Family : ‘When I Grow Up’ Dazzles the Children

It’s loud--the amplification of sibilants on the prerecorded soundtrack nears wince level. It’s modest but glitzy--the lights onstage could probably illuminate a small town. And, out in the lobby, Elmo flashlights, Big Bird pennants, T-shirts, posters, buttons and more are raking in the bucks.

But at the elegant Pasadena Civic Auditorium, one of four local stops for the latest “Sesame Street Live!” musical for children, the gentle, more altruistic spirit of the TV show shines through as Big Bird, Elmo, Grover, Cookie Monster et al put on a “When I Grow Up” pageant about Muppet career aspirations.

Charming song-and-dance numbers range from “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” (Telly wants to play baseball) to “Teddy Bear’s Picnic” (Bert and Ernie want to be forest rangers). Oscar and Grundgetta flounce in tutus to “The Nutcracker” and Cookie Monster’s rousing ‘50s rock number, “Shakes, Burgers and Fries,” is a show-stopper.

Oscar’s “I Love Trash” and the “Sesame Street” theme song are obvious favorites and audience participation--from parents too--is a big part of the show, from sing-alongs to marching in place to tooting like a train whistle.

The show has an affirming message, naturally. Elmo wants to be everything and that’s OK. Big Bird, the show’s Everykid, can’t come up with anything to be, and that’s OK too. Besides, he’s been such a big help to his friends that they couldn’t do the show without him.

Whatever you think about watching adults in Muppet guise cavort on stage, there’s no denying the thrill for children who greet the entrance of each familiar character with roars of delighted recognition.

* “When I Grow Up,” today and Sunday at Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St. Thursday through May 22 at the Anaheim Pond, 2695 E. Katella Ave. May 27-29 at Los Angeles Sports Arena, 3939 S. Figueroa St. June 2-5 at San Bernardino Orange Pavilion, 689 East St. Curtain times: Thursdays, 7 p.m.; Fridays, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Sundays, 1 and 4:30 p.m. $10.50-$17; (213) 480-3232, (714) 740-2000.