Plays For Kids: Three Billy Goats Gruff Review

Is the grass always greener on the other side of the fence?

What would you risk to get to the other side? Is it going to be a fulfilling reward or a complete disaster? These are the questions asked in this well-loved story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff performed superbly by the cast of The Little Company (TLC).

The storyline:

A particularly bad dry spell has caused the grass to dry up or turn brown in the pasture where the three billy goats, Big, Medium and Baby Goats grazed. They are Little Bo-Frilly’s pet goats and they are very hungry for green grass. Little Frilly’s father, Mr. Bo advised them that there are alternative grass patches but the three Billy Goats have to “look very hard’ to find them. Across the ravine, the goats could see a patch of green, succulent grass calling out to them invitingly.

They will have to cross over the bridge to get to the green grass patch. The only problem was the bridge was guarded by a horrible troll who charges a “troll toll” to anyone who wishes to cross the bridge. Did we mention that the Troll likes his toll to be paid in goats and that, mutton (goat meat) was his favorite thing to eat! Will the goats chance the threat of being the Troll’s meal? How will they outsmart the menacing Troll?

What did we love about the play?

The Music

As usual, TLC composed a great ensemble of musical repertoire that is upbeat and jiving. In this production, we were delighted by tap, jazz, and up-tempo dance numbers. We were impressed that the goats were handy with their ukulele.

The Not So Hidden Messages

To the kids, it is simply a story of a girl and her goats trying to outsmart the Troll to get to the juicy grass across the ravine. To the parents, the story is laced with significant meanings about parenting and childhood that can be used during teachable moments.

1. Hey kiddos, sometimes moms and dads DO give sound advice. And it PAYS to LISTEN and OBEY sometimes.
2. Hey parents, kids being kids, they will wilfully defy our advice or unwittingly land themselves in a “sticky situation”, but we should have faith that they are resilient to land on their own two feet!
3. Knowledge is power! Little Bo-Frilly’s knowledge of the Troll’s weakness gave Big Billy Goat the ultimate weapon to defeat the goat’s greatest enemy. So, maybe hitting the books is not all bad.
4. Sometimes, something that seems appealing at first may not be what it looks like. So, when taking a risk, make sure its an educated one.

The Troll

You want to not like him because he is a TROLL. But I felt he was the most enchanting villain, if there is such a thing. We love the effect he had on us each time a goat attempts to cross the bridge. The looks on the children’s faces, even some of the adults, are PRICELESS! You just have to watch it to see the reaction for yourself!

And as with all TLC’s productions, the interaction between the performers and their primary audience — the kids is FANTASTIC! Our little munchkins really got into the story. Even hubby, who is not such a big theatre fan felt this was a great and entertaining production. For those of you who participated in our giveaway promotion, Thank You. If you didn’t win the set of family tickets to catch the play, we hope you will still go ahead and buy the tickets to catch it.

The Three Billy Goats Gruff is on till 10 May 2015. Book your tickets through SISTIC.

NOTE: Keep your ticket stubs to get discount for TLC’s next production The Ugly Duckling in Mandarin. You will be able to enjoy the following discount: 15% Discount for The Three Billy Goats Gruff Ticket Stub Holders

Tell us what you think of the play. Have a great day!