Photo courtesy of Morgan Wixson Theatre
Reviewed by Julia Stier
The Morgan-Wixson Theatre Y.E.S. Program
Through February 4
True to her name, Pinkalicious Pinkerton has a deep love for all things that are — you guessed it — PINK! However, one morning, after eating one too many pink cupcakes, Pinkalicious wakes to find that she herself has turned the rosy hue!
Pinkalicious is a fun-filled musical adaptation of the picture book of the same name, with book by Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann, music by John Gregor, and lyrics by all three.
Under Eve Keller’s direction, this all-youth cast is full of exuberant stars in the making. As Pinkalicious, Lily Moss, is a ball of sassy, sparkling energy, with a voice that fills the theatre. Rahland Keller and Ellie Birdwell, as Mr. and Mrs. Pinkerton, are fun to watch as worrywart parents attempting to transform their daughter back to her natural color. Evan Simonowitz rounds out the family as Peter Pinkerton, the often-overlooked little brother. Despite this junior status, Simonowitz’s excellent comedic timing makes his portrayal of Peter far from forgettable.
One of the best things about any youth show is the chance to see a large ensemble. Due to union rules, budgets, or a myriad of other obstacles theaters face here in California, we rarely get to enjoy an excess of spectacle. But in this production, audiences are treated to a plethora of dancers and singers that fill out the world of the show. From tap-dancing Nurses, to coupé-ing Cupcakes, the surplus of dancers makes this show a visual treat! Charming, vibrant costumes by Jill Serjeant transform the ensemble into vibrant butterflies and birds, while choreography by Jessica Cashin makes them move.
Morgan-Wixson Theatre 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Sat.-Sun., 11 am; thru Feb. 4. boxoffice@morgan-wixson.org
