The popular children’s book series The Berenstain Bears, comes to life on stage during this live musical. The show at the Manhattan Movement & Arts Center, which runs until the end of August, follows the Berenstain bear family, as they navigate through some of life’s typical problems.
“The Berenstain Bears series is a beloved favorite for many generations of children and parents alike,” Matt Murphy, producer of The Berenstain Bears LIVE!, said. “The Bears get kids excited about reading and sharing stories. That’s what makes it such a joy for us to perform for the families of New York City: we get to make learning fun.”
Directed and choreographed by Devanand Janki, the hour-long show adapts the plot of three of the book’s titles – The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers,” “The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble at School” and “The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food.”
“Mama Bear” struggles to get her family on track by eating healthy, while “Papa Bears” struggles with the new diet. Siblings, “Brother Bear” and “Sister Bear” battle with feelings of inadequacy and learning the dangers of talking to strangers.
“By bringing the Bears to life, the Berenstain Bears LIVE! is able to give families this outlet to talk about important lessons,” Murphy said. “The Bears live in this vibrant world, which seems so different from ours, but turns out not to be so different at all.”
Like the stories “The Berenstain Bears Live!” offers advice on typical adolescent problems in a way children will understand with situations they’ll understand.
“We hear over and over from parents that they had never seen their kids so captivated by something before. And I think that is the power of introducing kids to theatre and making stories for families.”