***** People ask me how I can see a play over and over again. I always tell them that each time it is done, it is different and unique. The words on the page are identical ( for the most part), but a different venue, director, choreographer and of course actors will make a difference. The interpretation changes with the set design and even the costumes can change the appearance enough to make a difference. Today’s opening of The Young People’s Theatre of Chicago’s “Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus” is a perfect example of just how different a play can be.

First of all, the company itself has grown. Their popularity has made them a “known” rather than a new company, and the quality of their work shines brightly. Yes, they did this play last year. For me it was my first exposure to the work of Mo Willems and his “pigeon”. The Greenhouse Theater is indeed the same venue ( upstairs) and the set seems to be the same as last year. Randy White is once again the director with choreography by Matthew Weidenbener. They have made several changes in the dance and movement, and the actors ( a sterling cast) have become much better at handling the hand puppets, who represent some of the characters. On a note- Brade Bradshaw who handles the role and puppetry of Pigeon is a delight to watch. Even though we know he is controlling a hand puppet, after a few moments, the actor and the puppet blend into one and from that point on, we only see Pigeon. That is perfection.

Most of the cast is back and the new addition, Dakota Hughes as the Little Old Lady is a delight. Amazingly, earlier this week, I watched her play a key role at Theo Ubique in Evanston’s production of “The Secret Garden”. Watching  these two unique and different roles in two shows just how versatile an actor they are. The rest of the cast is composed of Marquis Bundy, Tansen Glaser ( who plays a wide range of characters), Jake Elkins as the business man and hot dog vender and Karla Serrato as the very important Bus Driver, who spends a great deal of time with Pigeon.

The basic idea of the play/story is that Pigeon is constantly being shooed away and is seeking some reason for his existence. When Pigeon learns about the bus, that becomes his goal in life- to drive the bus and get people to where they need to go. With lots of fun songs and dance numbers and great song and dance teamwork, the filled theater saw lots of kids get exposed to theater and see the book that they read ( or had read to them) come alive. A real treat.

“Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus” will continue thru – Dec 22nd with performances as follows: