The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! | Lifeline Theatre
My family was given four tickets to see “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!” at Lifeline Theatre in exchange for posting a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
We were invited to attend opening weekend of Lifeline Theatre’s adaptation of The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! back in January, but we were all sick – times two. After being extended a very gracious opportunity to reschedule, and a trip to the local library to check out the book the show is based on, we finally made it out to Rogers Park for an exciting family adventure day in the unbelievably crazy Chicago snow.
Based on the book by Jon Scieszka, with script and lyrics by Robert Kauzlaric, music by Paul Gilvary and William Rush, and directed by Amanda Link; Lifeline’s musical twist on the tale of the Big Bad Wolf was both humorous and fun. Alexander T. Wolf shares his side of the story under the scrutiny of a piggy court and jury – who just happens to be the audience (AND who has the pleasure of determining his fate!).
What I loved about the show
- I’m an absolute sucker for musical theater – the dancing, the singing, the witty nuances – it gets me every time. In no other circumstance are you allowed to break into song in the middle of regular conversation, except the theater. God bless the theater.
– - The actor and actresses simply put were phenomenal performers. They were spot on for the entire show and they brought a humor to the presentation beyond the scripted lines.
– - Which brings me to the script itself. Superbly written. I would guess MAYBE 10-15 minutes of the entire presentation was word for word out of Scieszka’s book. The additional story Robert Kauzlaric wrote for this adaptation was original and incredible.
– - At the end of the show the audience actually determines the fate of Alexander T. Wolf. I LOVE that they had two different closing numbers tailored to each audience response.
– - Following the show the actor and actresses were available in the lobby to take pictures and sign autographs. That was a big deal to my boys who both wanted their picture taken with Big Bad (who coincidentally was the only male in the show).
What I loved about the theater
- All of Lifeline’s shows are original adaptations of written works. I loved that this was not only an hour event for our family. Being able to read the book before and after the show was a really exciting piece for the boys. Even their main stage presentations are all based on books/novels that can be read prior to attending.
– - The theater was easily accessible – even in the snow – and extremely well kept. It had a great lobby to performance area ratio and great restroom facilities (which totally makes a difference for the momma’s who have recently potty-trained little ones).
Show run & ticket information
- The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! has been extended through Sunday, March 2 at Lifeline Theatre in Rogers Park (6912 N. Glenwood Ave). Performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m (2 years old and over only!).
– - Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the Lifeline Theater Box Office (773-761-4477) or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.
– - Free parking is available at the designated lot west of the theatre (NE corner of Morse and Ravenswood) with free shuttle service before and after the show. Street parking is also available. Lifeline Theatre is handicapped and CTA accessible (Red Line Morse stop/busses).