Flippy Floppy Floory

Elephant & Piggie’s: “We Are In a Play!”

Any young child with access to a library or bookstore will probably have memorized the books of the prolific and Caldecott-Honored author, Mo Willems. Savvy parents, grandparents, teachers, librarians and booksellers are also huge fans of his delightful stories. They provide hours of joy for children and, may I confess, adults, as well! Why? It’s because they’re all so simple, completely relatable, happy and positive. How refreshing to be able to spend time with two “bestus” friends in today’s world, that’s filled with so much danger and violence.

The slim plot of this musical fits perfectly within the hour-long presentation, which also includes an enlightening post-show question-and-answer session with the cast. Gerald the Elephant and Piggie are getting ready to spend the day together, but the pachyderm worries that something could go wrong and ruin their friendship. However Piggie, who adores her Elephant buddy, understands that that’s just the way he is all the time. Where Gerald worries needlessly about everything, Piggie is always positive and happy. She sees the glass as half full, while Gerald sees it as half empty.

The six-member cast features that giant of a talent, the incredible Lorenzo Rush, Jr. as Gerald; and that peppy poster girl of positivity and perkiness, the delightful, multitalented Lillian Castillo as Piggie. Always bright-eyed and bubbly, Ms. Castillo is simply a big grin, clothed in—what else?—pink, who brings joy and a smile to Gerald, as well as everyone in the Marriott audience. Backed by Ciarra Stroud, Sara Reinecke and Brian Bandura, as the Motown group, the Squirrelles, and Patrick Michael Tierney as Dog/Penguin, the matinee becomes a nonstop fiesta of fanciful fun. 

The play continues with Elephant and Piggie receiving an invitation to a party from the Squirrelles, a joyful trio of singing squirrels. Piggy’s never been to a party, but Gerald knows all about them and shows his friend how to dress for any kind of celebration. Adapted by Mo Willems himself, and packed with many catchy songs by the talented Debra Wicks-LaPuma, the play incorporates storylines from I Am Invited to a Party, I Am Going, I Love My New Toy, Listen to My Trumpet, Should I Share My Ice Cream, Watch Me Throw the Ball and, inviting the audience to join the cast in the new choreographic craze, the Flippy Floppy Floory, because Elephants Cannot Dance! Even Willems’ popular story We Are in a Book! is transformed into the titular, “We Are in a Play!”

Beautifully directed by Johanna McKenzie Miller, with attention to the tiniest details that the youngest theatergoers will appreciate, this show is an enchanting and hilarious introduction to theatre. The production is expertly choreographed with unbridled glee by the vivacious and talented Laura Savage, assisted by Matthew Weidenbener, and is musically directed by Carolyn Brady. The colorful, creative costumes come courtesy of the always inventive Theresa Ham, with scenic and prop designs by the gifted Eric Luchen. 

Don’t miss Marriott’s latest family show. It’s 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 Elephant and Piggie, as well as the many other creations of Mo Willems (such as Knuffle Bunny, the Pigeon, Cat the Cat and so many others), this  musical, with its lovable characters, positive message of friendship, simple storylines, and its catchy songs & dances is sure to inspire a trip to the bookstore or the library. So get ready to do the Flippy Floppy Floory and have a fantastic time!

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented July 14-August 13 by Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL.

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

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