Looking for an old-fashioned “family values” Christmas show to take the little ones to? Then forget the latest 3D IMAX eyeball-poppers, and opt for the stage adaptation of a classic children’s book performed by young puppeteers.
Hop on over to the Calderwood Pavilion, Boston Center for the Arts, for the Boston Children’s Theatre’s (BCT) newly enhanced production of “The Velveteen Rabbit,” running through Sun., Dec. 20.
A dozen young cast members, including Mattapan’s James Gamble, evoke a gentler, more innocent era as they manipulate the beautifully hand-crafted puppets by Marjorie Tudor of Vermont’s Tasha Tudor family. Their puppets include a rocking horse that talks, boats that dance, a toy soldier that marches, and a soft, endearing rabbit who changes a young boy’s life.
You might say that Gamble, a 17-year-old who is currently a junior at Tech Boston Academy in Dorchester, is a sort of “Lion King” of the production since he provides the voice and movements of the character Timothy, the Wooden Lion, in his first theatrical experience.
“James had never done a play before and wanted to try it,” reports BCT’s media contact, Julie Arvdeon Knowlton. “I saw him yesterday after the opening performance and he was ecstatic!”
BCT Executive Artistic Director Burgess Clark says this 7th anniversary production will shine even brighter this year. “We are honored to produce such a wonderful classic piece that touches the hearts of so many people each year,” said Clark. “This season we are taking “The Velveteen Rabbit” to new levels in terms of production elements and in the overall magical experience of the show. Returning audiences will have new elements to marvel at, and those seeing the show for the first time are in for a very special experience.”
Clark adapted the play from the classic children’s book by Margery Williams, “The Velveteen Rabbit (or How Toys Become Real).” Even though it was first published in 1922, a 2007 online poll prompted the National Education Association to name this tale as a one of its “Teachers’ Top 100 Books for Children.”
Williams’s book tells the moving and amusing story of a friendship and love between a boy and his beloved Velveteen Rabbit. At Christmas a little lad receives a stuffed toy bunny along with more “modern” mechanical presents, but soon puts aside the old-fashioned doll for more up-to-date gadgets. Audiences follow the boy and his stuffed rabbit on a journey that ends with a life lesson that is guaranteed to warm the heart, even during this the nippiest of seasons.
For over 60 years, Boston Children’s Theatre has served as one of the region’s premier not-for-profit theaters. Named Best of Boston® 2013 and 2012 by Boston Magazine for Best Children’s Theatre, BCT’s mission is to provide access to exceptional theatrical experiences dedicated to fostering the artistic and personal development of diverse youth, with a focus on professional training and the development of new works.
Tickets are $20 – $28 and can be purchased by visiting the BCT website at bostonchildrenstheatre.org or by calling 617-933-8600. Grandparents Packages are also available that include two tickets to the show, a special souvenir, and a photo with the cast. School groups can also reserve tickets for weekday performances by contacting the BCT Box Office at 617-424-6634, Ext. 222.
