We’ll Be Friends

Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play”

Bringing humor and hilarity with such catchy songs as “Lucky to See You,” “Ice Cream Hero,” “Elephant in the Room” and the sweetly sincere, “We’ll Be Friends,” ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S “WE ARE IN A PLAY” is festival of fun for the entire family. And in this new production by Young People’s Theatre of Chicago, which opens their new Friendship and Adventure Season, audiences experience a fun-filled musical comedy about  two best buddies.

There’s little doubt that the younger audience members will probably have read, and maybe even memorized, the books of Mo Willems. For theatergoers who aren’t blessed with children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews or elementary school-aged students, this prolific Caldecott-Honored author has penned and illustrated more than 50 children’s stories. They include books like Knuffle Bunny, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and the many Elephant & Piggie tales. But many parents, grandparents, teachers, librarians and booksellers are also huge fans of his delightful stories. They provide hours of joy for both children and adults alike. The reason is that every story is simply told and very relatable, happy and positive. How refreshing to be able to spend time with two best friends in today’s sometimes violent and confusing world.

The musical’s plot fits perfectly within the hour-long presentation. Gerald the Elephant and his best friend Piggie are planning to spend the day together. But the perturbed pachyderm worries that something may possibly go wrong and ruin their friendship. Piggie, however, understands that’s just the way he is and adores her friend’s quirkiness. Whereas Gerald worries needlessly about everything, Piggie is always positive and happy. She sees the glass half full, while Gerald sees it as half empty.

The play turns into a sort of vaudeville show, with Elephant and Piggie receiving an invitation to a party from the Squirrelles, a tuneful trio of singing, Supremes-inspired squirrels. Piggy’s never been to a party, but Gerald knows all about them; so he shows his friend how to dress for any kind of celebration. Adapted by Mo Willems himself, and packed with a cache of catchy tunes by the talented Debra Wicks-LaPuma, the musical incorporates storylines from other Elephant & Piggie books, such as I Am Invited to a Party, I Am Going, I Love My New Toy, Listen to My Trumpet, Should I Share My Ice Cream and Watch Me Throw the Ball. Inviting the audience to join the cast in their new choreographic craze, the whole theatre erupts into the Flippy Floppy Floory, from Elephants Cannot Dance!

YPT’s talented cast features five terrific triple threats. The incredibly gifted Sam Shankman leads the company as Gerald; and, as the poster girl of positivity and perkiness, the delightful, Diana Marilyn Alvarez, portrays Piggie. Always bright-eyed and bubbly, Mr. Shankman is simply a big grin with glasses, clothed in—what else?—Elephant gray. Ms. Alvarez, pretty in pink, is all honest innocence, and her joy always brings a smile to Gerald, as well as everyone in the Greenhouse Theater Center audience. Backed by the wonderful Julia Limoncelli, Lili Galluzzo and Marta Bady as the Squirrelles, the matinee turns into a Motown musical of merriment.

Beautifully Directed by multitalented Artistic Director Randy White, giving attention to the kind of details that the youngest theatergoers will appreciate, this show works as an enchanting and hilarious first theatrical experience for youngsters. The production is expertly Choreographed with humor and heart by the talented Matthew Weidenbener, and is Musically Directed by Danny Kapinos. The cast’s colorful wardrobe comes courtesy of  creative Costume Designer, Cindy Moon. Theatrical Scenic Designs are by Shane Cinal and are brilliantly Lighted by Kevin Rechner.

The latest musical by Young People’s Theatre of Chicago is a warm and wonderful treat for the entire family. ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’s “WE ARE IN A PLAY” is a tantalizing, toe-tapping treat for all ages, guaranteed to put a smile on every face, both the young and the not-quite-as-young. If your child isn’t already familiar with the Elephant and Piggie books, as well as the many other creations by Mo Willems (such as Knuffle Bunny, the Pigeon, Cat the Cat and so many others), YPT offers a merchandise booth where the books and plush versions of the characters can be purchased. The proceeds help hundreds of CPS students attend special matinees. This delightful musical, with its lovable characters, positive message of friendship, simple storyline and catchy songs and dances is sure to please. The show might also inspire a trip to your local bookstore or library. So everyone get ready to do the Flippy Floppy Floory because by the end of the play “We’ll Be Friends.”

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Photos: Steven Townshend | Distant Era

Presented September 27-October 19 by Young People’s Theatre of Chicago at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling them at 773-404-7336 or by going to www.yptchi.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.