The Gingerbread Kid

The Gingerbread Kid at Coterie Theatre

When you're a magical child born into a bakery, temptation sits on every shelf and countertop. Allspice can't resist the sweets created for a baking couple—but instead of facing the sticky consequences, this enchanted youngster bolts. What follows is a fairytale chase through a world where talking animals have their own agendas and nobody's quite what they seem.

The Gingerbread Kid at the Coterie Theatre sends Allspice tumbling into the paths of Henny Penny and her anxious gang, Little Boy Blue, a creature called Foofinella—also known as Little Bunny Foo Foo—and one very hungry fox. Each encounter tests whether a runaway with magic in their veins can learn something harder than spellcraft: accountability. The hour-long adventure layers classic nursery-rhyme figures into a story about choices, courage and what happens when you stop running.

Abe Reybold's book and lyrics pair with Jodi Marr's music to create a pop musical score that carries the comedy and heart without talking down to younger audience members. The songs move the plot, and the all-ages design means parents won't spend the hour checking their watches. Kansas City families looking for theater that respects everyone in the room will find it here.

Get tickets for The Gingerbread Kid at the Coterie and see what Allspice learns when the world catches up.