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Eric Carle's colorful stories have always been a favorite in our house so I couldn't wait to take my 5-year-old daughter to see The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites at Seattle Children's Theatre.
Carle's imaginative artwork pops off the page and onto the stage with puppets, black (ultraviolet) lights, lively music and simple narration. The masterful puppeteers are completely invisible as they make clouds magically float through the sky, a confused chameleon canter, and a hungry caterpillar chomp his way through a banquet.
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia has created a dazzling experience that captures the delight children take in simple, natural wonders such as rain, a lizard climbing a tree, or a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. The show transcends language and culture. It has been on tour continuously since 1999 and delighted audiences in North America, Asia and Europe.
The production includes three of Carle's stories. The first, Little Cloud, encourages imagination. Next, the comical Mixed-Up Chameleon reminds us how important it is to be ourselves. Finally, the highly anticipated tale of a famously ravenous caterpillar rounds out the show, letting us know that healthy eating makes us grow big and strong.
My little one lit up the moment Little Cloud popped up. The show moves along at a lively pace and holds the attention of young kids beautifully. The boisterous theater was full of giggles for the entire 60-minute performance. The whole audience cheered, "Yay!" when the beautiful butterfly appeared at the finale.
The incredible puppeteers (or rather performers) come on stage after the show to answer questions and reveal their secrets. I was stunned at the simplicity of the props that delivered such magical effects. My daughter loved petting the chameleon puppet and seeing the hungry caterpillar up close.
There is no intermission, so visit the restroom before you take your seats. You might want to bring a few crayons to color the pictures at the back of the program while you wait for the show to start. Have your little one wear something with white in it (I won't say why – it's a surprise).
I asked my daughter what I should tell other mommies and daddies who might want to take their kids to see this show. My enthusiastic little critic said, "Tell them it's super great and the best show on the earth!" She's hooked!
Laura Spruce Wight is a Seattle-area freelance writer and mother of two.
IF YOU GO
Where: Seattle Children’s Theatre, 201 Thomas St. in Seattle, located at the west entrance of Seattle Center, just north of Pacific Science Center and west of the Space Needle.
When: Through June 14. See the website or call the box office for available performance dates and times. ASL-Interpreted Performance on June 2 at 2 p.m.
Admission: Tickets start at $29. Seattle Children’s Theatre recommends this production for children ages 2 to 8.
Contact: 206-441-3322; www.sct.org.
Laura Spruce Wight is a Seattle-area freelance writer and mother of two.
