Friendship and Family Affection Abounds

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile – Lifeline Theatre

What would you do if you just moved into a charming Victorian brownstone, on New York’s fashionable Upper East Side, only to discover there’s a crocodile in the bathtub of your new home? Well, after the initial shock, the Primm family decides that Lyle is a wonderful addition to their clan. He plays stickball with their young son, Josh. He helps the boy with his homework and he enjoys assisting Mrs. Primm with her household tasks.

However, their crabby neighbor, Mr. Grumps, doesn’t like Lyle at all because he frightens the old man’s cat, Loretta. When Mrs. Primm takes Lyle shopping with her at Macy’s, they chance to run into the crocodile’s original owner, Hector P. Valenti. The self-professed “Star of Stage and Screen,” Hector entices Lyle into performing their old act, which thoroughly entertains the customers. But the fun comes to an abrupt halt when Mr. Grumps, who happens to be the store manager, calls the police and has Lyle taken away to the Central Park Zoo. What will happen next?

For younger theatergoers, who are fans of Bernard Waber’s series of picture books, that began in 1962 with The House on 88th Street, Christina Calvit’s play is a dream come true. She’s actually combined both the original book and its sequel, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile to create this 60-minute tuneful treat. The show further delights with music and lyrics by George Howe.
 Ensemble member Amanda Link has staged this warmhearted production with Lifeline Theatre’s typical stylized whimsy. the production is enhanced by Lauren M. Nichols’ colorful scenic design, which is based upon Bernard Waber’s expressive storybook illustrations. Jonah White and Eric Backus’ appropriate light and sound design, and Sanja Manakoski’s authentic-looking costumes, make it feel like the classic children’s storybook has come to life.

The four-member cast is, as always at Lifeline, superbly talented and amiably engaging. Leading the ensemble is easygoing  Christopher Vizurraga, who plays Lyle with understated flair and finesse. He gets to strut his stuff in a big way, not only as a devoted family member, but as gifted song-and-dance reptile. This talented young actor can even juggle with ease. Matt Patrick, making his Lifeline debut, is sweet as young Josh Primm, but his most impressive role, among several others, is his flamboyant portrayal of the Italian-American star of theatre and cinema, Hector P. Valenti. Currently working as a salesman in Macy’s pajama department, Valenti regrets having left his beloved Lyle behind when he moved from East 88th Street. But when he’s accidentally reunited with his former show biz buddy, Valenti and Lyle easily fall back into their old musical routine, much to the delight of the entire store.

Heather Currie, a talented, longtime Lifeline ensemble member, is perfection as Mrs. Primm. She offers much maternal affection to both Jason and Lyle, while portraying the ever-supportive wife to her hardworking husband. Playing the gloomy Mr. Grumps, as well as the proper Mr. Primm, Gabriel Fries returns to Lifeline Theatre, after his hilarious performance in “You Think It’s Easy Being the Tooth Fairy?” Fries is a strong, gifted triple-threat who brings an abundance of energy to this production.

With the current popularity of this kind, affectionate musical comedy about friendship and family love, Christina Calvit might consider adapting some of Bernard Waber’s other Lyle the Crocodile stories for the stage. Following each performance, the cast gathers in the lobby for a meet-and-greet with their young fans. There, copies of Bernard Waber’s picture book are available for purchase, along with some yummy green crocodile-shaped cookies. Smartly directed by Amanda Link, with astute musical direction and accompaniment provided by Ricky Harris, and featuring a multitalented cast of young, enthusiastic actors, Lyle the Crocodile and his friends could easily become an annual fixture at Lifeline Theatre.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented October 19-November 24 at Lifeline Theatre,  6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 773-761-4477 or by going to www.lifelinetheatre.com.

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