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by Krista B. Threadgill

I’ve been reviewing plays for Theatre Vault for nearly a year now, but this is the first time I felt the need to bring an expert critic with me—my almost-twelve-year-old daughter. Who better to help me judge the value of a children’s show than a kid? Based on her reaction as well as my own, I believe it’s safe to say that the Phoenix Theatre for Children’s latest production of Mrs. Piggle Wiggle is an unqualified success.

Director Stephen C. Anderson adapted the children’s book by Betty McDonald and lovingly captures the trials and tribulations of a host of parents dealing with their children’s problems. After they consult with each other for advice, the answer always lies with the neighborhood child expert: Mrs. Piggle Wiggle (Jacqueline Bates). Through a series of phone calls, she directs the parents through a variety of tried-and-true remedies including The Radish Cure, The Cry Baby Cure, and The Answer Backer Cure. Four actors (Michelle G. Schroeder, Ian Short, Christopher Storer, and Liz Wheeler) play an entire town—parents and children alike—in this whimsical tale.

Under Anderson’s direction, the ensemble cast sparkles in their myriad of roles. Schroeder, Short, Storer, and Wheeler adapt mannerisms, accents, and small costume changes to portray entire families, each member having his or her own completely different character quirks and personalities. Not once does the audience confuse one character with one played earlier. Bates is endearing as everyone’s favorite authority on kid-hood, Mrs. Piggle Wiggle herself.

The staging is equally impressive. Darin Keesing’s lighting is lovely, and the back wall lighting is particularly impressive. Ruth Boyd’s costumes include multiple aprons, scarves, smocks, cardigans, hats, and wigs that separate and distinguish one family from another and in lavish colors that accentuate the gorgeous set. And, oh, what a set it is! Stephanie Gerckens’ scenic design is positively darling—a purple upside-down house with precious floral curtains at the windows, an adorable gigantic rubber duck, walls containing hidden doors and windows—all painted in glorious pastels and jewel tones—please the senses as much as the superb performances from the actors.

Based on the reactions of the children in the audience—my own daughter included—this play is a winning hour-long immersion in a childhood classic. The Phoenix Theatre is well known for their quality children’s programs, and Mrs. Piggle Wiggle certainly upholds that reputation. For the young—and the young at heart—this is quality entertainment.
*******

Krista Threadgill spent her childhood following her parents around the Actors Guild of Parkersburg. After that, she wiled away her summers at Jenny Wiley Amphitheater, and she has performed in two Neil Simon plays. She has an English degree from the Ohio State University.

by Tahrea Maynard

The Phoenix Theatre for Children opened this weekend with a delightful production of Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, based on the book by Betty MacDonald and adapted for stage by director Steven C. Anderson. This hour long show amuses with several tales of disgruntled and frustrated parents of misbehaving children who all turn to Mrs.Piggle Wiggle for help. A darling woman, Mrs. Piggle Wiggle offers somewhat eccentric but hilarious remedies, like the crybaby tonic for youngsters who won’t stop crying and Penelope the Parrot for a certain answer-backer.

Leading the troupe of five wonderful actors is Jacquline Bates as the classic Mrs. Piggle Wiggle. This reviewer developed a love for the Piggle Wiggle stories in elementary school, and was glad to Bates’ performance as the main character was a perfect rendition, carrying the jovial and loving air that children can sense through the story book character’s words. Players Michelle G. Schroeder, Ian Short, ChristopherStorer , and Liz Wheeler each play an array of characters, the parents and siblings of the ornery children in question and the troublemakers themselves. Parents and children alike will laugh as these Schroeder and Wheeler both have a turn at throwing tantrums and arguing, and each time Short andStorer come onstage in dresses.

Stephanie Gerckens’ set has a a childish, cartoon-like feel to it, adding to the feel of the production with vibrant colors and a large flat rubber duck and orange car. Center stage is a small flat recreation of Mrs.Piggle Wiggle’s famous upside down house. There are several windows on the different set pieces including the aforementioned “house” which the actors use during the show to signify different residences and rooms.

Costume Designer Ruth Boyd’s choice in costume for Bates id the perfect accent to the Piggle Wiggle character and makes her that more authentic. Short and Storer are uniformed in tan slacks and blue shirts while Schroeder and Wheeler sport white blouses and long skirts. Each of these four utilize hats, scarves, aprons, and nightdresses as well as an array of accents and inflections to change into various characters.

One thing this reviewer must mention is the actors must remember to anticipate the audience’s laughter. As they are performing for children, some lines can be lost if the performers do not wait a beat for the laughter to dissipate before carrying on.

Mrs. Piggle Wiggle is a guaranteed fun time for any age and its enjoyment should be shared with all.

*****

Tahrea Maynard has spent the majority of her life onstage, appearing on stages with such Central Ohio theatres as Roundtown Players and Rosebriar Shakespeare Co. She also teaches Musical Theatre classes with the Charmion Performing Arts Center in Circleville.  Check out her blog here.