Every adult was introduced to the silly old bear Winnie-the-Pooh at some point in their childhoods, whether that be through the original books from A.A. Milne or through any of the TV or film adaptations that have been made over the years.
Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Christopher Robin and everyone else that populates the Hundred Acre Wood can now be introduced to a whole new generation with a production of Winnie-the-Pooh by Riverside Center for the Performing Arts Children’s Theatre.
The timing is fitting, too. The musical adaptation will have its opening night on Thursday, Jan. 17, one day before Milne’s 137th birthday.
Pooh himself is turning 93 years old this year—although the origins of the character first appeared in a book of poetry by Milne, When We Were Very Young, in 1924, albeit then known as Edward Bear—but his honey-loving antics haven’t gotten old.
The musical production that will be at Riverside is adapted from Milne’s stories, dramatized by le Chancé du Rand, featuring music by Allan J. Friedman and lyrics by Kristin Sergel and Milne’s own poetry.
The story follows Pooh as his usual happy self when trouble begins. Eeyore has lost his tail; Rabbit is worried about the arrival of Kanga and Roo with a bathtub of soap; and Piglet attempts to catch a Heffalump. Owl and Christopher Robin are also on-hand to assist Pooh and the others.
Riverside’s production will run from Jan. 17 to March 2, with performances taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m., and on Saturdays at 1 p.m. The doors to the theater will open up an hour before the show begins, with food and drinks available for purchase.
To quote Pooh, “think it over, think it under” on if this is the time to introduce your kids to the classic character. // Riverside Performing Arts Center: 95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg; $14
