(Photo: Courtesy of Amazing Island Adventure)

He’s quick to joke that he left a good job in the city when he switched to creating children’s theater. But singer-songwriter John Fogarty knows he’s probably not going to sell out Madison Square Garden, as his near-namesake from Creedence Clearwater Revival can. This John is happy to make a living through live appearances at PBS kids’ events and performances in his own original musicals. On Sunday, he’ll make his Kaye Playhouse debut in Amazing Island Adventure. Fogarty will play Cliff Hangar, a twenties barnstorming pilot, who takes his sidekick puppet Peaches on a fantasy ride to stave off boredom. Along the way, the two meet up with a reggae-singing mermaid who’d rather dance than swim, a gypsy cow who croons Carmen, and a villainous feline with a taste for hip-hop. The 55-minute show is ideal for preschoolers and parents who’d prefer to stay away from TV-driven stage shows. Since Fogarty landed in the kids’ arena, grown-ups have taken to booking him for corporate concerts as well, events where he comes in like Everydad—sans costume, with guitar in hand and a repertoire of classics and original numbers. Every once in a while, a parent will ask for an autograph. “One guy said, ‘I love your music,’ and I said, ‘I’m not the guy from Creedence,’ ” recalls Fogarty. “He said, ‘No, you.’ I have the almost-famous syndrome.”

At Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, 695 Park Ave., nr. 68th St.; 212-772-4448 or twosacharm.com; $22-$27.

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• Articles by Susan Avery
• Table of Contents: Apr 10, 2006 issue of New York | Subscribe!