Winnie the Pooh, directed by Dr. Amy Penne, has performances Oct. 15-17 and Oct. 23-24 scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances are at 3 p.m. on Oct. 18 and Oct. 25.
Former artistic director Brian Morgan helped Dr. Penne choose this play to bring a different perspective to the audience. Throughout this play, audiences will learn about love, memory, compassion and friendship. The play shows us what a child goes through during challenging times in childhood.
The play begins in 1926, when A.A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin move to London. Christopher Robin has a hard time adjusting to the new environment. The only way they can overcome these challenges is to tell a story about stuffed animals and the different tales of Winnie the Pooh. Using stuffed animals in a play is fun for actors, and it also brings the story to life for the audience.
Christopher Robin takes his time befriending Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga, and Roo. This play is going to bring an enjoyable experience to audiences of all ages, and it will help show what telling a story is truly about.
Dr. Penne, the theater director at Parkland, describes the play: “Memory, love and friendship are at the heart of this play. Parents and some young kids will love it. Since we don’t have characters dressed up as Disney characters, we don’t want little ones to be too disappointed! But that’s not what this play is. It’s a bright story with kindness at its core.”
This play brings a ray of sunshine to the audience. Featuring all Parkland College student actors, the production is going to be fun to watch. Most of the actors play more than one role, so audiences can enjoy watching them find several ways to tell a story.
Dr. Penne has a variety of different theater experiences, such as working for the Charlotte Shakespeare Company and working with the English Department at the University of Illinois for different shows, such as Brian Friel’s Translations, Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape and Parkland Theatre’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Romeo and Juliet and the upcoming production of Winnie the Pooh.
This play is not based on the Disney version of Winnie the Pooh; therefore, audiences should not be surprised if they do not see Tigger appear in the production. This play takes place in the 1920s, using period costumes and stuffed animals to tell the story of the characters from the Hundred Acre Wood.
The play is about Milne and his son Christopher Robin overcoming their troubles and making new friendships. It tells a heartwarming and accessible story that audiences of all ages can enjoy.
The final dress rehearsal is on Wednesday, Oct. 14. This play is free for all Parkland students with a valid Parkland student ID. Other people will have to pay $10 for a ticket. Seats are limited, so audiences are encouraged to arrive early.
