'Pinkalicious' pleasing to the pig-tailed crowd
Early on, Mrs. Pinkerton — Pinkalicious' mother — asks the audience to repeat this line after her:
"You get what you get, and you don't get upset."
In a way, that sums up the Emerald City Theatre's production of "Pinkalicious," based on the best-selling children's book of the same name about a girl's obsession with the color pink.
You get what you expect to get: a cute, energetic children's musical in a nice theater across the street from Water Tower Place.
And you don't get upset because it's a reasonably priced, hourlong, midmorning show that little girls will definitely enjoy.
Staying true to the book, but adding some upbeat if not terribly memorable songs, the play starts out slowly but steadily improves.
Pinkalicious Pinkerton (a squealy Lara Mainier) begs her mother to let her have another pink cupcake. Her mother says no, using the "you get what you get" explanation.
Pinkalicious sneaks one anyway and turns pink. She's diagnosed with Pinkitis, and ordered to eat only green food if she wants to return to her normal color.
The show adds some fun here, coming up with funny props like broccoli Popsicles and Brussels sprout burgers — foods that makes the audience moan "Eeeew!" out loud. There's also an all-cast pompon routine encouraging Pinkalicious to eat green foods as children in the audience get to wave the little green fans they're given before the show. It's one of many just-right audience interactions.
While there's not much to the set, the colorful costumes change frequently and the six-member cast is comprised of competent, bubbly singers and performers.
"Pinkalicious" gets a little corny in spots, especially when the men unveil their love of pink, but the story is packed with positive messages: eating too many sweets is bad; listening to your parents and doctor is good; eating green foods makes you healthy; and it's OK for boys to like pink.
Ultimately, the older girls and boys in the audience were less enthused about the show than the younger ones. However, girls in grades one and younger — many of whom arrived dressed head-to-toe in pink — were thoroughly entertained.
Kudos to the Emerald City Theatre for its efforts to provide more theater options to young children. They're definitely on the right track.
<b>"Pinkalicious"</b>
★ ★ ½
<b>Location:</b> Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., (800) 775-2000 or broadwayinchicago.com
<b>Showtimes:</b> 10 a.m. Thursday through Sunday; through Sept. 3
<b>Running time:</b> Roughly one hour
<b>Parking:</b> Garage parking in the area, prices vary
<b>Tickets:</b> $16-$22
<b>Rating:</b> Appropriate for all ages