Marriott Lincolnshire TYA's 'Pinkalicious' sure to tickle pink patrons of all ages
The title alone might set some adults’ skin crawling, but Marriott Theatre’s Young Audiences’ production of Pinkalicious will delight the entire family in Lincolnshire this summer.
The performance, based on the popular children’s book by Victoria and Elizabeth Kann, features characters and storylines with which children might already be familiar, but they certainly don’t have to know them to enjoy the show. The cast consists of only five actors playing various roles in Marriott’s iconic theater in the round. From the opening song, the energy level of all five actors is high and never lets up.
The story surrounds the titular character, a girl named Pinkalicious, who lives with her brother Peter and her parents. Pinkalicious, as one might expect, loves the color pink. Her trouble comes from overindulging in too many pink cupcakes, which turns her skin and hair pink as well. The solution, per her doctor, is to eat green foods to counteract the pink.
This production has so many things going for it. It’s perfect for first-time theater goers as every seat allows for a great view, the show runs only 45 minutes with no intermission and it’s interactive and funny. Children throughout the audience laugh and clap or talk to Pinkalicious when she speaks to them. Following the show, the actors hold a brief question-and-answer time to allow children to better understand the mysteries of live theatre.
All five actors give equally outstanding performances. Pinkalicious (Landree Fleming) brings incredible life to the character with humorous voices and gestures, acting just the way small children do. Peter, (the very tall Wade Elkins) plays an adorable little brother to Pinkalicious, often feeling overshadowed and ignored by his parents. His song, “Peter’s Pink Blues,” laments his being second fiddle to his sister as he plays the blues on the piano. Allison Sill, who plays Pinkalicious’s best friend and her doctor, features a fun tap dance in her song “Pinkatitis,” in which she diagnoses Pinkalicious’s problem. Both parents (Lillian Castillo and Adam LaSalle) portray the typical too-busy-to-have-fun adults who learn that they need to loosen up and spend more time with their children.
One definite standout of the production is the costumes. Pinkalicious goes through several outfits, often changing clothing colors completely while on stage, hidden behind dancing cupcakes. The doctor’s wardrobe fabulously transforms before the audience’s eyes as she twirls in her dance number. Another amusing song “Buzz Off” features the other four actors with bugs and birds attached to their hats as they attack Pinkalicious, thinking she’s a flower. Truly, the flashy apparel compliments a terrific show filled with upbeat choreography, sparkling lights and a nice variety of musical instruments played onstage by the cast.
Director Amanda Tanguay says, “With various character journeys taking place and the use of instruments on-stage, this production provides the perfect theatrical experience for the whole family to engage, interact, and learn together.”
Pinkalicious should be a family must-see this summer.
