With a larger than usual amount of plays opening Thanksgiving weekend, fellow theater critic Christian Carvajal and I divided and conquered. Each taking two plays we split them up based on several different criteria. One of the plays I was fortunate enough to review was Lyle the Crocodile at Olympia Family Theater. Normally, Carv takes Olympia shows but his lovely and talented wife is in Lyle the Crocodile AND I wanted to take my 3-year-old to a play he would hopefully enjoy.

With the threat of labor beginning for my second child, I trekked down to Olympia with my son and a friend in tow on the off chance I needed someone to drive me to Tacoma to The Birthing Inn. Thankfully no such action was needed and I was able to watch the entirety of OFT's holiday offering.

The play is by Kevin King and based on the books The House on East 88th Street and Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile by Bernard Waber. Set in New York City, about 60 years ago, Lyle the Crocodile is a "fun-for-the-whole-family musical: (with) jumping rope, ice skating, a parade, a city snowfall, holiday shopping, brave rescues, a cat, crocodiles, cookies. ..." Lyle, while the most personable and friendly crocodile around, must fight against stereotypes and preconceptions about his intentions based on being a crocodile. The plot (and acting) is so entertaining, the moral, "I didn't mean to be a grump, I just didn't trust someone who was different," isn't predictable but just presents itself effortlessly.

Quite possible the loudest laughter was from the adults in the audience but the kids were clearly entertained as well. All the actors were good but the standouts were Eric Crawford (Hector P. Valenti), Kate Ayers (Lyle), Mandy Ryle (Joshua), Amanda Stevens (Ms. Nitpicker) and Ted Ryle (Mr. Grumps). They brought just the right touch of believability while creating characters that were unique and fun.

The script and songs were cute without being saccharin or tedious and the pacing was so quick that the 90 minutes seemed much shorter. There was a 15-minute intermission, which is helpful for small bladders. Costumes, lighting and the sets were fantastic. OFT created NY apartments, Rockefeller Center complete with a Christmas tree and even a zoo, but the technical effect that brought the most exclamations from the crowd was the snow at the end of the play.

Regardless of age, Lyle the Crocodile at OFT is the best kind of holiday play - entertaining, fast paced, funny, and something you can take the whole family to see.

LYLE THE CROCODILE, 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, also 4:30 p.m. Dec. 14 and 21, through Dec. 22, Olympia Family Theater, Minnaert Center for the Arts, South Puget Sound Community College, 2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia, $10-$16, 360.753.8586

See Also

It's a Wonderful Life at Tacoma Little Theatre