By MH Thomas
Being a grandma, I am always looking for fun opportunities to share with my grandchildren. It just so happened that I was watching my three- and four-year-old grandsons on a day when there was a matinee of Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse at the Noorda Theatre. We hopped in the car and headed over to Utah Valley University for our adventure together. We were not disappointed.
The theatre was filled with young ones anticipating what was to come. I must say that the audience was very polite and attentive. The stage was colorful and behind the activity going on there was what looked like a giant tablet that was used to advantage during the show. My four-year-old grandson was fascinated with it and loved seeing the different scenes that appeared.
My program did not give the names of the designers (perhaps because we were at a school matinee), but they really set the tone with their designs. The costumes and set were bright and fun and made you feel you were walking right into the books of Kevin Henkes. The hair and makeup designs, by Ann Thomas, were cute and helped to express the personalities of the mouse characters. Oh yes. I will add. Lilly is a mouse. A mouse with a purple plastic purse.
One of my personal favorite characters was Chester (Alex Rettie.) He performed with an infectious enthusiasm and a touch of goofiness. It made you just want to give him a hug. His friend, Wilson (Ryan Hopkins), was sweet and more reserved than exuberant Chester. They were the first two on stage and their friendship was played in a very believable way.
Soon afterwards, on comes Lilly (Briana Lindsay.) She is a ball of energy from start to finish. She is the self-proclaimed “Queen of the World!” and lets everyone know this in no uncertain terms. Her little crown sits at a jaunty angle and gives the perfect touch to her costume. Lilly loves everything and is excitedly waiting for the birth of a new baby in her family. Let’s just say that after he is born, her enthusiasm wanes. Julius, the baby of the world, is played skillfully by Kailey Green. The children in the audience obviously found the little mouse to be adorable. Lilly’s Mother and Father (Jessie Pusey and Tim Pacy) lend a serious but loving note to the show. Garland (Riley Branning) is Lilly’s self-absorbed cousin.
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All the characters love school—and they especially love their new teacher, Mr. Slinger (Dallin Majors.) He was another favorite character of mine. His performance made me want to be a child in his classroom. He portrayed the kindness and understanding that the character is meant to have. He is also “cool” and creative. I loved his colorful shirts. Lilly is at first enamored with her teacher and then has some issues with him. It was enjoyable to see how they worked things out.
Lilly’s new purse is her pride and joy. Her Grammy (Laicey Gibby Brown) bought it for her and it is spectacular in the young mouse’s eyes. The best thing ever! She dreams of how everyone will react when they see it for the first time. She dances to the music it plays. My four-year-old grandson just thought that was hilarious. Her purse kind of takes over her life briefly. People don’t react like she expects them to react. After some unhappiness, Lily learns that there is a time and place for everything.
The boys and I had a wonderful time at the show. When you can get a three- and four-year-old to sit for an hour, that is quite a recommendation! At the end, the characters come down and dance with the audience members. That was a lot of fun for the children. The high fives as we left the theatre were a bonus for the young audience.
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse is directed by John Newman. It plays at the Noorda Theatre on UVU campus until March 22nd. Showtime is 7:30 PM with Saturday matinees at 2 PM. There may also be some school matinees that are open to the public during the week. You can call 801-863-PLAY from 4-6 PM to get more information. You can also buy tickets online at http://www.uvu.edu/arts/
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