The Sound and the Fury

If there’s a child in your life, it’s a rite of passage. And for those who have not had the pleasure, welcome to Chuck E. Cheese’s, a pizza joint-cum-fun-house filled with carnival-style games, floor-to-ceiling jungle gyms, a musical stage show and children--some screaming, some crying, but most full of joy and pizza. The company’s eponymous baseball-capped mouse mascot hosts parties as well as casual drop-ins at more than two dozen locations in the L.A. area. We visited one of the Torrance restaurants on a cacophonous Sunday afternoon to speak with a few repeat customers.

*

Danny Marin, 11,

Inglewood

Any special reason for coming here today? My mom just brought me.

How many times have you been to Chuck E. Cheese’s? Five.

Why do you think Chuck E. Cheese wears a hat? He likes to be cool.

What is the message of the musical show? They want us just to be kids.

Anything you’d like to say to Chuck E. Cheese? Make the games a little easier.

If Chuck E. Cheese and Mickey Mouse had a wrestling match, who would win? Mickey Mouse, because he’s got more friends.

*

Angelica Brightmon, 9,

Los Angeles

Any special reason for coming here today? It’s my friend’s birthday.

How many times have you been to Chuck E. Cheese’s? Five.

What kind of animal is Chuck E. Cheese? Oh, a bird and a monster and a mouse.

Why do you think he wears a hat?

Because he doesn’t want to show his hair.

Chuck vs. Mickey? Mickey, because he does cartoons.

*

Ojiki Augustine JR., 10,

Gardena

Any special reason for coming here today? Just to play.

How many times have you been to Chuck E. Cheese’s? Probably five.

Why do you think Chuck E. Cheese wears a hat? ‘Cause he’s bald.

What is the message of the musical show? I’ve never seen it.

Anything you’d like to say to Chuck E. Cheese? Thanks for making this place.

If Chuck E. Cheese could talk, what do you think he would say? This place is for everyone.

Chuck vs. Mickey? Chuck E., because he’s stronger.

*

Shaylaah Brown, 7,

Long Beach

Any special reason for coming here today? It was my little sister’s birthday.

How many times have you been to Chuck E. Cheese’s? A lot.

Why do you think Chuck E. Cheese wears a hat? Probably because he doesn’t want us to see his head.

What is the message of the musical show? It’s about Chuck E. Cheese’s singing.

Anything you’d like to say to Chuck E. Cheese? Thanks for letting us in first.

Chuck vs. Mickey? Chuck E., because he’s much bigger than Mickey Mouse.