Madagascar JR – Frisco – Egelston Akers Black Box at Willow Bend Center of the Arts

At the Central Park Zoo, Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Gloria the hippo and Melman the giraffe prepare for another day of visitors while the Penguins plan their escape (“It’s Showtime“). Zookeeper Zoe, Zookeeper Zeke and Zookeeper Zelda rev up the crowd. Marty, feeling down about being trapped in the zoo, daydreams about what life would be like on the outside (“Wild and Free“). The other animals throw Marty a surprise birthday party, but when he shares his wish to go to the wild, they burst his bubble by telling him that he’s crazy. After the other animals leave, Alex sticks around to cheer up his buddy (“Best Friends“), and talk him out of leaving. Despite the pep talk, Marty escapes from the zoo.

Alex, Gloria and Melman scour the city in search of their friend. Once they are reunited, everyone tries to remain calm, despite the commotion of the city and the threat of capture by Police Officer 1, Police Officer 2 and Animal Control Officers (“Relax, Be Cool, Chill Out“). Tranquilizer shots bring the adventure to an end (“Grand Central“), and the animals fall asleep. When they awaken, the Zoosters, Mason and the Penguins are trapped in crates on a ship bound for Africa. The Penguins take control of the ship and steer wildly, causing the other animals’ crates to fall overboard. Unaware, the Penguins set off for Antarctica (“Penguins’ Sea Shanty“).