West Seattle Actors take on Lyle the Crocodile at Seattle Children’s Theatre
Julie Briskman and Allen Galli round out a stellar cast in this tap-dancing, musical adventure
West Seattle Actors take on Lyle the Crocodile at Seattle Children’s Theatre
Julie Briskman is a regular at the Seattle Children’s Theatre and ACT. Her most recent Seattle role was as Ann Landers in The Lady with All the Answers” at ACT. Her work also has been seen at The Seattle Repertory Theatre, The 5th Avenue Theatre and large regional theaters throughout the country.
CLICK THE PHOTO TO SEE A PHOTO OF ALLEN GALLI
Sat, 11/27/2010
If you are looking for a rousing and uplifting musical for the kids this holiday season, look no further than Lyle the Crocodile by Kevin Kling, playing at Seattle Children’s Theatre through Jan. 9.
Opening night on Friday revealed a polished and lively production with a stellar cast – two of which hale from West Seattle. Julie Briskman, who plays the delightfully spunky Miss Primm, has been a West Seattle resident for nine years. Allan Galli, playing the deliciously foul-tempered Mr. Grumps, has lived here for 20 years.
Based on the beloved children’s books The House on East 88th St. by Bernard Waber, the play features the adventures of Lyle, a mute-but-lovable crocodile, and his adopted family. Although the original story was published in 1962, the themes are still extremely relevant today.
“This show has a huge heart, without being preachy,” said Briskman. “It’s a great reminder to love each other for who we are and how vital it is to accept others, no matter what their differences. And with all the current news about the tragic effects of bullying, this theme couldn’t be timelier.”
These messages are delivered by a hilarious script, innovative staging and toe-tapping musical numbers. A highlight for my 10-year-old was the musical confession by young Joshua Primm that, “My Pajamas are the Window to My Soul.” The play also soared visually with a clever jump rope number, a wondrous Rockefeller Center skating scene and the amazing tap-dancing skills of Greg McCormick Allen, who plays Lyle. And honestly, any play that requires a magic coach, a skating coach, a puppet coach and a fight choreographer is going to be packed with fun for the kids.
“The best part of working on this show is the music, and getting to work again with this fabulous artistic staff and cast,” said Galli. “The original music by Rich Gray is really clever. Working with Playwright Kevin Kling is fun. And the cast is a great group of people. It’s like working with your friends and coming up with some really funny stuff together.” The result of this creative fusion is a wonderful night of entertainment.
Directed by SCT Artistic Director Linda Hartzell, the rest of the cast is full of longtime SCT favorites, including Auston James, Ian Lindsay, Jayne Muirhead, Don Darryl Rivera, Caety Sagoian, MJ Sieber, Khanh Doan, Hugh Hastings and Katherine Strohmaier.
Seattle Children’s Theatre is located at 201 Thomas Street, at Seattle Center. Tickets for Lyle the Crocodile are $17 to $37 and may be purchased by calling the SCT Ticket Office at (206) 441-3322 or by visiting http://www.sct.org .
Lyle the Crocodile is recommended for ages 5 and up.
