Tickled Pink

Pinkalicious – Marriott Theatre

 

Translating a children’s picture book to the stage isn’t easy.  The plot is thin, the characters are often 2-dimensional and the book relies heavily on visuals. And for that very reason, Marriott Theatre for Young Audience’s opulent production is a must-see for those elementary and preschool-aged fans of Elizabeth and Victoria Kann’s picture books. Not simply a whimsical story of a little girl’s obsession with the color pink, the book also offers a cautionary lesson about good eating habits. Judging by audience reaction, most of the kids know the story by heart, happily participating when asked to join in the fun. For youngsters and their accompanying grownups, this bouncy musical version is a cotton candy, technicolored dream come true.

Pinkalicious Pinkerton is a little girl who, as her name implies, is obsessed with the color pink.  Pink cupcakes are her particular weakness. When the little girl eats too many of them one night she wakes the next morning with pink clothes, hair and skin.  The wise family physician, Dr. Wink, diagnoses her with Pinkititis and prescribes eating healthy, green foods to restore her to normal. But later that night Pinkalicious sneaks one more pink cupcake causing her to wake up even pinker the next day. The little girl turns bright red and is only able to see the color pink in everyone and everything around her.  

Beyond lessons about healthy foods and how too much of a good thing can often be harmful, there are additional hidden messages about loving yourself, accepting people as individuals and enjoying people for who they are.

Gifted Chicago director Amanda Tanguay has guided, staged, choreographed and inspired her topnotch young ensemble of triple threats who dance and belt like the true Broadway stars they are. Typical of Marriott’s TYA productions, there’s enough sophisticated humor embedded within this show to make it a hilarious 60-minute delight for adults, as well. Inspired by using children’s instruments to enhance the score, the audience is treated to, not only triple threats, but quadruple threats, as they accompany themselves and each other on piano, guitar, ukulele, tambourine and other instruments.  

Landree Fleming’s adorably energetic and lovable Pinkalicious is magnetic. She could easily be a 2nd grade cousin to “Hairspray”s Tracy Turnbladt. Ms. Landree brings an added skill to her role with her ability to improvise. As such, Landree keeps the show moving at all times. Wade Elkins is irresistible as her younger brother Peter, especially at the baby grand, wailing out, “I Got the Pink Blues.” Talented Lillian Castillo makes a delightfully contemporary mother as Mrs. Pinkerton, while Adam LaSalle, that comedic musical genius from “Spamilton,” is perfection as Mr. Pinkerton. Rounding out this multitalented cast is the always sensational Allison Sill, as Pinkalicious’ best friend, Allison. She also delivers one of the showstopping numbers in this production as the family doctor, the tap-dancing Dr. Wink. 

Chicago has a perfectly pink summer confection that masks as child’s play, but it’s also funny and jaw-dropping for adults, as well. It’s a wonderful way to spend an hour with the whole family this summer in air conditioned comfort, laughing, clapping along and learning some valuable life lessons. By the end, it’s safe to say that everyone leaves the theatre tickled pink.  

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

 

Presented July 14-August 12 by the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 847-634-0200 or by going to www.ticketmaster.com or www.MarriottTheatre.com.

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