It is always a special occasion when the whole family, from newborns to grandparents, can get together and have an enjoyable experience. Whether your child is learning to read for the first time and can quote Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar word for word, or your parents read the classic children story to you at bedtime, the family-friendly holiday show of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Holiday Show aims to warm everyone's hearts.

 

The global sensation, created by Jonathan Rockefeller, has been dazzling audiences for over eight years. Each performance (under one hour) of the critically acclaimed show features a menagerie of over 75 magical puppets, including the star of the show –The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

 

The New York Times raved that The Very Hungry Caterpillar Holiday Show is "bedazzling." And Entertainment Today exclaimed, “It is high praise to say a live stage production can hold the attention of a roomful of excited toddlers and their families for 50 minutes.”

 

“We are thrilled to help so many children discover the magic of theatre, creating an accessible environment to experience their very first show – with characters they all grew up with. We are proud to provide families a whimsical, stress-free holiday excursion unlike any other,” said The Very Hungry Caterpillar Holiday Show creator/director Jonathan Rockefeller.

 

Alongside The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the show features three other Eric Carle stories. Audiences may meet the colorful characters of Brown Bear, Brown Bear; travel the world with 10 Little Rubber Ducks; and get whisked away to a winter wonderland in Dream Snow. These beloved tales and their messages of community, self-expression, and the power of creativity are brought to life by a captivating cast of storytellers, sweeping original music, and stunning puppetry.

 

Eric Carle himself said, "I hope the performances will be enjoyed by many and that the colorful characters will bring comfort and joy to all who see the stories that have been so carefully produced. It is uplifting to see such beautiful and cheerful works inspired by my characters! I hope my books – and this show – will inspire you and your imagination."

 

Los Angeles cast member Leonard Moore shared this production has “a lot of call-and-response” and it is welcomed to interact with the puppets and follow along the story with the narrator.

“This is the perfect first show. We want to create little theater-goers, readers, puppeteers. So having that interaction and being able to engage with it in a different way is what makes it so special,” he added.

 

The historic theatre transforms into a festive Eric Carle immersive space plastered with his illustrations from the moment you enter. One hour before the show, young and old can engage with his characters in the lobby through coloring pages, books, puzzles and more. You can even purchase a sweet Caterpillar stuffed toy!

 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Holiday Show runs at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood until January 21, 2024. Performances take place on the weekends, Saturday and Sunday, at various times and every day for Christmas week except on Dec. 25. Tickets start at $30 with the VIP ticket at $65 including a post-show meet and greet. For tickets and information, visit HungryCaterpillarShow.com/LosAngeles.