The cast was certainly encouraging, but considering some younger patrons weren’t old enough to enjoy any pre-pandemic theatre (or may not recall it, anyhow) it might be worth adding a “Participation is a good thing!” note to the pre-show announcements. I’m not sure anyone was actually clapping during the Clap/Banana/Flippy-Floppy-Floory face-off … which I promise makes sense in the context of the show. ![]() The larger production numbers (can you call a song with five people in it a production number?) were typically more engaging than the duets between Gerald and Piggie, but luckily, more often than not, the whole cast was around whenever the music played.Īudience participation on Saturday afternoon, however, was lacking. ![]() I was especially a fan of Rangel’s cameo as the Ice Cream Penguin, but the crew as a whole was great, with the Squirrelles especially shining on “Swimmy, Fancy” and “Toy Breaker.” Music Director Bobby Becher did a bang-up job getting the talented fivesome in this cast ready to rock the music, while choreographer Brooke Myers had the fun job of preparing the cast to dance their socks off, which they did with gusto. In these roles, Ellie Larson, Savannah Bay Strandin, and Kira Rangel were delightful. I assume Green’s big flappy lapels were meant as stand-ins, and while it wouldn’t have been my first choice, I didn’t hear a whole bunch of kids complaining about Gerald’s lack of ears, either.Īssisting Gerald and Piggie on stage are the Squirelles: a trio of singing ladies providing the backup and additional help our main characters needed. But while Hiatt’s costumes were bright and cheerful, I was disappointed by the lack of elephant ears. Truly, Bigelow’s Piggy was spot-on hammy (ahem), making her polka-dotted dress that designer Gregory Hiatt created all the more perfect. (Okay, with the exception of his song “Don’t Go,” in which ridiculousness couldn’t have been avoided.) Green’s exuberant counterpart Bigelow was wonderful she was zippy, zappy, and spunky. Gerald’s character is one of my favorites to read out loud to my own kids, as he is reactionary and dramatic, and it would have been easy to veer towards ridiculous. His sheer physical size was a force on stage as he towered over the rest of the cast as an elephant should, really. I should note that my family considers ourselves to be Mo Willems super-fans, so we had high expectations for this production, and were not disappointed. The delight here is that Willems’ lively musical feels exactly like the books you’ve come to love and appreciate. Green) and charming, outgoing Piggie (Erica Lee Bigelow), who are the “bestus best friends,” star in a 25-book series by Mo Willems, six of which were adapted for the stage by the author himself with a little musical help from Deborah Wicks La Pluma. Director Kim Kurtenbach kept the energy in this production high and the overall experience was a joy – a veritable celebration of friendship. ![]() This vibrant 80's ladies costume includes a cute off-the shoulder dress in neon rainbow animal print, with a matching hair bow on headband.Īdd some fluoro strands of beads and 80's fingerless gloves to complete the look.
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