Everyone’s Got Their Own Thing

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Poor Pigeon. The little bird wants it all and is obsessed with so many interests, goals and ambitions. His latest passion is inspired by the new bus stop sign that was just erected on the street corner. Then, suddenly, when the August Rush Express bus shows up, Pigeon is even more inspired to become a bus driver. Without any hesitation Pigeon falls in love with this shiny, new public transportation vehicle. And in spite of everyone telling him he can’t, from the hip, street smart Bus Driver to the urban passengers hoping to get to their destinations on time, Pigeon is determined to fulfill his ambition. Then the Bus Driver inspires Pigeon to look at all the things he CAN do, reassuring him that “Everyone’s got their own thing.”

Based on Mo Willems’ popular, #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning picture book, this delightful show is filled with an entertaining and engaging musical score by Deborah Wicks LaPuma. She and Willems have collaborated on several adaptions of his beloved books, turning them into musicals for young audiences. Exactly a year ago, Marriott’s Theatre for Young Audiences presented a wonderful production of ELEPHANT & PIGGY: WE’RE IN A PLAY, co-adapted and written by the same talented creative team. While this show’s geared toward the two-and-up crowd, older youngsters, and even adults, will be enraptured by all the fun and Tomfoolery of this energetic frolic.

The production is exceptionally directed by one of Chicago’s most gifted and experienced actor/singers, Lorenzo Rush Jr. Currently Mr. Rush can be seen leading the five-member ensemble of Drury Lane Oakbrook’s wonderful production of AIN’T MISBEHAVIN.’ Clearly, Mr. Rush is drawing from his vast background of musical experience, as well as a knowledge of what works well in a family show. He’s capably supported by Musical Direction by Otto Vogel and by some inventive and invigorating Choreography by Matthew Weidenbener. Gregory Graham’s Costume Design is genius, especially the yellow tutus, hats and rain jackets worn by the Ducks. And Lauren Nichols’ Scenic Design skillfully transforms Marriott’s set for their current nighttime production, BEEHIVE, into the wacky world of Mo Willems.

The cast is led by two outstanding actor/singers. Talented Matty Bettencourt returns to the Marriott stage to play the pushy Pigeon. They provide the voice for the charming Pigeon puppet, which is a perfect plush personification of Mo Willems’ drawings. Singing “I Never Get to Do Anything,” the Pigeon’s sulking words will ring true with most children. The actor’s costume is created in the same color palette as the storybook illustrations and features bib-tops in tufted fabric, cleverly resembling feathers poking through. Matty is excellent as this ambitious and aggressively assertive character. Their clear vocals ring out in every solo but always play well with others in the ensemble numbers.

As the Bus Driver, truly gifted triple-threat Lydia Burke, last seen at the Marriott in BIG FISH and THE SOUND OF MUSIC, is remarkable. Seen in productions all over Chicagoland, Ms. Burke creates a sassy character powered by a commanding voice and a unique musical style that embraces this music with panache. She makes the Bus Driver a real-live person, a multi-layered character, and not simply a two-dimensional drawing brought to life. Ms. Burke commands everyone’s attention with brightly sung tunes like “Bus Driver” and her advice to Pigeon to “Keep Flappin.’” Together, this duo of experienced and talented actors keeps this show soaring to the rafters.

The brilliant, four-member ensemble is led by lovely Leah Morrow (who can be seen leading the cast of Marriott’s current nighttime production, BEEHIVE) as a Duck, the Bus Driver’s Mother and the cleverly anthropomorphic bus Engine. She’s outstanding in each of these roles, as she is in every role she plays. If Leah looks familiar to fans of Marriott’s TYA productions, the actress was nasty Aunt Spiker in their production of  JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH.

Dan Gold is fantastic in a variety of ensemble roles, including an overly enthusiastic Hot Dog Vendor and a bustling Business Man, who is a bus passenger needing to get to his meeting. Mr. Gold, who’s not only appeared at the Marriott but all over Chicagoland, can also be enjoyed in Mercury Theater’s current production of JERSEY BOYS. Beautiful and oh, so talented, Allison Sill, remembered for her exquisite portrayal of Laurey in Paramount’s production of OKLAHOMA, returns to the Marriott for yet another Theatre for Young Audiences production. She’s simply hilarious as the birdseed-slinging Old Lady bus passenger. Ms. Sill was seen in Marriott’s productions of BIG FISH, THE CHRISTMAS STORY and THE WIZARD OF OZ. And Tommy Rivera-Vega portrays a City Worker installing signposts, as well as a spunky Teenage passenger who’s bent on getting to his movie in time to buy some snacks. Tommy’s a frequent performer with Teatro Vista Theater, as well as other Chicagoland venues, and was seen in Marriott’s moving and beautiful production of IN THE HEIGHTS.

Marriott Theatre’s Summertime sizzler is aimed at younger audiences, but I guarantee you that both older kids and adults will find this pleasurable production just as much fun. It’s a snazzy-jazzy That-Joint-is-Jumpin’ kind of show. It runs on high octane fuel, powered by a six-member cast of gifted and talented triple-threats. The Jamba Juice that keeps this delicious show energized is infused by Lorenzo Rush Jr’s lively and lusty Direction, with an extra lift supplied by Matthew Weidenbener’s superb Choreography. Mo Willem’s delightful picture book, transferred from page to stage by the author himself, is seasoned with a high-flying musical score by Deborah Wicks LaPuma. And audiences will leave with a message of confidence that we’re all special in different ways, and that everyone’s got their own thing.            

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented July 12-August 11 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.