Quote of the Day:  One must not stay within the lines. Eric Carle, author of beloved children’s books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Little Cloud, and The Mixed-Up Chameleon, brought to life on stage by the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, appearing now at The Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis.

Thank you, Eric Carle, for coloring outside the lines because it inspires me to Play off the Page!

Actors and their puppets and props from The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Photo from Mermaid Theatre website.
Yvonne Yip, Jonny Thompson, and Mara Zigler
The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia is known for it’s use of puppetry, lighting, and innovation in creating theatre for young audiences. We brought two six-year-old girls, and we were all delighted by the performance. It has all the coziness of story time at the library, and all the brilliance of live theatre. This performance would be an excellent first experience for young audience members, and a visual delight for older kids and adults. After the performance, the actors had a question and answer time with the audience. They brought out some of the puppets and props so we could see the magic that goes on behind the illusion of theatre. 

Leah and Rebekah said the butterfly in The Very Hungry Caterpillar was beautiful!
The production team stays true to the stories and illustrations of Eric Carle. The props and set are painted in his style, and the stories are narrated as the actors manipulate the puppets and props on stage. All this is set to original music and sound that add to the wonder-filled experience.

The Mermaid Theatre is offering two Spanish language performances, one French language performance, and for the first time at Children’s Theatre Company, a sensory friendly performance for audience members with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other special needs. A very exciting opportunity for all people to enjoy theatre. Check The Children’s Theatre Company for tickets and showtimes. The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other stories is running from January 14- February 23, 2014. The Mermaid Theatre is on tour in the United States and Canada, and other countries, as well. Check their web site to see if they’ll be in your area. This is truly a remarkable experience for audiences of all ages and unique needs.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  What’s your favorite children’s book? Are you an Eric Carle fan? We are!