Reviewed by Margaret Thompson
“I think this was my favorite one we’ve seen, Mom!”
That was the report from my six-year-old son at the end of Virginia Rep’s new production, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. The cast of six entertained its audience during the one-hour performance, sprinkling nine songs throughout the play. The story was taken from two of Bernard Waber’s beloved books books from the Lyle series, The House on East 88th Street and Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. And no, your family does not have to be familiar with the series to enjoy the play. We had never heard of Lyle, although we did pick up a couple of books from the library today, which made for great post-show bedtime reading.
The play opens as the Primm family is moving from their Virginia home to a New York City brownstone, only to discover a six foot, three inch crocodile soaping up in their bathtub. Once the shock (and the hilarity that goes with it) wears off, the family comes to love Lyle, and who can blame them? Durron Tyre makes Lyle just as lovable as can be, and manages to do it largely with facial expressions only, as the character has just a few chances to speak and sing. The relationships that develop between Lyle and the family, especially son Josh, are really moving, and I even saw some kids cry when Lyle was separated from his new family. I am more of a happy times crier, so I teared up when they were reunited.
If you haven’t taken your kids to a performance at Children’s Theater of Virginia at Willow Lawn, make a date with Lyle and friends this month. The venue makes for an intimate encounter with theater and truly transforms children as they watch the actors tell their stories right before their eyes and practically within their reach.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is playing at Willow Lawn through March 24. Tickets are available at www.va-rep.org.
