Lyle, the Crocodile at The Coterie Summer 2013

The Coterie is known for creative set design, colorful and imaginative costuming, and wonderful casting.  Their current 75-minute production,Lyle the Crocodile, continues the Coterie’s tradition of excellence and certainly does not disappoint. Once again, Coterie did what Coterie does best captivating audiences with a musical romp through a simple storyline of a crocodile living in New York City. Written by Bernard Waber in 1965,Lyle the Crocodile was adapted for stage by Kevin Kling and music written by Richard Gray.

 The story is set in New York City on 88^th Street where the Primm family recently moved into a new home. The Primms quickly discover a problem with their humble abode – a crocodile resides there too! Soon the Primms find Lyle the Crocodile to be beneficial around the house doing household chores, helping with homework, and cheering up the neighborhood. However, things change when the Primm’s grouchy neighbor, Mr. Grumps, sends Lyle to the zoo for scaring his beloved cat, Loretta. Eventually Lyle is freed from the zoo by his old owner, Mr. Valenti. When they return to 88^th Street, they find Mr. Grumps’ house on fire. Lyle saves the day by rescuing Mr. Grumps and is made a NYC hero.

The Coterie’s Lyle the Crocodile kept my group, ranging in ages from 3-11, chuckling and toe-tapping all the way through. Mr. and Mrs. Primm, performed by Martin Buchanan and Jessalyn Kincaid, made the audience quickly feel like they’ve stepped right into the home of a couple living in the 50s. Even the pre-show music reminisced many of my favorite childhood TV shows including Leave It To Beaver. Ron Megee is perfectly cast for the role of Mr. Grumps making light of the typical “grumpy old neighbor” and skillfully maneuvering a puppet to look just like a live cat. Characters are moving all about the stage and throughout the audience keeping the audience participation at an all-time high for any Coterie shows I’ve seen.  The choreography, singing, and dancing were just impeccable, and even the pre-show rules “no eating or drinking” were communicated by the ensemble of children’s actors in a rap-type way. Lyle the Crocodile has now joined the ranks of my favorite shows at the Coterie with the likes of Frindle and The Wiz (which is coming back in November 2013). 

Lyle the Crocodile is showing at The Coterie (in Crown Center) through August 4. Call 816.474.6552 to purchase tickets. After the show, enjoy the FREE Exhibit, “Curious George™: Let’s Get Curious!” where young children love exploring the play area where they turn wheels, push buttons, play putt putt golf, enjoy puppets, shop at the play produce stand, take a photo with George in his rocket, and remember their favorite adventures from the books. 

For show time, schedule, and tickets visit The Coterie.

Tip: Read Hot Tips for the Best Day at Crown Center to complete your visit!