If you’re a Kansas City area mom who is sweating out (literally) the days until school bells ring again because your kids are bored silly and have taken their aggravation out on you, then take heart. If there’s no money in the budget for a getaway to Orlando or even to Branson, there are still plenty of things to do in the metro area to tame those savage little beasts and get the whole family smiling again.
Tops on that list is one of the best kid-friendly musical theater treats that the Kansas City area has experienced in some time—Lucky Duck, now playing at the Coterie Theatre in Crown Center.
Lucky Duck, a new family musical hatched by Henry Krieger (composer of Dreamgirls) and Artistic Director Jeff Church, capitalizes on the popularity of American Idol by spotlighting a talent contest—only the contestants in this barnyard are all cluckers.
No, really. These chicks can’t sing. When each one gets up to the mike, she lays an egg. (Groan.)
Lucky Duck is also a modern twist on The Ugly Duckling, with Jennie Greenberry portraying the poor “henpecked” (by her own adoptive mother) misfit, Serena, who really wants to be a “supermodel swan.” Greenberry has tremendous vocal power, and plays the role with lots of enthusiasm. She “swans” around the stage, never feeling sorry for herself, and always believing that she’s going to make it someday as an “average, simple, Mega Superstar.”
Tim Scott plays the Wolf in this delightful romp, and it’s amusing to watch as he tries to pass himself off as a vegetarian and the “son of the Big Good Wolf.” Serena is not sure of his motives, however, and suspects him of “fowl” (sorry, can’t seem to help myself) play. (It’s always nice to have a heroine in a children’s play with some smarts.)
Kip Niven does a fine job as the Narrator and the King, but it’s as Armand, the fashion photographer, that he really brings down the barn--er, house. His antics--swishing and sashaying about Serena’s dressing room, fawning over modeling agent Goosetella, (Julie Shaw), and simpering and flouncing while taking pictures of the runway models at a fashion show--all elicit huge belly laughs from the audience. You won’t be able to keep a straight face, no matter how hard you try.
Seth Golay amusingly portrays Prince Drake, an excruciatingly shallow (but terribly likeable) fellow. You’ll find yourself rooting for him in the end.
The musical numbers—including Wipe the Egg Off Your Face—are upbeat and clever, adding to the “feel-good” atmosphere.
Best of all, Target, the Coterie’s season sponsor, is offering families up to six free tickets to the 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. performance of Lucky Duck, this Saturday, July 17. Tickets will be available on a first-com, first-served basis beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Coterie Box Office. Target will even provide giveaways and an art activity prior to the performances. How’s that for recession-proof family entertainment?
THE FINE PRINT
Lucky Duck runs through August 8 at the Coterie Theatre. Call 816-474-6552 or go to www.coterietheatre.org for more details.
Comments
What a fun review! Really gave a great sense of the play and a peek at a family friendly, fun-sounding evening!
Kudos!
This is such a great play. My daughter and I both loved every minute of it.
You are so right that there are good things everywhere.
Sounds like tons of fun for the family.
Sounds cute and great family fun
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