Looking for a way to chase the winter blues? Look no further than Lifeline Theatre’s new musical production, “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!”
This musical, based on the popular book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, turns the classic story on its head. Audiences will “squeal” with delight as they hear both sides of the Pig versus Wolf tale. Is Alexander T. Wolf a big, bad pig-eating monster, or is he just a helpless carnivore with a cold? It will be up to the jury/audience to decide as the plaintiff and prosecutor sing, dance and charm their way through the courtroom comedy.
The play was creatively adapted for stage by ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric, whose credits also include writing the stage adaptation of Lifeline’s “Naked Mole Gets Dressed.” Lifeline’sAmanda Link directed the production while William Rush and Paul Gilvary composed the toe-tapping songs.
“The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!” features Amanda Roeder as feisty prosecutor Julia and David Sajewich as her courtroom nemesis, Alexander T. Wolf. Both actors are witty and engaging as they try to one-up each other to prove their case. Equally entertaining are Diana Coates andAllison Cain as court reporter Magill and Justice Prudence, respectively. My favorite actor (and my 8-year-old son agrees) is Marissa Lessman, whose experience as a sketch comedian at The Second City is evident as she deftly portrays four different characters with four amusing and distinct personalities.
Justice is served in the end (or is it?), but the outcome is the same—“The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!” is a must-see for families.
“The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!” runs through February 16 at the Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. The hour long show (with no intermission) is recommended for children ages 5 and up. For information about tickets and show times, visit Lifeline Theatre’s website. Be sure to ask about their special “Stories Come Alive” events, which take place at noon throughout the run of the show.
Photo: The pigs of Piggsylvania (foreground, L to R: Amanda Roeder, Diana Coates, and Allison Cain) conspire against Alexander T. Wolf, a.k.a. “The Big, Bad, Wolf” (background: David Sajewich), in Lifeline Theatre’s musical adaptation of “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!,” script and lyrics by Robert Kauzlaric, music by Paul Gilvary and William Rush, and directed by Amanda Link; based on popular children’s book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith. Photo by Suzanne Plunkett.
