Lyle, Lyle Crocodile: The Musical 'The House on East 88th Street' is a delightful show that premiered on HBO. The show is based on Bernard Waber's beloved children's book of the same name, and tells the story of a friendly crocodile named Lyle who is befriended by a family who lives in a New York City brownstone.
The show begins with the Primm family - Mr. and Mrs. Primm, their son Joshua, and their daughter Louise - moving into their new home on East 88th Street. While Joshua and Louise are exploring their new neighborhood, they stumble upon Lyle, a crocodile who has been living in the bathtub of an empty apartment in their building. Though initially skeptical of Lyle, the children soon become fast friends with him, and he helps them navigate the ups and downs of living in the big city.
As Lyle becomes more ingrained in the Primm family's life, they face a number of challenges that threaten their ability to stay in the house on East 88th Street. The biggest of these challenges comes when their ornery neighbor, Mr. Grumps, discovers Lyle's presence in the building and demands that he be removed. Despite the Primm family's protestations, Mr. Grumps is able to convince the city's animal control officers to take Lyle away, and the Primm family must scramble to find a way to bring him back home.
Throughout the show, the audience is treated to a number of musical numbers that help convey the emotions and experiences of the characters. Songs like "Living with a Crocodile" and "The Letter" help us understand the complicated feelings Joshua and Louise have towards Lyle, while "Another Ordinary Day" and "Endless Possibilities" capture the spirit of new beginnings and the excitement of exploring a new city.
In addition to the engaging story and catchy musical numbers, the show is brought to life through a combination of puppetry and live performances. Lyle himself is brought to life through a puppeteer, and the show does an excellent job of making the interactions between the puppet and the live actors feel seamless and natural. The staging of the show, with its bright colors and whimsical sets, adds to the overall aesthetic of the production and helps to transport the audience into the world of Lyle and the Primm family.
Overall, Lyle, Lyle Crocodile: The Musical 'The House on East 88th Street' is a delightful production that offers something for audiences of all ages. Young children will be captivated by Lyle's antics and the catchy songs, while older viewers will appreciate the nod to a beloved children's classic. With its vibrant staging, engaging story, and memorable performances, this show is sure to become a favorite among HBO viewers.
