Review: Bus Driving Pigeon ROCKS the Discovery Center. DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS, THE MUSICAL

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: The Musical

Book by: Mo Willems and Mr. Warburton

Lyrics by: Mo Willems

Music by: Deborah Wicks La Puma

Directed by: Charlotte Taylor

Assistant Directed/Stage Managed by Melanie Peterman

Music Directed by: Jared Duncan

Choreographed by: Kyra Jacobs

Audience Rating: G

Running Time: 1.5 hours with a 15 min intermission

Accessible Seating: Available

Hearing Devices: Not Available

Sensory Friendly Showing: 

ASL Showing: Not Available

Sound Level: Comfortable

Audio/Visuals To Prepare For: None of note

Reviewed by Ellie Nunemaker

Few children's books have become as beloved as Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, and bringing such a simple story to the stage is no small task. Centerstage Theatreworks’  production of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! embraces the charm of Mo Willems' classic, transforming it into a fun-filled theatrical experience packed with music, humor and a liveliness that could fill the AT&T Stadium.

Charlotte Taylor's direction was such a huge part of what made this production work so well. Taylor fully leaned into the fun, fast paced chaos of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! while never losing the heart of the story. Every scene flowed naturally into the next, and there was always something happening that kept the audience engaged without feeling overwhelming. The comedy landed and every member of the cast was given a chance to stand out. It was clear there was so much thought and care put into every moment, resulting in a production that was full of energy, creativity and so much fun to watch for all ages.

The choreography and music direction were such fun parts of this production. Kyra Jacobs brought so much energy and creativity to the stage with choreography that matched the silly, playful nature of the show while still letting the cast shine. The movement felt exciting and added so much to the storytelling, the cast was excellently polished and put into line by both their choreographer, Jacobs and Dance Captain, Katy Demi. Jared Duncan brought the music to life with a great sense of fun and emotion helping every song feel full of personality. The team’s work together helped make the production feel even more full of Taylor’s vision.

The cast was ridiculously talented and brought such fun vibrance to the ensemble of characters played by Katy Demi, Cam Hayes, Natalie Laboda, Caera Flood, Devin Hayes and Hannah Artzt. The ensemble knew exactly what energy this show needed and brought it in ten-fold. My personal favorites of the show’s ensemble included Demi and Flood, who are ridiculously quick with comedic timing and know how to handle comedic aspects of characters flawlessly.

I was fortunate enough to be in the audience for a swing performance with Melania MacDonald covering for the bus driver. MacDonald was stellar in this role and had my attention top to bottom of the show. MacDonald has a kind of charisma onstage that you simply cannot fake or create, it is pure, raw sunshine energy.

The star of the show was the Pigeon, played by Toni Arroyo and created by the ever astounding master of whimsical prop making Rachel Sullivan. This role is extremely hard for an actor because Pigeon leaves the stage maybe once during the entire show of running, screaming and dancing. Arroyo is perfect for these comedic roles (but I am itching to see her in a rendition of Sweeney Todd with puppets.) Arroyo expertly captures the chaos and yearning of Pigeon while also showcasing her beautiful voice, on point acting and perfectly accurate dancing. Arroyo is a star, I will give you a minute to write her name down because if I have anything to say about it you will be seeing it A LOT.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical was the most fun I’ve had in a while, where I got to let go of my day and just laugh and enjoy myself at the beautiful family theatre. This small little family brought so much love and BIRD SEED into this story. Brava. For more great shows by CenterStage Theatre Works, visit their website at cstheatreworks.com

Catch the Magic While It’s Live!!

Ellie