Pinkalicious from Adventure Theatre/MTC

Pinkalicious shows how too much of a good thing, no matter how tasty, sweet, and bubblelicious can have unfortunate consequences.

Carolyn Agan is perky sweet as Pinkalicious. She interacts well with her brother Peter, played with guarded cheerfulness by John Sygar. Jaysen Wright plays level headed, common sense Dad, while Ashleigh King is stalwart as Mom, guiding her daughter with loving exasperation and with probably the best vocals of the bunch. Fun basic lyrics propel the story effectively portraying Pinkalicous’ adoring love and fascination with anything and everything pink.

Agan’s exhilaration is infectious and when she transitions to actually become pink all over, head to toe, she’s deliriously happy. What’s not to love about lots and lots of Pink? The Director Carl Menninger and artistic designers encourage imagination and keep the wayward colors deepening in Pink’s hair and clothes rather than literally mess with flesh tones, and it works. When Dad tries frantically to scrub the pink off moaning, “What will the neighbors think?” in our minds, she’s as pink as can be..

Meanwhile, Pinkalicious is beside herself in pinkish glee. She doesn’t even mind being mistaken to be an exotic flower, with bumblebees buzzing around for sweet nectar, and birds swirling to snatch colorful bits to brighten their nests. She’s in pink heaven, until…despite the Doctor’s warnings, she eats one too many pink cupcakes, and the ultimate happens.

She dips into dreaded, treacherous territory– Red. Red is Not pink, and seeing everything with a reddish hue is Not fun. Once Pink has learned her lesson, she trains herself to like healthy green food—come see for yourself if it’s too little too late for this rambunctious pinkaholic.

As expected, the story effectively relays the power of moderation. More surprising are the sophisticated layers of friendship, acceptance, tolerance, and balance that peek out as some of the back-story as well. Her brother Peter and even Dad harbor their own fascinations with pink which they finally share with confident self-acceptance.

The music has touches of ragtime with enough razzle, dazzle, and Pinktastic soft shoe to keep the show bubbly, movement and choreography by the forever talented Michael J. Bobbitt. The versatile set, scenic design by Colin Ranney, converts from kitchen to bedroom with a sliding bed, where Pinkalicious can dream of cute floating chipmunk sounding cupcakes and where she can transform under the covers to her hue-du-jour. Helen Hayes nominated costume designer Kate Touart seals the pink deal with sparkling fabric, Pink’s tiara, and an assortment of bumble bees, butterflies and chirping birds all with various wings.

Children of all ages can relate to the simple lessons in Pinkalicious, even if it takes longer to acquire a taste for broccoli and brussel sprouts. It’s a start and the messages are relayed in an easy-going entertaining manner.

In addition to morning and matinees, Adventure Theatre/MTC has a couple of evening shows that would make fun-filled family nights if booked early enough.

Recommended for all ages.

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Pinkalicious, the Musical . Based on the book by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann . Lyrics by John Gregor . Produced by Adventure Theatre/ MTC . Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson.