Review of "Elephant & Piggie's We Are in A Play!" A Big Show for Little Kids

by Micaela

We had the pleasure of seeing the silly, laugh out loud, Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play! at the Kennedy Center. This musical performance is based on the popular series of books by award winning children’s author, Mo Willems.  Together, Gerald (the Elephant) and Piggie solve problems and are the “best, best, bestus of friends.”  Joined by the Squirrelles, the two friends go on many adventures and get into different “predicaments.”

Much of the script from the show is taken right from the Elephant & Piggie books. The characters prepare for a fancy costume pool party from I Am Invited to A Party!, solve a dilemma in Should I Share My Ice Cream?, perform the edge-of-your-seat dramatic I Love My New Toy! and many more.  Plus, the final act, We Are in a Play! is just like the story We Are in a Book!  The delightful cast has the audience interact, clap, and move along. 

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Gerald, Piggie, and the Squirrelles, Photo by Teresa Wood

With a running time of 60 minutes without an intermission, it was the perfect amount of time for young audiences to stay entertained and engaged.  The cast was superb, and the music was well integrated and fun.  Expect to see theatrical physical humor and a lot of energy. Although the stars have different personaliies, Gerald is more careful and Piggie is playful, both characters received an equal amount of chuckles.

Before the performance, we were lucky enough to meet Mo Willems at a public book signing. Then, as we sat in our seats, I noticed that Mr. Willems and his family were seated right in front of us.  (I prayed and hoped that my children would not kick the back of his seat!) I loved watching his reaction to the show.  Every time I peaked over, he was smiling. Afterwards, I shook Mr. Willems’ hand and said, “Congratulations, it must be an amazing experience to see your work turned into a show and hear all the children laughing out loud.”  He looked at me and commented, “It is just unbelievable!” 

Gerald and PIggie, Photo by Teresa Wood

Attending a show at the Kennedy Center is an iconic experience for local families. Back in our younger days, my husband and I went on many dates to the free Millennium Stage and ate dinner in the KC Café.  Visiting with our children was truly a “coming full circle” type of experience. Besides seeing the show, we enjoyed the views of DC from the terrace, and a great meal in our old favorite, the KC Café. We look forward to visiting again soon.  For a full list of upcoming family programs at the Kennedy Center, please click here.

I highly recommend this performance as a special experience for the whole family during the holidays.  For me, cherishing my children’s faces and giggles during the show was the best gift. Everyone who attends receives a great program book packed with kid-friendly information and trivia about the Elephant & Piggie show, books, and author. This is one of the best family shows we have ever seen!

Show details:

Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!
Kennedy Center Family Theater
November 23 to December 31, 2013

Tickets now $29

Show is approximately 60 minutes in length and recommended for ages four and up.

Please visit the Kennedy Center website at www.kennedy-center.org or by calling Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600. Patrons living outside the Washington metropolitan area may dial toll-free at (800) 444-1324.

Special performance date, Saturday, December 28, 2013: A sensory-friendly performance of the show will take place at 11 a.m.  This performance is “designed to create a theater experience that is welcoming to all families with children on the autism spectrum or with other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities.”



Disclaimer: I received two free press tickets to review the performance and purchased the other two tickets. We also paid for our own food, drinks, and parking.  No other compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.