Salt Lake Acting Company, West 500 North, Salt Lake City, UT
Script and Lyrics by Mo Willems
Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
Megan Alrutz, Dramaturg
Based on the books by Mo Willems
Published by Music Theatre International as TYA, Junior and Online editions.
Upcoming Productions
Dallas Children's Theater, Skillman Street, Dallas, TX
Maryland Ensemble Theatre, West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD
325 West Walnut Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Children's Theatre of Charlotte, East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC
The Growing Stage - The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ
Synopsis
Elephant Gerald is often prone to melancholy, while Piggie is always ready to play. Can these total opposites be best friends? Absolutely! Mo Willems’s award-winning and best-selling children’s books come to life onstage in the vaudevillian musical Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”. Gerald and Piggie sing and dance their way through pachydermal peril and swiney suspense with the help of their nutty back-up singers the Squirelles. Before long, even the audience gets to be in on the action!
” ‘Elephant & Piggie’s We Are In a Play ‘ is great fun for children, and it’s also wildly entertaining for moms and dads, with a script that incorporates a lot of humor and jokes for the adult crowd to enjoy. All together, it’s a fabulously fun show for families and a perfect weekend outing.” – Nashville Parent Magazine
History
Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” was commissioned by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and enjoyed a sold-out run when first produced at the Kennedy Center during the 2013-2014 season under the direction of Jerry Whiddon, with music direction by George Fulginiti-Shakar. It has since gone on to be produced across the county.
Click here to see the Kennedy Center’s ArtsEdge documentary on the making of the show, featuring interviews with the creators, directors, designers and clips from the original rehearsals and final production.
“Even if you have no idea who Gerald and Piggie are, you will still adore this show.” – MD Theatre Guide
Musical Numbers
1. LUCKY TO SEE YOU - Gerald & Piggie
1. LUCKY TO SEE YOU - Gerald & Piggie
2. SWIMMY! FANCY! - All
3. DON'T GO - Gerald & Piggie
4. ICE CREAM HERO - Gerald & the Squirelles
4. ICE CREAM HERO - Gerald & the Squirelles
5. ODE TO TOY - Gerald & Piggie
6. TOY BREAKER - All
6. TOY BREAKER - All
7. ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM - Gerald & Piggie
7. ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM - Gerald & Piggie
8. WE ARE IN A PLAY - All
9. WE'LL BE FRIENDS - Gerald & Piggie
10. WE'VE BEEN LUCKY - All
Listen to the original cast recording on Apple Music, Spotify, or Amazon Music.
“The beloved characters of Piggie and Gerald come to life on stage. If there’s such a thing as an instant classic, this is it.” – Seattle’s Child
Production Elements
TYA Cast: 1 Women, 1 Man, 3 any gender
JR Cast: 10 roles + ensemble
Online Edition: 15 roles + ensemble
Female
PIGGIE – An ebullient, inquisitive pink pig. Best friends with Gerald. (Mezzo belt)
Male
ELEPHANT GERALD – A lumbering, somewhat formally attired elephant; prone to melancholy. Best friends with Piggie. (Baritone/Tenor)
Any Gender
THE SQUIRELLES – A trio of back-up singing squirrels; friends with Gerald and Piggie. Also play DOG and PENGUIN. (Soprano, Mezzo and Alto/Tenor)
Music: Old-time Vaudeville, Jazz and Musical Theatre score for Piano, String Bass, Drums, and Reed player. Accompaniment tracks available.
Musical Difficulty: Moderate
Technical Requirements: Minimal
Suggested Audience: Young Audiences/Families
” ‘We Are In A Play!’ was a fun experience, and a great way to introduce your child to theater.” – Broadwayworld
Authors
Purchase
Listen to the original cast recording on Spotify, or Amazon Music.
Purchase the CD on Amazon.
Request perusal materials from Music Theatre International.
