Now playing at Center for Puppetry Arts, "Pete the Cat" is the raucous, heartfelt adventure of one cool, skateboarding, surfing, rocking blue cat and his menagerie of friends. The show is based on the New York Times Best Seller series by James Dean. See it on the center's Mainstage theater, playing through May 28, 2017.
Puppetry Style: Rod Puppets
Create-A-Puppet Workshop™: Pete the Cat Hand Puppet
CLICK HERE for more info, performances dates/times and tickets.
Last Sunday, I brought my two daughters (ages 2 and 3 years) to see "Pete the Cat" at the Center for Puppetry Arts. Based on the New York Times Best Seller by James Dean, this cute show is broken up into several of Pete’s adventures in one day. For example, we watched funny scenes from Pete waking up to get ready for school, to his classroom escapades, to him scuba diving, and then finally going to bed after having a sleepover with his friends.
My girls thought the show was so funny. They were giggling in their seats and even remembered one of the catchy songs that Pete sang to his parents - they sang it to me on the drive home. In fact, most of the songs were written specifically for the show, and Atlanta actor/puppeteer/composer Dolph Amick stayed on stage the whole time playing electric guitar to accompany each scene. My daughters’ favorite part was when Pete went scuba diving and was looking for his pink seahorse. The scenery and props were so awesome and lifelike, plus tons of bubbles fell from the ceiling into the audience. What toddler doesn’t love bubbles, right?
While the suggested age group is 4 and older, my girls still thoroughly enjoyed it and watched the entire production without getting antsy. I would suggest it for kids under 10, since some of the songs (for example – Wheels on the Bus) are better suited for younger viewers.
The show took place in mainstage theater upstairs and the house was full. I had never gone to a late showing on a Sunday before, so I was surprised to see so many people. Many were there attending birthday parties, something I'm now considering for my own daughter's big day. My girls have enjoyed every show at the center, and they always ask if the can take their friends. It’s something different from the usual indoor birthday parties, and I’m sure parents would love it as well. Plus, I believe it's important to expose children to the arts. Every show at the Center for Puppetry Arts is a learning experience. Immediately after every performance, the puppeteers come out to explain how they make the puppets move. It a great behind-the-scenes addition to the program.
Following the show, my girls took part in the Create-A-Puppet Workshop™ where they made Pete the Cat Hand Puppets, and even got a chance to put on their own show from behind the classroom's puppet stage curtains. Since my girls had been to museum twice recently, I decided to have them go play on the outdoor playground instead of walking through the museum again. They loved it and I thought the set-up was unique. It's very colorful and decorative with fun shapes to climb and swing on. It was not your typical playground - it looks more like modern art!
Photo Courtesy Center for Puppetry Arts
"Pete the Cat" runs through May 28th. Take your little ones to see it! You might want to consider reading some of the books before and after the show, if you aren't fans of them already.
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