Theater Review by Walter Murphy . . .

What could be better than a children’s show starring chameleons? Before you answer, consider today’s headlines. Wouldn’t it be fun, and a lovely escape, to return to the happier times of childhood? The answer is to escape to Emilio’s A Million Chameleons for 55 minutes of chameleon puppet cabaret with infectious show tunes, currently playing at the SoHo Playhouse as part of the Fringe Encore series. 

Emilio Jr. (Adam Francis Proulx, who also created the show) is a second-generation thespian starring in this vaudevillian reptilian show. The senior Emilio traveled far and wide before settling in Gladagascar—a far friendlier place than Madagascar. It is there he created Emilio’s A Million Chameleons.

Although Emilio dutifully performs his father’s script and songs, he feels stifled despite his buoyant performance of dazzling tunes as the MC of a series of lizard performers.

So now I say his words and step his steps

And I keep the show alive

Exactly the same to this very day.

Helping Emilio along his path to independence is a magical chameleon puppet named Juan, who encourages Emilio to find his own sparkle. The show, part puppet show, part musical, is a family-friendly story filled with wordplay, sight gags, and Adam Francis Proulx is an incredibly likable and talented performer. His snappy stage patter is clever enough for adults but also captivating to kids. His is a winning performance.

The show is interactive, a good approach given that the show is primarily for children. For example, the audience selects the puppet acts . . . kinda. Emilio hurls gigantic, inflatable dice into the audience to be tossed back on stage so that their up-facing numbers correspond to chameleon performers. Selected acts are ballerina E-lizard-beth Taylor, plate spinner The Lizard of Oz (an Australian performer), and blues singer Steely Chamelie. Emilio steps behind the inflated “stage” so that he and Juan “assist” the performers.

Although Juan is shy about performing, he encourages Emilio to step out of his father’s shadow and ”let out the sparkle in you.” Emilio finds his voice and the ending is uplifting, both literally and figuratively.

The show was written and created by Proulx and Byron Laviolette, who also directs. It is funny, clever, and wildly entertaining. There are numerous asides that only adults would get, like references to the TV show “The Real Housewives of Poughkeepsie.” 

Music was created by Chris Tsujiuchi and Proulx. The songs are infectious and inspiring, following the show’s theme that everyone is special.

But the thing that I remember

That always gets me through

Is that I’ve got special friends

Filled with sparkle, like you.

Any initial reluctance to puppets or a children’s show evaporates as soon as the audience is challenged to sing along to the first song, such is the strength of actor Proulx’s enthusiasm. Everyone now: 

Emilio’s A Million Chameleons!

Have we got a show for you!

Emilio’s A Million Chameleons!

The greatest show on earth, it’s true!

Emilio’s A Million Chameleons. Through March 2 at the SoHo Playhouse (15 Vandam Street, between Sixth Avenue and Varick Street) as part of the Fringe Encore Series. www.sohoplayhouse.com. Matinees at 11 AM and 2 PM. 

Photos: Dahlia Katz