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, kids — remember that fairy tale by Hans Christian somebody, “Ugly Duckling,” about a duck that turns into a beautiful swan? Now you can see it live! It has music and dancing and everything, and it’s way cooler than Nickelodeon!
The story’s a little changed, and so’s the title. Now it’s called “Lucky Duck.” But it’s still fun. There’s a wise king, a handsome prince, a wolf, roosters and pigs. It takes place in a barnyard and a forest, and it’s not scary at all. And if you’re really quiet during the show, your parents will take you for burgers and video games at Dave and Buster’s down the block.
OK, now hand the newspaper over to mommy and daddy.
Are we alone? Is it cool?
Listen, I get it. You want to see a show called “Lucky Duck” as much as you want a root canal. But here’s the deal — it’s actually a lot of fun, and it’s even got a Broadway pedigree. Henry Krieger (“Dreamgirls”) and Bill Russell (“Side Show”) collaborated on the songs for this children’s musical from Kansas City’s acclaimed Coterie Theatre, and playwright Jeffrey Hatcher (“Three Viewings”) co-wrote the book.
There are lots of funny jokes that’ll fly over your kids’ heads, cute as they are. The prince, who lusts after Eastern European supermodel chickens — chicks, get it? — taunts the wolf by saying, “At least I don’t lick myself.”
“You would if you could,” the wolf replies.
There are also sly gags about epidurals, Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love” video and Prince — the singer. The king dies, but he comes back to life, so you won’t have to have that uncomfortable talk. The energetic performers are terrific and the score, especially the “Good Times Are Here at Last” number, is plenty bouncy.
It’s recommended for ages 4 to 7, but your 3-year-old is clearly above average, so why not? Did I mention that it’s only 75 minutes? Or that tickets cost about a quarter of the price of “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” next door? And just down the block, Dave and Buster’s has a full bar . . .