“Dragons Love Tacos” review by Carol Moore

Recommended **** I think that Emerald City Theatre’s production of “Dragons Love Tacos” is absolutely charming. More important, my six-year-old granddaughter Molly loved it!  She actually lined up for cast autographs; and even allowed me to take her picture with the cast.  This is unprecedented!   Molly and I give “Dragons Love Tacos” 4 Spotlights.

“Dragons Love Tacos” is an adaptation of a best-selling board book written by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri. This production is co-created with Chicago Repertory Ballet.

A Boy (Liam Dahlborn) and Leroy (Eric Strebig), his dog, are struggling with homework, when the boy’s mother suggests he take a break while she runs to the store. Leroy and the Boy play ball – Strebig has the dog down pat – try a game, and finally turn on the TV.  By the way, Molly said she liked it that the Boy never talked, just muttered “Uh huh” whenever someone talked to him.

As he’s flipping through the shows, one channel has a Man in a Suit (Andrew Goetten) talking about dragons. When the Boy tries to flip to the next channel, the Man takes over the TV, then suddenly he’s continuing his dragon lecture – in the Boy’s living room!

As he lists extraordinary facts about dragons – they dance their way into the living room – the Red Dragon (Christina Chen), the White Dragon (Michelle Reid), the Yellow Dragon (Lucy Zukaitis) and the Blue Dragon (Jon Martinez). Molly whispered to me that the dragons were all wearing ballet slippers.  She said later that she liked the Red Dragon best because she was so pretty.

More facts about dragons – they love parties, and they love to eat tacos at parties. On the other hand, dragons really hate spicy salsa.  If they happen to eat spicy salsa, you’d better watch out!

“Dragons Love Tacos” is best suited for children from 3 to 8, but your entire family will enjoy this very silly story.

“Dragons Love Tacos” runs through January 3^rd at the Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln, Chicago.  Check www.emeraldcitytheatre.com for performance times and days.  Running time is 1 hour, no intermission.  Tickets start at $15.   Street parking is available; paid parking is available in the lot next to the Apollo Theater.  FYI (773) 529-2690 or www.emeraldcitytheatre.com.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Dragons Love Tacos”