For more than a decade, “Pete the Cat” has been the cool blue feline that stars in the best-selling children’s book series by Kimberly and James Dean. This summer, Theatreworks USA, the nation’s leading not-for-profit professional theatre for young audiences, is presenting the premiere of the new musical Pete the Cat, in an Off- Broadway production. Read on to see why children (and their accompanying adults!) will love this cool cat-tacular musical for all ages.
Photo :Courtesy of Pete the Cat Musical
From Page to Stage
Inspired by an actual scrawny kitten artist James Dean adopted in 1999, Pete The Cat was a primary subject of Dean’s paintings at Auburn University, where he was a student. Eventually, the paintings led to books with the character you know and love, Pete The Cat! Theatreworks USA, a New York City nonprofit theater company that is now taking the groovy style of Pete The Cat from page to stage.
Photo :Courtesy of Pete the Cat Musical
Pete the Cat – The Theater Act
Pete The Cat is snatched up by a cat-catcher tired of his rocking ways, and is looking to straighten out Pete as well as teach him some manners. He does this by sending him to live with the Biddle family, a quiet group that he quickly wins over, except for Jimmy Biddle, a second grader who doesn’t want to take time from studying to engage in Pete’s rocking. One day Jimmy struggles in art class, unable to create anything. Never losing his cool – Pete the Cat jumps in, taking Jimmy on an adventure to Paris in a VW Bus where they look to find inspiration. In addition to finding creativity and a pair of magic sunglasses, the two also find a wonderful friendship.
Photo :Courtesy of Pete the Cat Musical
Groovy Review
Pete the Cat and the talented cast ROCKED into the hearts of the audience during the show! His cool cat ways and musical melodies (that you will be singing for days) resonated with all ages. We loved that the decor of the set was a mix of real life items and hand drawn elements – which was creative and a great way to honor the book that brought them here. We also loved that the show is really smart from every aspect. It is funny and touching and speaks to both young and teen audiences and parents, too. It is really a unique piece, because its music and theatrics span several genres, and was relatable to everyone on stage and off.
Showtime
Seeing this fun and free production is easy!
TICKETS: Tickets for Pete The Cat are FREE! and are available on a first-come, first-served basis in-person at the Lucille Lortel Theatre Box Office on the day of the performance. Tickets for each day’s performances will be distributed beginning one hour prior to the first performance of the day. There is a limit of four (4) tickets per adult per day. Due to group reservations – note that individual tickets are extremely limited for the weekday daytime performances.
WHEN: July 19th through August 18th – see daily showtimes and schedule HERE
WHERE: Lucille Lortel Theatre at 121 Christopher Street
RUNTIME: Approximately 50 minutes in length
AGES: Recommended for grades PreK – 3
Thank you to Theater Works and the Pete the Cat Staff for providing us with the tickets to review the show. As always all opinion and reviews are our own.
