‘Pancakes’: Sweet for Preschoolers

A sidekick named Captain Flapjack, funny and gentle original songs, a talking musical train called “Tune Buggy” and a few silly puppets are the appealing ingredients in Lois Young’s “Pancakes,” a show for preschoolers at La Cienega Recreation Center in Beverly Hills.

Recording artist Young, a sweet-voiced, slender young woman, has built a simple but effective show around songs from her children’s albums “Pancakes” and “Crack in the Door,” particularly “I Can’t Sleep,” “Runny Nose” and “Mad, Sad, Glad.”

Captain Flapjack (David Pinto) plays the keyboard, exchanges low-key banter with Young and controls Tune Buggy’s bright eyes, propeller nose, flashing lights and appealing electronic baby voice. Tune Buggy runs on pancakes and never gets enough. In her highly participatory program, if Young doesn’t have her young audience snapping their fingers, flapping their arms or clapping their hands, she has them on stage to fuel Tune Buggy with “syrup.”

At a recent performance attended by a large birthday party group, Young had no problem involving toddlers in soft and upbeat moments. When puppet Lamby said she had trouble falling asleep the night before, one little girl said “I know” with heartfelt sympathy.

An elephant named Edgar, with a perpetually runny nose and a tendency to mix up sleeves with handkerchiefs, was greeted with undeniable recognition.

Young’s sweet, sisterly approach was too soft for older children, who grew impatient. But it was a few parents who almost spoiled the proceedings by talking their way through the show.

Seemingly oblivious to the fact that they were attending a paid performance, they sent a few audible comments Young’s way.

“She’s moving her mouth,” said one, as Young worked with the puppets. When Young asked the children to raise their hands if they had ever helped their moms or dads make pancakes, one parent suggested that she “ask them how many kids have helped their housekeeper make pancakes.”

Despite the bad manners of a few of their elders, however, the preschoolers were completely absorbed, and Young’s admirable patience wavered only slightly.

The show ended with the audience bopping to a rousing rendition of “Boogie Woogie Train Ride.”

The last performances will take place at 8400 Gregory Way, Beverly Hills, on Sunday at 1 and 3 p.m. Tickets: $5; (213) 222-4210.