by Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman
The main theme of the show “Fragile” at the New Victory Theater is instability and the fragility in every living thing, but don’t tell that to my kids. They just laughed, chuckled and giggled throughout the show as they watched the adorable little man, Pepino, try and make his way on the yellow road, which was pretty much what they show was about. Why did they laugh so much at such a simple concept? Read to find out. (Read more after the jump)
Pepino is a little guy who goes on a journey armed with nothing but a suitcase. As you can imagine, this is no ordinary suitcase; it contains all kinds of surprises that Pepino uses during his little excursion. And essentially, all you see in the show is Pepino walking on a yellow line which is supposed to be a road. Clearly the show is very minimalistic and brings memories of the famous Italian animated series La Linea, which I watched years ago as a child. Kids can enjoy Pepino on a very basic level – he is making his way down a road which sometimes bends, sometimes curves and sometimes breaks in two, which brings waves of hysterical laughter from the kids in the audience. Adults, on the other hand, will enjoy the concept of the fragility of life and instability we encounter in life, along with the human spirit which allows us to overcome these impediments. But both children and adults will agree on one thing: Pepino is an adorable and delightful character and his resilience and perseverance will stay with you long after the show is over. 
Before the show, kids can sit on a giant mat in the lobby with crayons and coloring papers. My kids had fun coloring a suitcase and making a handle. Once the doors to the theater open and you can walk in you can pick any seat you like. It’s a very small theater so you can get a great view no matter where you sit. The show is about 40 minutes long and is appropriate for kids ages 4 and up.
When: Through May 12th, 2013
Where: The New 42nd Street Studios
229 West 42nd Street, New York
Studio 3 A
Price: $20 per person
To Purchase Tickets: Click here or call (646) 223-3010, Sunday – Wednesday, 11am-5pm; Thursday – Saturday, 11am-7pm. You can also purchase tickets at the box office. Click here for info.
Photos by Jean-Louis Sagot
I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets to the show.
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Contributing Blogger Maytal Wichman is the owner of Mama’s Bites and has also written for The Huffington Post. She has been living in New York City for twelve years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree, but blogging is her true passion. Maytal is a stay-at-home mom to three kids (ages 6, 4 and a baby) and loves finding great products that make her family’s life easier.
I am an usher for The Duke/The New Victory Theatre. Just so you know, the main character’s name is Pepino. I’m not sure why.
So glad you liked the show! I’ve seen it four times while working, and will be sad to see it go.
Thank you, Liz. I changed it. — Nancy