TELLURIDE – It’s not every day that children get to see their favorite cartoon characters live on stage, but this month they can do just that when the Sheridan Opera House presents Max and Ruby’s Musical Playdate on Tuesday, Nov. 15. Based on fictional storybook bunny siblings Max, 3, and Ruby, 7, Max and Ruby is currently the number one show on Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. Children and their parents are invited to embark on a fun musical journey as the two bunnies plan a party, give makeovers, sing songs and do a dance or two.
For over three decades, families around the globe have embarked on fun and imaginative adventures with beloved bunny siblings, Max and Ruby. Originating as a best-selling book series by critically acclaimed children’s author and illustrator, Rosemary Wells, Max and Ruby books have sold more than 3 million copies worldwide. In 2002, Max and Ruby hit primetime with the creation of their animated television show on Nickelodeon and Nick Jr.
The touring theater show, Max and Ruby’s Musical Playdate is a Koba Entertainment performance conceived and directed by Patti Caplette, live stage creator for The Backyardigans, The Doodlebops, and Franklin the Turtle. The production is an extravagant musical adventure that highlights the universal nature of sibling relationships.
Ruby may seem bossy at times, but she adores her little brother, and often enlists his help to plan fun activities and adventures. Like a typical 3-year-old boy, Max isn’t always interested in the same girlish activities as his sister; he’s more interested in cowboys, spaceships and frogs than babies, dress-up parties and dance routines. But Max is always curious about what Ruby is up to, and while he might get a little distracted by his noisy toys at times, he always comes around – and usually steals the show.
Of the bunny characters, Variety magazine writes: “Max and Ruby can’t seem to find common ground and their plans almost always collide with hilarious results. Despite their differences, they are neither greedy nor selfish, and it is this quality of generosity in their relationship that makes them… so distinctive. Max & Ruby encourages children to pursue their goals with enthusiasm and promotes the enjoyment of working and playing together.”
Max and Ruby’s Musical Playdate includes appearances by Max and Ruby’s unconditionally loving grandmother and Ruby’s best friend Louise. The 45-minute interactive production is the creative collaboration of a dynamic team of artists, including Juno Award winner Norman Foote (music and lyrics), Beth Kates (scenic design), Anne Armit (costume design), and Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet wardrobe department. The exquisite costuming, rich, colorful sets and original songs are guaranteed to have everyone singing and bouncing along.
There will be two showings of Max & Ruby’s Musical Playdate at the Sheridan Opera House; one at 4 p.m. and one a 6:30 p.m., with a special meet and greet with the characters at 6 p.m. in the downstairs gallery room. All ticketholders, from either show, are invited to say hello to Max and Ruby and give them a hug. Tickets are on sale now and are $23 (price includes a $3 donation to Telluride preschools; lap children are free) and are available via www.SheridanOperaHouse.com, by calling 970/728-6363 x 5, or at the Sheridan Opera House Box Office. For more information on the show and related activities, visit www.maxandrubyontour.com.
A prominent producer of original family musicals, Koba Entertainment has been captivating audiences throughout the world with celebrated characters from literature, television, and pop culture. Koba Entertainment productions have enchanted people of all ages in more than 165 North American cities including Toronto, Vancouver, Manhattan, Denver and Seattle, 12 countries and four continents. Production credits for young audiences include: Max & Ruby, The Backyardigans, The Doodlebops, Franklin, Caillou, Big Comfy Couch and Toopy & Binoo. More information can be found online at www.koba-entertainment.com.
The Sheridan Arts Foundation was founded in 1991 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to preserve the historic Sheridan Opera House as an arts and cultural resource for the Telluride community, to bring quality arts and cultural events to Telluride and to provide local and national youth with access and exposure to the arts through education. SAF is sponsored in part by grants from the Telluride Foundation and CCAASE.
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