Topic: College of Fine Arts
January 29, 2019
The honey-loving bear that audiences have known and loved for decades will be making his way to Ball State’s University Theatre. Winnie-the-Pooh and his adventures in Hundred Acres Woods will.jpg?sc_lang=en&hash=60535AA9A2F5ED373E9CCAF9AAD99A840D523376)
come to life on stage on February 1 through February 10.
Directed by Michael Daehn, associate professor of theatre education, the Ball State Theatre and Dance production of Winnie the Pooh follows A.A. Milne's lovable little bear and all of his friends on a few of the great adventures found in the timeless books.
“It is unusual for the department to produce Theatre for Young Audiences productions — most of our shows feature more sophisticated, complex subjects which target an older audience,” Daehn said. “Winnie the Pooh provides an opportunity for entire families to enjoy a fun night or afternoon at the theater together and for our students to gain experience in another possible popular career path after graduation.”
The stage production was inspired by the classic books and will differ from the later Disney version of Pooh’s story. Design elements, including sets and costumes, were derived from the novels.
While the famous bouncing tiger will not be included within the production, audiences can expect to see some familiar faces in Eeyore, Piglet, and Rabbit.
“Tigger hadn't yet been created by A.A. Milne when the book from which this play's stories were adapted was written,” Daehn said. “Every other Pooh character will be included in the show, including some new ones.”
While his love for honey can get him into some sticky situations, Pooh’s heart and friendships help him through his endeavors, Daehn said, and Milne’s understanding of his audiences, young and old, shines through for a production that everyone will enjoy.
The production will open at 7 p.m. February 1 at University Theatre. Additional shows are at 7 p.m. February 2, 7-9 and at 2:30 p.m. February 3, 9-10. The early evening start time of 7 p.m. will allow families with young children to enjoy a night of theater and still be home by 8:30 p.m.
Tickets for “Winnie the Pooh” are available at the University Theatre Box Office, open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or online. The cost is $18 for the general public and $15 for students, faculty, staff, and senior citizens. Children’s tickets are $10. Contact the box office at 765-285-8749 or visit the Department of Theatre and Dance’s website for more information.
By Gabrielle Glass