Review: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
Oregon Children’s Theatre‘s The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, running through May 20th at Winningstad Theatre, is an absolute delight. Opening with a background of Eric Carle’s iconic watercolor polka dots, as well as soft lighting and music, it is an absolutely perfect introduction to live theater for the littlest children (while also featuring enough breathtaking moments to engage seasoned theatergoers). Not only do parents and caregivers not need to worry about their children wiggling and talking during the show, reactions and interaction are actually encouraged!
From OCT:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is an adaptation of four classic stories from award-winning author, Eric Carle, including The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It debuted in Australia in 2015 and has performed all over the world since then, from the UK to Dubai.
Along the way, the show has garnered rave reviews. The New York Times called it “Bedazzling” and Time Out said that it was “Beautiful, rhythmic, and faithful to the author’s works.” Co-Director Marcella Crowson is looking forward to the creative challenge of bringing such iconic characters to life on stage. “It’s the best kind of creative challenge, to take characters that have only existed for people on the pages of a book, and turn them into walking, talking, dancing, larger-than-life beings—which we’ll accomplish with the help of 75 fantastical puppets.”
On May 5th at 11am, Oregon Children’s Theatre will have its first ever sensory-friendly performance with The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show. During this special performance, the house lights will stay up, there will be extra space between seats, and an open space in the third tier will be available for patrons who would prefer walk around during the performance. Because of the gentle nature of the show, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show was a natural opportunity to pilot a sensory-friendly performance. “This production embraces the rhythm of the books and adds to it a beautiful musical score that invites every audience to come along for the ride at their own pace,” said Crowson. “There are lots of ways ‘in’ to the play: words, music, sounds, light, pictures, movement; but without those elements coming at the audience fast and furiously. There’s breathing room, perhaps, that will give each audience member the space to experience it in the way that’s most comfortable for them.”
The cast features Robert William Amico, Robi Arce, Allie Menzimer, and Summer Olsson.
The creative team includes: Marcella Crowson and Anthony Fuemmeler (Co-Directors), Morgan Yeates (Adapted Scenic Designer), Don Crossley and James Mapes (Lighting Designers), and Nate Edmondson (Composer). Puppet design by Puppet Kitchen. Created by Jonathan Rockefeller.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCE EVENTS
Before Every Performance: Come a little early for a pre-show activity!
Following Every Performance: Meet the cast, take photos, and get your playbill autographed!
Sunday, April 1st and May 13th: Grandparent Day. Join us for special senior (age 62+) ticket prices on the first and last Sunday of each show. Tickets are 25% off.
Saturday, April 7th, 2:00 pm: Interpreted performance in American Sign Language.
Saturday, May 5th, 11am: Sensory-friendly performance for those with sensory processing issues.
Saturday, April 21st, all shows: Scout Day. Tickets for Girl and Boy Scouts are discounted 25%. Fun patches are available for sale for $2 each (order in advance).
Written by: Jonathan Rockefeller
Directed by: Marcella Crowson & Anthony Fuemmeler
Dates: March 31-May 20, 2018
Times: Saturdays at 2:00pm and 5:00pm, Sundays at 11:00am and 2:00pm
Location: Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway
Tickets: $18-$28 for adults and $14-$24 for children (discounts for groups of 8+)
Box Office: 503-228-9571 or www.octc.org
On the web: www.octc.org
Other info: Recommended for all ages. Sensory friendly performance May 5th at 11am.