THE GINGERBREAD GUY by Terrance Balazo (Cow Over Moon). At Pia Bouman Theatre (6 Noble). To January 16. See listing. Rating: NNN
Though your holiday gingerbread is likely all eaten, you’ll find some sweet-tooth laughs in The Gingerbread Guy, the latest from family theatre troupe Cow Over Moon.
Based on the tale of the Gingerbread Man, who runs away from the baker to explore the world, director Terrance Balazo’s production – concocted with the trio of actors – entertains all ages.
Lonely Bernadette the Baker (Kathleen Phillips) wishes she had some friends. With the help of some child audience participation, her next oven creation comes to life in the shape of the title character (Michael Balazo, inventively costumed by Anna Treusch),
A charming innocent who plans to devote his life to having fun.
That means going outside to play and travel, and he’s soon seduced and eaten by the snaggle-toothed Croc Johnson (Chris Locke).
But all ends happily after a few songs, the introduction of a talking brownie named Alessandro and a chase around the theatre, the last getting an excited reaction from the children.
The dialogue has enough comedy to keep parents happy, though the show could be shorter. Those under four might become restless partway through you’ll know right away when it’s not holding their attention.
jonkap@nowtoronto.com
