Photo by David Kinder of Kinderpics.com
Written by Mo Willems, Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
This family favorite is the first show at NWCT’s new home: The Judy!
If you have kids, chances are you’ve read Mo Willems’ Elephant & Piggie books. Northwest Children’s Theater (NWCT) brings the world of Elephant & Piggie to life in an upbeat musical that weaves through eight of his most popular books including Elephants Cannot Dance, I Love My New Toy, and Should I Share My Ice Cream? The show is modeled on NWCT’s 2018 production which enjoyed sold-out houses and rave reviews.
Perfect for first-time theatergoers, Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” explores the ups and downs of friendship through the eyes of “bestus friends,” Gerald the Elephant and Piggie the Pig (portrayed by John Ellingson and Kristin Robinson). Together, they tackle friendship’s big questions: What DO you wear to a fancy pool party? What happens when two friends want to play with ONE toy? And will ANYONE say “Banana?” Dog, Penguin, and the Squirrelles (portrayed by members of Catalyst: NWCT’s Youth Company) join in on the fun!
“This is a wonderful activity for families to do together,” says NWCT’s Artistic Director, Sarah Jane Hardy. “There is nothing like seeing a child’s face light up as they see their favorite characters come to life on stage. Plus, all of our shows have something special in them for parents and grandparents as well.”
Following each show, the actors will return to the stage for a special talkback where kids can ask questions to learn more about the story, actors, and creative process. Families can even get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of theater tricks and special effects.
Elephant & Piggie kicks off in Beaverton at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts on April 1 and 2 at 11am and 2pm. NWCT has been offering school break camps at The Reser since last summer, but this will be the first time they perform at the arts center.
Next, Elephant & Piggie travels to downtown Portland as the inaugural show at The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts — NWCT’s new home! The show opens on The Stage at The Judy on Saturday, April 29 and runs on weekends at 11am and 2pm through the end of May.
Tickets at both locations are on sale now.
NWCT offers a sensory friendly performance of Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” at The Judy, free of charge. Featuring shorter run times, reduced or removed lighting and sound cues, and the constant presence of house lights, these performances are specially designed for children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities.
In addition to weekend public shows, around 3,000 students will catch Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” on stage during 12 weekday, school matinee performances.
Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” is produced in part through the support of the Regional Arts and Culture Council, Kafoury McDougal: Lawyers for the People, the Oregon Arts Commission, the Oregon Cultural Trust, Pacific Office Automation, and NWCT’s donor families; plus media sponsors PDX Parent, The Oregonian/Oregon Live, and Artslandia.
TICKETS
$25-$35 $5
Arts for All tickets are available for Oregon Trail/SNAP Card holders
NWCTS.ORG
APRIL 1 & 2
Saturday & Sunday 11am & 2pm
Patricia Reser Center for the Arts 12625 SW Crescent Street Beaverton, OR 97005
APRIL 29 – MAY 28
Saturdays & Sundays 11am & 2pm
The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts 1000 SW Broadway, Suite T-100 Portland, OR 97205
AUDIO DESCRIBED SHOW May 13 at 2pm
ASL INTERPRETED SHOW May 20 at 2pm
SENSORY FRIENDLY SHOW May 21 at 11am
This article was first published by Northwest Children’s Theater. It is published here courtesy of Northwest Children’s Theater. Click here to learn more.