Seattle Children’s Theatre presents “The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza,” a goofy, cheer-filled romp featuring the literary characters by Mo Willems adored by children everywhere. The Pigeon, Gerald, Piggie, and a scurry of Squirrels take the stage to remind audiences that the reason for the season is not about the parties, the food, or the presents, but about spending quality time with the ones you love. With original songs, delightful friendships, and an uplifting message, get ready to witness a brand-new musical that totally sleighs.
Adele Lim, Noah Duffy, Katie J. Newbury, and Keola Kapulani Holt in “The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!” (Image: Truman Buffett)
Synopsis
As the holidays approach, the animals are stirring, preparing for the festivities in their own way. Filled with original music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, script and lyrics by Mo Willems and Adam Tobin, and the eye-catching production design theater-goers have come to expect from SCT, “The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza” follows three storylines:
The Pigeon (Noah Duffy) is not in the holiday spirit. They are not excited about the party that the Squirrels are planning. The exchanging of presents is too far away for their liking, and no one will let the Pigeon drive the sleigh! The cheer of those nearby does nothing but prove irksome to their curmudgeonly attitude. Even the Squirrels’ uplifting tune, “Catchy Holiday Song” (a song we’ve been singing for days in our household), does nothing to temper the bird’s grumpy disposition. The Pigeon goes on a solo trip to the North Pole, but the real journey is their own self-reflection and the realization that the holidays can be filled with joy if only we allow ourselves to soak up the love of those around us.
Noah Duffy in “The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!”(Image: Truman Buffett)
The Squirrels – Zoomy Squirrel (Keola Kapulani Holt), Zoopy Squirrel (Adele Lim), Flappy Squirrel (Katie J. Newbury), and Zappy Squirrel (Gabriel Zuniga) – are an energetic troupe eager to assemble a holiday party to remember. They assemble millions of pizza pies and all the decorations in the world, only to realize they’ve bitten off a bit more than they can chew, and their big plans cause major party-planning anxiety. As the details snowball into too much for them to keep up with, the squirrels learn the beauty of simplicity, condensing their celebration to what matters most.
Elephant Gerald and Piggie (Nate Tenenbaum, Cassi Q Kohl) are the best of friends, but even companions who know each other so well can have gift-giving anxiety. Each has a present for the other, but their nerves get the better of them. Will Piggie like the surprise Gerald has picked out? Will Gerald enjoy Piggie’s thoughtful holiday offering? As the sweet duo overanalyzes their choices, the real gift is the realization that it is the thought, not the items themselves, that should be celebrated.
Cassi Q Kohl and Nate Tenenbaum in “The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!” (Image: Truman Buffett)
Warmly Chaotic and Festively Playful
Mo Willems created characters that are easy to love and even more exciting to watch for fans of all ages. His picture book series, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!,” and early reader favorite, “Elephant & Piggie” series, have sold millions of copies. Seeing them live on stage was a particular delight for my two kids, ages 5 and 7. Though I thought maybe my older one would think the production was “too young” for her, she enjoyed it immensely and found the interactive moments to be particularly exciting.
SCT recommends the show for ages 5+, though there are no loud, overly chaotic, or scary moments that would intimidate or frighten younger audience members. There is also plenty of levity provided by the sometimes overly saccharine characters. The Pigeon is the most pessimistic of the bunch, but he also provides much of the musical’s engaging moments, traveling out to audience members and roaming in and out of the theater to the delight of the youngsters across the crowd.
The segmented storytelling is very reminiscent of SCT’s recent musical “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical.” Only by the end does a clear throughline and unifying message emerge. Its lessons about friendship, collaboration, and self-worth are important for parents and children alike, particularly during this time of year, as the pressure to create certain “perfect” experiences or “perform” a certain way is heightened for everyone. Let the Pigeon and friends usher in some holiday cheer.
Cassi Q Kohl and Adele Lim in “The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!” (Image: Truman Buffett)
Know Before You Go
- Dates: The show runs through January 4, with a variety of showtimes spanning the morning and
evening. - Location: Seattle Children’s Theatre is located at 201 Thomas Street, Seattle 98109
- Getting There & Parking
- Garage and street parking are available with payment. Give yourself ample time if there is
an event at Climate Pledge Arena. - Numerous bus routes serve Seattle Center, including Metro routes 1, 2, 4, 8, 13, 24, 29, 31, 33, and the Rapid Ride D Line. Rapid Ride E Line and routes 5 and 28 serve the Center along Aurora Ave N.
- The Monorail departs approximately every ~10 minutes from Westlake Center and Seattle Center
- Garage and street parking are available with payment. Give yourself ample time if there is
- Length: Runtime is approximately 80 minutes with a brief intermission.
- Recommended Age: 5+.
- Special Performances
- The ASL Interpreted Performance is Saturday, December 6, at 1 p.m.
- The Sensory-Friendly Performance is Saturday, December 1,3 at 2 p.m.
- The Access/Audio Described Performance is Sunday, December 28, at 1 p.m.
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