Central Texas’ most well-known children’s theatre company, Pollyanna Theatre in Strategic Alliance with the Long Center, presents The Boy Who Loved Monsters and the Girl Who Loved Peas by well-known playwright Jonathan Graham at the Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. The show runs from October 12 – 20 with multiple show times, and two ‘pay what you like’ parties with the cast.
This delightful new play is appropriate for family audiences ages 5 and up. It explores important themes and life lessons surrounding family, imagination, loyalty and togetherness. Graham explains, “I think the play is really about creating a space for collaborative and imaginative play in our busy, fragmented world. This need is particularly important for young children and their parents, but I don’t think it stops there. Many of us, whatever our ages, are so plugged into digital devices that we fixate on things that are literal and immediately available. I’m concerned about what that does to our sense of discovery and those things that we can create only by connecting with others.”
Judy Matetzschk-Campbell PhD, founder and artistic director of Pollyanna Theatre Company remarks, “I was immediately attracted to Jonathan Graham’s play because of the playful nature of the play’s action. Evan is a little boy that is very ‘average’, but he is living in a world that suddenly is anything BUT normal and average. When wishes that are spoken aloud start to come true, Evan finds that his whole world is turned upside down. He finds that what he thought he wanted might not be what is best for him or for anyone he loves. It is a powerful lesson and it is taught through a highly theatrical story with highly theatrical characters. That is exactly the kind of world that Pollyanna loves to create.”
In The Boy Who Loved Monsters and the Girl Who Loved Peas, audiences will follow the story of Evan, who, like many 7 year olds, does not like to clean his plate filled with peas. To make matters worse, his baby sister Sue loves them. When forced to remain at the table until his plate is clean, Evan makes a wish for a monster to come eat his family. Soon Evan and Sue find themselves trying to hide a six foot tall green monster named Pea from their parents. Among the laughs, Evan finds that although his parents discipline him, protecting those he loves is his goal. Pea teaches Evan and the whole family many things including the importance of playing together and keeping imaginations alive.
Public Performances:
October 12 at 11:00 a.m. “Pay What You Like” performance, 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
October 13 at 2:00 p.m.
October 19 at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
October 20 at 2:00 p.m.
Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts
701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78704
TICKETS: Tickets are $9 for children 11 and under, $10 for students 12 and over, Seniors over 65, $10 and $11 adults under 65. Group rates available, call (512) 743-7966
For Weekend tickets: Call 512.474.LONG (5664) or visit: www.thelongcenter.org
And here is your chance to win a Family 4-pack of tickets to see this great show. Winner can pick any show this weekend!! The giveaway is open until Thursday, October 17 at midnight. We will pick a winner on Friday morning. Good luck!