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Let me start at the end. When this show finished, my adult theatre-going partner and I looked at each other with massive grins on our faces and both blurted variations of "that was the greatest!"
And we've been to a lot of theatre.
Alligator Pie is a collective creation that plays with the poems of Toronto's own Dennis Lee, adding music, props, and make-shift games to rhymes which will already be familiar to many Canadians.
There's no plot to speak of, but there are characters and an emotional arc, and just enough sadness to make the joyous moments shine brighter. The five creator/performers are all so good, it's impossible to single one out or to imagine that this production could be recreated without the same team involved. So, if you like feeling good about the world, you should go see this before it's gone.
The Production
After watching Alligator Pie, it seems much more natural to call a stage show a "play". The show is framed by Lee's poem "Good Morning", which begins:
"When I woke up, my heart was high.
The sun was hot in the bright blue sky.
The bees were buzzing and I knew why -
'Cause I had a friend to play with!"
Dennis Lee's rhythmic poems are already brimming with fun and nonsense, and while watching the show you are really watching Ins Choi, Raquel Duffy, Ken MacKenzie, Gregory Prest and Mike Ross on a wild romp built on incredible chemistry and an unwavering sense of fun. A basically set-less stage is scattered with boxes of commonplace props, miscellaneous costume pieces and a single rolling office chair - a playroom waiting to be filled by imagination.
For each poem, or mash-up of poems, a member of the cast initiates a "thing" the group can do, and like a good game of improv (where the basic rule is that you say "yes, and" to any suggestion another participant makes), everyone else eagerly joins in and builds on this new way to play.
The show has a feel of modern clowning, and is filled with wonderful, memorable music. Unlike some kid-friendly shows, no call is put out for audience participation (although there are a few bits that beg for shouting along), but you feel 100% a part of the action nonetheless, and it's an awesome party to be invited to.
Magic in the Everyday
One of the other great things about Alligator Pie is that it offers a solid hour of theatre magic using everyday items. Parents should be prepared for - and be ready to encourage - creative new uses for household objects and thrift-store worthy costume pieces. Bubble wrap, umbrellas, flashlights, cups, balls, a hula hoop, and a three-hole punch are just some of the many things that literally come into play (during the performance we were at, one young girl gave an audible "Wowww!" during the flashlight lighting sequence, and another blurted "How does he do that?" at a deceptively-simple hula hoop toss).
The performers all play their own musical accompaniment throughout the show, and although a number of advanced-level instruments are used (including a memorable brass band number!), just as much time is spent with simple percussion instruments that kids may be very familiar with if they've ever been taught music using the Orff approach. After seeing Alligator Pie, kids may find themselves far more enthusiastic about the potential of tambourines and rhythm sticks.
Going to the Source
Of course Dennis Lee's books are available both in stores and at the Toronto Public Library, so it's easy for kids to get a hold of a "script" for themselves. Lee's book Alligator Pie was even available for purchase at the Young Centre on the night of the performance. Not all of the poems used in the show come from that one book though - "Good Morning" is from his book Bubblegum Delicious, for example, and The Cat and the Wizard was published as a stand-alone book by Key Porter in 2001.A Truly Canadian Show
Speaking of the The Cat and the Wizard, one more way that the stage version of Alligator Pie encourages audience members not to take the commonplace for granted is with various references to Canada and Toronto itself. The action of the aforementioned poem centers around Casa Loma, and of course there was the obligatory CN Tower reference. Seeing as Dennis Lee was the first Poet Laureate of Toronto, it's not surprising that his works include a bit of hometown pride, and it's also a nice change of pace for both kids and adults who may be used to getting most of their entertainment imported from elsewhere.Not Just for Kids
There are many production companies in Toronto that specialize in theatre for youth, but Soulpepper isn't often thought of when you think of places to take the kids. So it's not surprising that this show, although fantastic for children, is just as enjoyable for adults. In fact, our whole row and the one behind was filled with adults-only, and our section was as delighted as anyone.
There are some moments which will appeal more to the adults and others which will strike more of a chord with kids, but Alligator Pie avoids the uncomfortable territory of trying to insert adult jokes over the kids' heads or doing a "grown-up show" with a few throws to the younger set. The show feels honest and genuine, and its wide appeal seems to hinge on the fact that the five performers on stage are simply the kind of people that kids and adults alike would enjoy spending time with.
Show Details
Alligator Pie
Produced by Soulpepper Theatre Company
Poems by Dennis Lee
Created by and featuring Ins Choi, Raquel Duffy, Ken MacKenzie, Gregory Prest and Mike Ross
Approximate running time 1 hour, no intermission.
October 26 - December 9, 2012 (Saturdays and Sundays only)
Young Centre for the Performing Arts
50 Tank House Lane (inside the Distillery District)
Tickets are $23 with Family 4-Packs available for $94. For tickets, call the Young Centre box office at 416-866-8666 or visit soulpepper.ca.