It’s My Thing!

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

Who’s the writer that, in 2003, the New York Times Book Review called “the biggest new talent to emerge thus far”? Why none other than children’s author Mo Willems. The native of Des Plaines, IL has a huge following. Just ask any children’s librarian or schoolteacher, or visit the children’s department of your favorite bookstore. They’ll confirm this fact. The preschool-through-third grade set simply adore Willems’ funny and often fact-filled stories, and they know all his many books and characters by heart. Mo Willems’ works include several much-loved series of books, including the Knuffle Bunny series, the Elephant and Piggie series, the Cat series, and a whole lot of additional standalone titles.

Collaborating with talented composer and orchestrator Debra Wicks La Puma, a gifted artist in her own right, one of the author’s most popular series is springing to life on theatre stages all across America. This family-oriented musical play is entitled DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS. It’s based upon Mo Willems’ first Caldecott Award-winning book that actually launched his career as a picture book writer and illustrator. But the plot of the musical really draws from several of the early Pigeon books, including The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog, The Pigeon Loves Things That Go, The Pigeon Has Feelings Too and The Pigeon Wants a Puppy! And the result is a fast-paced 60-minute musical comedy filled with lovable characters, laugh-out-loud humor and a score of catchy songs and dances that will charm every theatergoer. And this is actually the second production of this popular, tuneful show by Young People’s Theatre of Chicago, playing to sold-out houses every time!

But why is this musical play so darned popular with kids and adults alike? Partly because it deals with many topics that are universal to both everyone, regardless of age, race, religion or social status. Through its captivating characters, humorous dialogue, memorable songs and splashy choreography, the play tackles such issues as an individual’s wants and needs, their ambitions, coping with feelings, yearning for recognition and tapping into their own unique talents. This last issue becomes the often-heard song and every character’s battle cry, “It’s My Thing!”

But what’s the story behind the Willems/La Puma’s one-act? Well, poor little Pigeon wants it all and he’s obsessed with a number of interests 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 new Chicago bus shows up, Pigeon is immediately inspired to become a bus driver. Without any hesitation Pigeon falls in love with this shiny, new vehicle of public transportation. And in spite of everyone telling him he can’t, from the hip and happy Bus Driver to the urban passengers hoping to get to their destinations on time, Pigeon is determined to fulfill his ambition. But the Bus Driver inspires Pigeon to forget what he can’t do and look at all the things he CAN do, reassuring him that “Everyone’s got their own thing.”

The cast is led by two outstanding actor/singers. Talented and amiable Brade Bradshaw returns to the Young People’s Theatre of Chicago to play the pushy Pigeon. He provides the voice for the charming Pigeon puppet that he speaks through, which is a perfect plush personification of Mo Willems’ drawings. Like all the beautiful puppets in this production, it was designed by Rick Lyon. Singing “I Never Get to Do Anything,” the Pigeon’s words will ring true with many children. Brade is excellent as this ambitious and aggressively assertive character. His clear voice fills every solo number, but always plays well with the other characters in the ensemble.

As the Bus Driver, lovely, gifted triple-threat Karla Serrato returns to a role she first created in the original YPT production. Seen in dozens of productions all over Chicagoland, Ms. Serrato portrays a smart and sassy character who embraces the music with panache. She makes the Bus Driver an actual person, a multi-layered character, and not simply a two-dimensional drawing brought to life. The actress commands our attention with her empathy through brightly sung tunes like “Bus Driver” and her advice to Pigeon to “Keep Flappin.’” Both of these experienced and talented actors keep this show flying high.

The likable four-member supporting cast includes Tamsen Glaser, who not only plays a hot dog-loving Duckling, the Bus Driver’s caring Mother and a large Puppy Dog, but is also the personification of the Engine of the Bus. Talented actor  Dakota Hughes (who can also be seen in Theo Ubique’s wonderful, current production of THE SECRET GARDEN) is hilarious as the Little Old Lady. The sassy character’s obsession with spreading bird seed everywhere is very funny. Dakota proves to be, not only an accomplished actor, but a talented singer and dancer, as well. Marquis Bundy plays both the City Worker who erects street signs all over Chicago and a Teenager. His character is hoping to make it to his favorite multiplex theater, in order to catch the opening of his favorite new superhero movie. And Jake Elkins, who’s been seen in Music Theater Works’ SHREK THE MUSICAL and Marriott’s THE WIZARD OF OZ, plays two roles. He’s both a picky, but proud, Hot Dog Vendor and a busy Businessman who has a penchant for being punctual.

The Young People’s Theatre of Chicago has revived one of their first shows that put this company on the map. It’s a delightful musical aimed at younger audiences, but I guarantee that both older kids and adults will find this pleasurable production just as much fun. It’s a bouncy and bodacious production that runs on high octane fuel, powered by a gifted six-member cast of talented triple-threats. Artistic Director Randy White’s pointed and lively Direction, combined with Sam Shankman’s fine Musical Guidance and the energetic artistry of Matthew Weidenbener’s superb Choreography, makes this show a must-see. Staged all over Jacqueline Penrod’s bright, colorful Set Design, and featuring Cindy Moon’s creative, chromatic Costumes, Mo Willem’s delightful picture book truly comes to life. Transferred from page to stage by the author himself, and seasoned with a bouncy musical score by Deborah Wicks LaPuma, audiences of all ages will leave with a message of personal confidence. And the kiddos will be reminded that we’re each special in different ways, and that’s okay. Because everyone’s got their own thing.     

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 22-December 22 by Young People’s Theatre of Chicago at the Greenhouse Theatre Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 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.