Bestest of Best Friends (StageOne Family Theatre)

Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play Based on the books by Mo Willems Script and Lyrics by Mo Willems Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma Directed by Allison Sims

Review by Kate Barry

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It is a big scary world out there. Isn’t great to know you have friends by your side, making each day better? StageOne Family Theatre offers Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play, a jovial adaptation of Mo Willems’ children’s books about a perky pig and a worrisome elephant. The family friendly musical about this unlikely duo offers joy, laughter and a little wisdom.

Gerald the elephant and Piggy the pig are there for each other thought it all. They share ice cream and give each other encouragement in moments of anxiety. As Gerald, Zye Reid is a nervous yet kind hearted elephant with a knack for creative ideas. Jennice Butler’s Piggy is a cockeyed optimist who is always up for adventures. Reid and Butler provide funny and heartfelt performances as the animal pals. Their chemistry is warm and familiar yet they never let the comedic moments fall flat or come across as insincere. Zye is delightfully over the top as Gerald sings a sad song about missing his friend, completely misunderstanding that Butler’s Piggy is desperately in need of using the bathroom. Zye and Butler do well to channel love and support as they compete in a “best off” and later work through conflict over a broken toy.

Piggy and Gerald are invited to a party, which is a first for Piggy. Throwing the party are the Squirrelles, played with 60’s flair by Kate Drury, Shea Leparoux and Anna Marie Medley. The Squirrelles provide a chorus of sorts for Piggy and Gerald both musically and theatrically. Drury, Leparoux and Medley's vocals blend well and enhance the jazz-infused score. The ensemble embraces the play’s message of trying new things and thinking outside the box as the party becomes a silly hat pool party complete with a giant giraffe floaty for good measure.

The play moves at a quick pace, this is geared for children and families after all. Without giving too much away, the production contains a participation element. Gerald and Piggy have a realization and break the fourth wall which is followed by a dance for all to join. Of course, participation from the audience is always optional but I highly recommend you try the flip flop floory when the moment arrives.

With all the fun and songs in Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play, the story holds a deeper message. In times of worry or stress, you can always count on the ones who are near and dear. And Piggy and Gerald will always have each other.

Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play StageOne Family Theatre March 21, 28 and April 4 at 11 am and 2 pm Bomhard Theatre at Kentucky Performing Arts 501 West Main Street Louisville KY 40202 www.stageone.org