In between packing our bags and surfing airbnb we took in a bit of theater.  Got to say, this one is a winner.

Photo by Tom McGrath: (L to R) Andrew Bailes, Christian Stokes, Julia Meese, Amber Robinson, Casey Pilkenton and Nikki R. Veit

Coming in at a mere forty minutes, The Pied Piper is a rather intense, dark, and altogether brilliant performance.  It is also recommended for children ten and up for a reason (spoiler alert, it does not end well for the children).  But even with a not so perfect ending, it still ends on a relatively hopeful note (the children live on, just in a strange land away from their greedy parents).  The pop music is loud, the dancing good and you will be entertained.

Photo by Tom McGrath: Suzanna Ziko

I think though what I liked most about this play is that there is no filler.  At forty minutes Pied Piper is a clever and thoughtful piece of entertainment.  Expanding this to the standard kid’s show length of seventy-five minutes with fart jokes and innuendos would risk dulling the pipers tune. As it is now, the pipers tale is worth a listen to.

The Pied Piper is playing at the Strawdog Theatre (3829 N. Broadway) through June 30^th. For more information or to purchase tickets ($15), go to strawdog.org.  For my full review in Newcity, click here.