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Eric Carle Performs Treasured Stories, A Brown Bear, a Moon, and a Caterpillar
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia's much-anticipated new production, A Brown Bear, a Moon, and a Caterpillar: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle, comes to Pepperdine University's Smothers Theatre for two performance on Saturday, Feb. 9. The shows, recommended for children aged 3 to 8 and their families, will take place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Treasured Stories by Eric Carle brings together old favorites and new friends; featuring evocative music, stunning visual effects, and innovative puppetry, the triple bill celebrates three of Eric Carle's most beloved tales.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar joins a whimsical menagerie drawn from the pages of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and the poignant story of a young girl's unusual quest in Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me.
Audiences familiar with Mermaid's earlier adaptations of Eric Carle's books can expect the same attention to detail that has won international acclaim for the company. The use of black light for some aspects of the show enables puppets and props to make their appearances as if they are animated on their own. The final story in the trilogy incorporates the magic of both projection techniques and shadow puppetry. Multiple narrators add a new dimension, including the lyrical talents of Nova Scotia's Richard Donat and a vibrant chorus of elementary school students from Hantsport School, which is situated on the shore of Nova Scotia's Minas Basin.
On the road continuously since 1999, Mermaid's The Very Hungry Caterpillar (a component of assorted compilations with four other Eric Carle stories) has earned praise from audiences on several continents. Close to 1,500,000 spectators in 12 countries have applauded the ravenous green fellow.
First published in 1967, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? was written and illustrated by Bill Martin, Jr., and Eric Carle. It has served to help hundreds of thousands of toddlers to associate colors and meanings with objects. Capturing the rhythmic text and beautiful tissue-paper collage illustrations of the classic picture book, Mermaid's adaption generates fresh appreciation of the endearing cast of characters.
Regarded as one of Eric Carle's most imaginatively designed works, Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me has been delighting young audiences since its publication in 1986. Mermaid's version mirrors the book's stunning illustrations, drawn in thick, brilliant brushstrokes of blues, greens, and dazzling reds. An unusual quest for a unique plaything—the moon—offers a splendid introduction to the wonderment of the lunar cycle.
Mermaid's accomplished creative teams, widely respected for their unique and well-traveled collaborations, have reprised their roles to create Treasured Stories by Eric Carle. Jim Morrow has ingeniously adapted the Carle stories from page to stage, as well as serving as director and production designer. Steven Naylor has created the musical score and overseen the recording of the narration. Daun Windover and Bob Williams contributed to videography and animation elements, while Struan Robertson and Deborah MacLean have lent their production and design skills. Company members include performers Sarah Jean Begin and Jonny Thompson, and stage manager Shawn Sorensen.
Patrons of A Brown Bear, a Moon, and a Caterpillar: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle are invited to attend Family Art Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, in the Gregg G. Juarez Palm Courtyard next to Smothers Theatre. It will include special art projects and Weisman Museum tours. Family Art Day is free of admission charge and open to the public.
Tickets, priced at $15 for adults and $10 for children, are available now by calling (310) 506-4522. Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787.
For more information, visit the Center for the Arts website or the Mermaid Theatre website.
