Corduroy by Don Freeman is certainly an iconic book of most people's childhood. Many can picture the classic red cover with bold yellow lettering made complete with the adorable little bear in green overalls. What a lovely read that captures adventure, perseverance, and friendship all within it's few pages. When I saw Children's Theatre Company was going to be putting on their own performance of Corduroy I was overjoyed at the thought of going. Truth be told though, I wondered how they could adopt such a short story into a full length performance. Well, readers, I am here to tell you it did NOT disappoint.
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"Button? Button? Buttttton?" While the bear lacked in dialogue (understandably so) he more than made up for it in his antics as he romped around the department store. Every department was turned upside down as he searched and searched for his missing button. From a shaving cream mishap that made quite a mess to climbing a tower of toilet paper, the audience was captivated by an enticing bear from one scene to the next. "Button, button, button......." made for a pretty funny catch phrase during our ride home.
Opposite of Corduroy stared Nighttime Security Guard. Her calm, matter-of-fact personality was the perfect companion to Corduroy's shenanigans. However, she who started out her night shift as a confident woman proudly reporting her whereabouts was left speechless, indubitably, by night's end. Frantic and frazzled, slightly hysterical. Mr. Criminal gave her a run for her money and sanity for that matter.
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While Corduroy's slapstick comedy left you ROARing there were some tender moments between mother and child. AND some tender moments between child and God. It was refreshing to see a performance allude to the realness we feel as parents trying to raise responsible children and then getting to witness that same child praying in earnest to God. That was definitely a tear jerker moment I wasn't expecting, but it felt completely natural. Well, done!
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Children's Theatre Company's performance of Corduroy suggests the show is for everyone 4 and up. However, judging by the sounds of laughter from little's filling the air, I think it is safe to say this show can be enjoyed by all! Not only that, but there were some incredibly sweet moments in which young kids could be heard offering "help" to Corduroy on his quest for his missing button. My only regret was not bringing my whole family as it WAS that good.
Things to Know Before You Go:
- Corduroy, A Children's Theatre Company Original Production, is on stage from February 14 - April 2, 2023
- Children's Theatre Company is located at 2400 3rd Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55404
- Ticket prices are $15-$69 for children ages 4 and older + lap passes are available for children 3 and younger
- The performance was about an hour and a half (including a 15 minute intermission)
- Merchandise included a stuffed Corduroy and the book Corduroy in both paperback and board book
- Concessions included juice boxes, sparkling waters, coffee, candy
- Parking is available in nearby lots (ours was $10) or valet parking at the door
While this article is sponsored by Children's Theatre Company all opinions are of my own. Photo credit: Glen Stubbe Photography
