The Buzz Intro Interview

Danielle Wirsansky- Founding (and former) Artistic Director/Current Finance Director of White Mouse Productions. I am also the Book Writer for Moo Deng vs Pesto!

People should definitely come see Moo Deng vs Pesto: The Musical because it’s not just a show; it’s a full-blown spectacle of emotions, humor, and fabulous musical numbers! Imagine stepping into a world where a diva hippo and a sassy penguin take you on a rollercoaster ride of rivalry turned friendship. It’s like watching your favorite drama and comedy TV show rolled into one, but better—because it’s live, unpredictable, and features two of the most charismatic animals you'll ever meet on stage. You’ll laugh, you might cry, and you’ll definitely leave feeling a little more fabulous and inspired to embrace your true self, just like Moo Deng and Pesto!

Fringe festivals are like the hidden gems of the theater world! They bring together such a diverse mix of performances, which means you’re always discovering something unexpected and extraordinary. It’s the freedom and creativity of Fringe that really draws me in—the stories that might never make it to the mainstream stages get a spotlight here. And why the Atlanta Fringe? Well, after being an enthusiastic audience member for several years and experiencing the vibrant energy and community spirit of this festival, bringing a show here felt like the next big step. Atlanta's Fringe scene is dynamic and welcoming, making it the perfect place for Moo Deng vs Pesto to make its debut. We've had fantastic times at Orlando and Greensboro, and I'm thrilled to see how our show resonates with the Atlanta crowd. It's about connecting with audiences in a way that only Fringe can facilitate, and we can't wait to dive into that experience!

The inspiration for Moo Deng vs Pesto actually came from a rather personal place—my own peculiar fear of baby hippos! As strange as it sounds, I've never been comfortable around them, even just in photos. But as Moo Deng started popping up all over the internet, becoming this adorable viral sensation, friends kept sending me her pictures. Instead of shying away, I decided to confront my fear head-on by creating a musical that not only celebrates Moo Deng's quirky charm but also transforms my fear into fascination. What started as a personal challenge to fall in love with a baby hippo grew into a full-fledged musical that explores themes of self-acceptance and friendship. It’s been a hilarious and heartwarming journey to turn my fear into a story that, I hope, will resonate with many.