Even the most refined theatergoer (you know, the kind that doesn’t require diaper changes at intermission) needs to begin somewhere.
Chicagoans are extraordinarily lucky to have Emerald City Theatre’s Little Theatre and their Play With Me Plays as a primer, as a safe place for the youngest member of the family to enjoy the arts, and as a wonderful way to spend an hour.
Their latest offering, the adorable Bingo’s Birthday (created and directed by Artistic Director Ernie Nolan), is a charming and interactive barnyard bash. From the moment the “party guests” are ushered onto the farm by Farmer Pickle (energetically and patiently played by Alissa Sherwood), the audience feels welcome to explore, to suggest, and to watch the story unfold in a space where there are no wrong answers. (And as a mother of 3 it’s beyond refreshing to know that, regardless of what happens during the performance, your child will never be That Child. Parents, amiright?)
Photo credit: Tom McGrath
Bingo’s Birthday begins with a search for the party pup himself, as Farmer Pickle and her brother Farmer Tickle (George Booker, who also puppets the energetically mischievous pup) prepare for the best birthday the farm has ever seen. Each “guest” receives a birthday present box of helpful items to use throughout the show as the farmers navigate problem solving and opposites. (My co-reviewer, a nearly 3 year-old, was particularly enamored of the ability to stir and hand and help along the way.) The show runs about 45 minutes and circles gently back to verses of the popular song as the storyline progresses.
One of us was a little starstruck.
Perfectly gentle for your babies and toddlers, but hands-on enough to hold your preschooler’s attention, Bingo’s Birthday is doggone delightful.
(I had to, you guys.)
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Emerald City’s Little Theatre
2933 N. Southport, Chicago
For tickets and info, visit www.emeraldcitytheatre.com
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Disclaimer: I was provided complimentary tickets for my review, but thoughts and opinions are my own. Intense love of dogs is Susannah’s own.
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