‘Barney’s Space Adventures’ not for children only

MANILA, Philippines — The way to enjoy the kiddie musical “Barney’s Space Adventures”– currently running at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City till
April 29 – is to feel like a child again.

After all, everything about Barney is pure imagination. He’s a gigantic dinosaur come to life, very friendly, humorous, and loves to sing and dance.

The musical’s plot is quite simple but it triggers one’s sense of wonder: Barney and his friends BJ, Baby Bop and Cousin Riff head out into outer space aboard a rocket ship and land on the Perfectly Purple Planet. They are met by a bumbling court jester who lead the group to a kingdom ruled by the kooky King Morado and the charming Queen Purpurina. The couple host a grand Royal Ball to celebrate Barney’s love of fun and children.

The key to making sense of it all lies in the songs, which touch on the human need for happiness and learning.

The tunes might be a little difficult to follow for kids under 5 years old, but most of the tots in the audience apparently enjoyed the sight of animal characters singing and dancing onstage with adults.

Constant references to the color purple throughout the show could even spark a renewed interest among the musically inclined to go back in time and listen again to Deep Purple, “Purple Rain,” and, yes, “Purple Haze.”