Elephant & Piggie’s ”We Are In A Play” is the ideal show for families of young children. In fact, this show would be an excellent choice for a child’s first live musical, as it is highly engaging, vibrant, and shares those ever-important preschool lessons, like sharing, friendship, and expressing feelings.
The play is based on Mo Willems’ popular series, Elephant & Piggie, featuring two mismatched friends: a worrywart, Gerald the elephant, and the happy go lucky Piggie. Children who are familiar with the books will (excitedly) recognize the stories throughout the play – like my son, an avid Piggie and Gerald fan, who said, “I know this one!” during “Ode to Toy.”
The acting is remarkable. Ian Page (Gerald) and Chelsea Majors (Piggie) bring the characters’ personalities to life! Gerald overthinks, panics, and stresses about everything from sharing his ice cream to why Piggie has to leave, even for just a moment. Meanwhile, Piggie displays her joie de vivre as she sings “Ode to Toy,” a tribute to her new toy, using her positive energy to calm Gerald throughout the play.
Although Gerald and Piggie seem incompatible, they are true friends who support, forgive, and help one another. For example, Gerald, caught up in anxious thoughts, ends up with melted ice cream. Piggie, ever the lighthearted friend, jumps in and happily shares hers with him. I love how Elephant and Piggie show young children what true friendship looks like – in an entertaining way without being fake or preachy.
For those who’ve read the Elephant & Piggie series, you know that these books are great for budding readers. That valuable aspect was not lost during the play. There were several times when words like “zip,” and “zap” were displayed on stage. For my five-year-old, this was an exciting opportunity for him to show off his new reading skills.
The production design creates an additional level of entertainment. My son loved finding the pigeon, and other characters within the various set designs. Also, as the titles of each musical number popped up on the backdrop, signaling the change of scene, he came to understand we were on to a new part of the play. The lighting matches the show’s energy – friendly, upbeat, and warm.
My family’s favorite part of the one-hour play was when the audience participated in the play. This feature was timed perfectly, just as kids started to get antsy. The entire theater was happily engaged in learning the new dance: The Flippy Floppy Floory.
The show is recommended for ages three to seven. However, my nine-year-old daughter came along begrudgingly, saying “I am too old for Gerald and Piggie!” But, she laughed throughout the show and talked about how funny it was the entire ride home. Older siblings should definitely come for the show.
Thank you, Gerald and Piggie for these essential reminders about friendship. What can I say, except “We’ve Been Lucky” to learn so much from you both!
Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are In A Play!” runs through May 7, 2023 at the Virginia Rep Center for Arts and Education, Jessie Bogese Theatre. View showtimes and tickets.
