“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!” - Review by Julia Rack

We attended “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!” at the Marriott Theatre on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 10am in Lincolnshire, Illinois.  The musical is based on Mo Willems’ children’s book.  My kids enjoyed it and said, “It was so funny!”

The show stars the Pigeon (Matty Bettencourt).  A bus stop is newly added near Pigeon’s home.  Pigeon wants to drive the bus so badly and is very determined to get his chance. When the bus driver (Lydia Burke) has an engine failure, Pigeon finally thinks he will get his chance.  He is able to wear the official bus driver hat, but to his frustration, his legs will not reach the bus pedals. 

The bus driver is very proud of her job and explains to Pigeon he cannot drive the bus or wear her hat. Much to the bus driver’s disgust, her engine problems will cause her bus to be a bit late.  She asks Pigeon to fly to the next bus stop and tell the passengers of the small delay.  Pigeon informs her that he cannot fly!  The bus driver encourages Pigeon to try to fly and to believe in himself.  Pigeon then is able to fly and help inform the bus passengers of the bus delay.  Pigeon is very proud of his new skill, flying. 

The musical is filled with singing, dancing, and humorous dialogue.  The talented actors also include, Dan Gold as the Hot Dog vendor, Passenger Business Person, and Airplane Engine, Leah Morrow as the Bus Engine, Bus Driver’s Mom, and the Puppeteer, Tommy Rivera-Vega as the City Worker and Teenage Passenger and Allison Sill as the Little Old Lady Passenger. 

Toward the end of the musical, an airplane sign was added near the bus stop.  Pigeon now has dreams of flying an airplane!

The actors did a great job keeping a young audience engaged.  This is a great show for kids aged 2-8, but all ages will enjoy. 

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! runs through August 11th at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriot Drive, Lincolnshire through March 30th.  Parking is free.  The musical lasted about an hour and also includes a 15-minute question and answer session after the show. 

Performances are Thursdays, Fridays & Sundays at 10 am; Saturdays at 10:00 am &  12:30 pm. Tickets start at $15.75 (plus tax and handling fees).   FYI (847) 634-0200 or www.marriotttheatre.com. 

Julia Rack's sons enjoyed "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!"