One of the most-read and iconic children’s books of all time, The Very Hungry Caterpillar emerges off the page in a masterful theatrical experience. After a SOLD OUT World Premiere season in Sydney Festival in January and ecstatic reviews from the Melbourne season in March, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show makes its way to Adelaide.
This brand new Australian made show will excite, educate and entertain new readers and first-time theatre-goers, while for those who grew up with these books will delight in experiencing one of the most popular children’s books (celebrating its 45th year) ever written for the first time on the Australian stage.
Directed by Naomi Edwards, the show features 75 puppets made by acclaimed New York company, Puppet Kitchen. These world master puppet makers boast four Daytime Emmy awards and are alumnus from Jim Henson’s Muppet Workshop. Staff at Puppet Kitchen have worked on smash hit shows like Avenue Q on Broadway, Disney’s The Bear in the Big Blue House, Sesame Street and many, many more.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is based on the genius of children’s literature, Eric Carle’s incredible stories that come to life on stage in this enchanting show. Featuring some other delightful characters from three of Eric Carle’s bestselling classics tales including, Mr. Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly and The Artist Who Painted A Blue Horse.
“I hope the performances will be enjoyed by many and that the colourful characters will bring comfort and joy to all who see the stories that have been so carefully produced. It is uplifting to see such beautiful and cheerful works inspired by my characters! I am delighted by the puppets, and am honoured to work with the creative team – Thank you, for bringing my stories to life for the stage. I hope my books – and this show – will inspire you and your imagination” says The Very Hungry Caterpillar author, Eric Carle.
Producers Jonathan Worsley and Michael Sieders are both thrilled to be entrusted with transforming these beloved books into a theatrical event for children.
Worsley says “The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a seminal children’s book, one that has introduced generations of children into the wonderful world of storytelling. And now, we have the opportunity to do the very same – to introduce a whole new generation to the story telling through theatre, for many this will be their first experience and we want to make it a magical one. To faithfully take a book that means so much to so many people, and create a new interpretation for the stage is both a privilege and an honour.”
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show will be an adventure into the world of Eric Carle, it will be as if audiences will be transported into a giant pop-up book filled with amazing characters from an eight foot red crocodile, a life size yellow cow, an underwater world filled with all types of sea creatures, to a three metre beautiful butterfly and the hero of the show, The Very Hungry Caterpillar… this show will light children’s imaginations on fire and delight the generations of readers that have grown up with these books.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show aims to excite new readers and new theatre goers, while taking every generation on a trip back into their childhood to reclaim their imagination.
There will also be a range of activities that will accompany the show including a selection of signed lithographs from Eric Carle Studios. These beautiful art works will be on display in the foyer in July. There will also be an activity zone for children to stick around after the show and create their very own hungry caterpillar.
The short Adelaide season runs from 9 – 11 July 2015 at the Adelaide Festival Centre Thursday – Saturday, 10.30 am & 1 pm. There are additional 3pm performances on Friday and Saturday.
Ticket prices: $35 full (+ transaction fee). Children under the age of 2 are free but must sit on their parent/guardian’s lap.
For all booking details please visit the tickets page at www.hungrycaterpillarshow.com
Watch out for Fran Edwards’ interview with producer Michael Sieders coming soon.