My daughter and I caught the tour's Los Angeles performance at Club Nokia at LA Live, with opening act the Doodlebops. We'd never attended an arena show like this before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. How would kids react to live action versions of their fictional favorites? This cast does an excellent job of embodying the warmth of the fruity friends, and I didn’t sense any hesitation from the audience in accepting them as the animated characters they know and love. In particular I was impressed with how Strawberry (we’re on a first name basis now) was able to acknowledge kids in the audience without breaking from the story on stage.

The story revolves around an upcoming talent show. Each of the friends must decide on an act. Rather than go with their strengths, the girls opt for acts outside their specialties. Dancer Plum wants to design a dress, while designer Lemon tries to choreograph a dance; Blueberry tries her hand at comedy, and Orange just doesn’t know what to do. They fret as they struggle with the unfamiliar arts. Strawberry rallies the gang with uplifting messages, and they all resolve to do their best and follow their berry own beats.

A special nod to opening act the The Doodlebops: we hadn't heard of them prior to the show, but within moments they won my daughter over. I'm not really sure how to describe these colorful characters: they struck me as a mash-up of robots, aliens, and cartoons come to life. Their set plays more as a traditional concert, with light-hearted banter introducing a series of songs. The tunes are boppy and infectious, no prior familiarity necessary. My daughter was quickly hatching a plan to paint her skin a vivid color so that she could join them on stage.

The Doodlebops performed a 15 minute set, which led directly into the first 15 minutes of the Strawberry Shortcake show portion. A 20 minute intermission was followed by the final half hour of the show.

One curious pacing note: the show is all about preparing for a talent show, so you might think the finale would be the talent show itself. Nope. The show ends with a number about using your special talents; we never see the talent show itself. As Strawberry was saying her goodbyes to (Fill In Your City Here), there were looks of confusion on parents’ faces.  (“Is that the end?” a Dad near me asked). The kids were fairly oblivious and easily accepted that the show was over, because there they were saying goodbye.

As for the venue, Club Nokia is a medium-sized space in the entertainment complex that houses LA Live and the Grammy Museum, just up the street from Staples Center and the LA Convention Center. Club Nokia is on the third level, above Lucky Strikes bowling alley. It has a capacity of 2,300 which means that kids can get the big show experience without overwhelming crowds. For parking, be wary of using the complex lot (which can quickly reach the daily maximum of $25). We chose a lot across the street (a bargain at $15). If you're willing to drive around, the many lots that service the area often post competitive rates. Who knows? You might even find street parking.

Ticket prices for Strawberry Shortcake Live: Follow Your Berry Own Beat range from $25 - $45. Continuing tour dates are available online.