, and solid messages in the songs, the program is a fun and fast-paced amalgam of music styles (think: alternative/rap/soul aiming for a “Beastie Boys meets Mr. Rogers” vibe). Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)