Written by Tanya Terry
On September 10 and September 11, families and kids of all ages can immerse themselves in positive entertainment with exciting, new ways for children to learn valuable lessons – right at Flint’s Whiting Auditorium.
“Bluey “is an Emmy® award-winning children’s TV series based in Brisbane, Australia, written by Joe Brumm.
“Bluey’s Big Play the Stage Show” is the first-ever theatrical adaptation of the television series based off the series. Community members can see the play this coming Tuesday or Wednesday, at 6 p.m. either day.
Morgan Lauff, plays the roles of Bandit, Bluey’s and Bingo’s dad, as well as Pat, Lucky’s dad in the play. He talked with the Courier prior to the show hitting Flint.
On the Bluey TV show, Bluey is an inexhaustible blue heeler puppy, who lives with her mom, dad and little sister Bingo. She likes to laugh and takes the everyday events of her family’s life and transforms them into extraordinary adventures.
On the show, Bandit, Bluey’s father, loves to act silly and play fun games with his children.
Bluey also interacts with several “dog friends” and other animals.
For example, Lucky is an energetic labrador who can often be found playing with his favorite red ball in his backyard. He, his older brother Chucky and his dad Pat live right next door to Bluey.
“Without giving too much away, there’s a lot of heavy involvement,” said Lauff. “There’s a lot of dancing involved, and we might sneak in a” Keepy-Uppy or two.”
Lauff continued by saying all ages will enjoy the play, from ages 9-99.
“It’s very similar to the show on Disney+ because it’s written by the same people,” he added. “There’s a lot of great learning lessons and a lot of great, subtle, more mature humor. So, that’s what the adults really love. The kids they just love how chaotic the show can get.”
Lauff explained the show features all pre-recorded dialogue.
“The dialogue was recorded by the actual actors and actresses who perform in the cartoon show. So, when you see the show, it’s all real, and it’s as close to the show that you watch as possible. In fact, it’s probably, if not definitely better than the show that you watch on Disney+ – because all the original creators and performers are involved, or were involved in the creative process. Then, we, as the live performers, bring on that responsibility of bringing it to life.”
This is all made possible through the use of puppetry. Puppetry is new for Lauff, who went to school for theatre and has performed in films and at theme parks.
“It’s a phenomenal workout. Those puppets are about 25-30 pounds each. You’re running around, bouncing up and down, spinning and having so much fun.”
Although Lauff is American and California native, he said many of the performers are actually from Australia. He feels this helps create an authentic experience.
According to the FlM website, after the show, some audience members will be invited to participate in an optional game of “Keepy Uppy.” For the game, several air-filled balls (made of materials which do not include BPA, Latex or PVC) will be released into the audience, along with bubbles (made of non-stain solution).
Lauff explained the goal of “Keepy Uppy” is to keep a balloon (or similar object) in the air, without it touching the ground.
The UK tour of “Bluey’s Big Play” just closed, and the show was also recently nominated for an Olivier Award; a live theatre award in the UK. The cast has performed at Madison Square Garden, all the Fox Theatres and the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, where the Academy Awards are held.
Lauff stated some of the valuable lessons that can be learned include lessons on being patient with others, accepting differences in others and learning perseverance and how to push through.
For tickets and details about the upcoming show at the Whiting, visit https://thefim.org/event/bluey/.
