Publisher: Elizabeth Hurd

Curious George: The Golden Meatball is Adventurous and Fun for Young Audiences

Greg Gore as The Man with the Yellow Hat, Justin Larman as Chef Pisghetti, and Gavin Guthrie as Curious George. Photo by KO Rinearson.

Lyric Theatre’s 2019 kicks off with the third venture in their Theatre for Young Audiences series, presenting Curious George: The Golden Meatball. Opening January 23 through February 17 at the Plaza Theatre location, the four-week run of this kid friendly show features all daytime performances.

Mischievous monkey George and The Man in the Yellow Hat jump off the page and into this adventurous musical journey. George learns about cooking as he travels to Rome to help his friend, Chef Pisghetti, make the perfect dish in the Golden Meatball contest.

Production Director Matthew Sipress says “I’m so excited to bring Curious George to life at Lyric Theatre. It’s a thrill to be able to take characters from the Curious George books and cartoons and introduce them to kids in a whole new way, with live actors, music and dance. And, just like the books and cartoons, George will get into plenty of predicaments, but will always come out on top.”

Generations of children have grown up with the timeless Curious George books by Margret and H.A. Rey. Curious George was first published as a children’s series in 1941 and the books have since been translated into over twenty languages. The popular PBS cartoon debuted in 2006. This new story was written for the stage, and the play, owned by Universal Stage Productions, features music by John Kavanaugh. Book and lyrics are by Jeremy Desmon. The production’s music director is Mary Brozina Wierick. 

The cast includes Gavin Guthrie as Curious George and Greg Gore as The Man in the Yellow Hat. Jenna Mazzoccoli is Netti, Bailey Maxwell is the Doorman, Lyric favorite Justin Larman is Chef Pisghetti and Elvie Ellis is Phinneas. Larman has previously been seen at The Lyric in Junie B. Jones: The Musical, Rock of Ages, James and the Giant Peach, and Assassins. Maxwell appeared in last summer’s production of Hello, Dolly! Guthrie, Gore, Mazzoccoli and Ellis are making their Lyric Theatre debuts. 

This family oriented show is a wonderful introduction to the theatre for your young ones. The Lyric produces delightful musicals for kids and parents. The Theatre for Young Audiences offerings are always engaging, fun, and dazzling for the young and young at heart. Kids will love the singing, dancing and antics that George gets into! The show runs just under an hour and is recommended for children aged pre-K through third grade. 

Set design by Dawn Drake Toney and lighting design by Fabian Garcia produce a colorful, whimsical and bright stage and set the perfect tone for the kid friendly atmosphere. As always, costume design by Jeffrey Meek is delightful and perfectly similar to the beloved book characters. The Lyric spares no details and always offers superb, high quality theatre for the whole family to enjoy!

Gavin Guthrie as George and Greg Gore as The Man with the Yellow Hat. Photo by KO Rinearson.

In addition to all daytime performances, there will also be a sensory-friendly performance on January 26th at 11:00 a.m. An American Sign Language interpreted performance is February 2nd at 2 p.m. The Lyric’s commitment to diversity and inclusion provides a comfortable and inviting environment for everyone.

For tickets and more information, visit lyrictheatreokc.com or call Lyric’s box office at (405) 524-9312.