CTC Presents The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites

 (Minneapolis, MN) – The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites (Hungry Caterpillar) is a sensation with families worldwide, having been enjoyed by almost two million fans. The award-winning author and illustrator Eric Carle sanctioned this production as an extraordinary stage representation of his beloved characters. Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) will present this spectacular work on the UHG Stage January 14 through February 23, 2014. Hungry Caterpillar will bring to life Carle’s stories that have been cherished for gently imbedding lessons on cooperation, growing up and self-confidence. 

The Mermaid Theatre’s magical use of black light and colorful puppets are unmistakably pulled straight from Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Little Cloud and The Mixed-up Chameleon. The Very Hungry Caterpillar follows the adventures of a very tiny and very hungry caterpillar as he eats his way through a variety of foods on his path to becoming a beautiful butterfly.  High up in the sky, Little Cloud playfully transforms himself into various creatures, including a sheep, and an airplane and more. The Mixed-Up Chameleon is bored with his predictable life. Following an adventurous trip to the zoo, he attempts to emulate the beautiful animals he sees before coming to the conclusion that there is value in his own unique self. 

Prominent Canadian actor Gordon Pinsent narrates the production under the direction of Mermaid Theatre Artistic Director Jim Morrow.  Steven Naylor’s accompanying music blends folk tunes, classical, jazz and more.  The Stage explained, “Every visual movement sits in the music as precisely as it would in a classical ballet.” Throughout the tour audiences have been encouraged that Hungry Caterpillar is a “non-shushing show,” allowing audiences to respond vocally to the performance. Jim Morrow observes, “When you’re a child you’re so free and uninhibited.  As theatregoers we grow up and lose that sense of freedom, inquisitiveness and desire for interaction, impulses that are ‘shushed’ out of us.” Morrow’s performers have a way of coaxing the active viewer out of its shell.
 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites runs on the UnitedHealth Group Stage January 14 through February 23, 2014.  As part of CTC’s commitment to programming for ages two through eighteen, Hungry Caterpillar is recommended for preschool+. A three-show preschool package including Balloonacy and Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat is also available. For more information visit childrenstheatre.org or call the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400.