Adam Theater, a relatively new kid on the block in Boston's theater scene, is stirring the imagination of young audiences with its latest offering, “Library Lion." This production, a melodic foray into the world of a lion who wanders into a library, is set to delight children at the Calderwood Pavilion at Boston Center for the Arts. According to Cambridge Day, the show is built around encouraging kids to ponder their place in the world and explore the intricacies of rule-breaking in a safe environment.
"Library Lion" springs from the pages of Michelle Knudsen's beloved book and has been transformed into a playful experience complete with professional puppeteers and live musicians, information gleaned from the Adam Theater's website reveals. It not only probes the reasons behind rules but also suggests that, sometimes, bending them can lead to a whole new way of thinking. “At Adam Theater we are more interested in uncovering the ‘why’ and ‘how’ as opposed to the ‘what’ in a story,” Karin Sharav Zalkind, the company’s executive director, told Cambridge Day. An ethos that, one would hope, helps kids to see beneath the surface of a narrative.
In the spirit of inclusivity, Adam Theater is bridging the gap between art and accessibility. Over 2,500 kids are anticipated to see the show without paying a dime, thanks to a grant from the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Foundation. This initiative is a solid step towards democratizing the theater experience for children, with shows scheduled during school hours. “We wanted to create an environment that gets kids excited about watching live theater,” Adam Theater’s artistic director, Ran Bechor, conveyed to Cambridge Day.
Further cementing its commitment to addressing less-discussed issues through art, Adam Theater also has another production up its sleeve. The upcoming play, "The Flood," which Bechor is working on, tackles heavier themes such as parents' divorce, approached from the perspective of upper-elementary children. While the premiere date isn't set in stone, the aspiration is to launch in September. The anticipation for this kind of storytelling cements Adam Theater's reputation for not shying away from complex, real-world problems through the lens of children's theater.
The run of “Library Lion" spans from January 10 through 25, with a special showing on January 19. Further details on this charming, rule-bending extravaganza, as well as information on Adam Theater's future productions, can be found on their official website. Indulge your child's curiosity and perhaps find a stage-inspired way to discuss the bigger questions in life by booking a seat at "Library Lion." For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Adam Theater’s website.
