The Arden Children's Theatre launches its 23/24 season with a family-friendly presentation of Roald Dahl's children's classic, The BFG, starting November 29. Dahl is the award-winning author behind classics including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, and Matilda. The BFG, written by Dahl in 1982 and adapted for the stage in 1991 by David Wood and directed by Whit MacLaughlin, comes to life in the 360-person capacity F. Otto Haas Stage. The spectacular and visually stunning production promises to delight children (and adults) of all ages this holiday season. The BFG starts previews on November 29, opens on Saturday, December 9, at 6 p.m., and runs through January 21, 2024.
The Big Friendly Giant (BFG)
The stage adaption of The BFG brings a 24-foot tall Big Friendly Giant (Matteo Scammell) to life as he helps Sophie (Jessica Money) save the children of England from giants, including Bloodbottler, Bonecruncher, and Gizzardgulper. It's also a story of an unlikely friendship between Sophie and the BFG, both alone in the world, who form a surprising connection and friendship during the enduring story. The unlikely pair are helped by the Queen of England and the Heads of the Army and Airforce with their helicopters. Family audiences will be whisked off to whimsical locations, including the BFG's cave in Giant Country, Dream Country, and Buckingham Palace.
"The Arden Theatre puts heart and soul into their work for multi-generational audiences," said MacLaughlin. "Through 27 years of producing work for all ages, we know what will please young and old alike. The BFG is at the top of many lists as a favorite story. If you are familiar with it, you are in for a treat. If this production will introduce you to the story, brace yourself: it will amaze and enchant."
Look up at the Stars
The stars of The BFG, the giant puppets, are ready for their stage debut after months of design and production. There are eight total, some standing more than 10 feet tall. There are six people-eating and one vegetable- (snozz-cumber) eating giant. An additional girl puppet stands just two and a half feet tall.
"The giants are so unique, " said Sebastienne Mundheim, Puppet Designer. "I moved away from creating human-ness in the giants. It felt complicated to make child-eaters look like anybody in the real world. I made bouncy hair out of paper. The eyes are my secret recipe. Many are made from a searching child-chewing hunger, some glittery surfaces, and some hairy ones, and antique buttons, over 60 years old, from my grandmother's sewing kit."
All About the Cast
Eight talented and ambitious cast members perform as more than 30 characters throughout the show. The cast features Matteo Scammell (Dad/The BFG), known for previous Arden roles including Assassins, Charlotte's Web, A Streetcar Named Desire, and The Legend of Georgia McBride. Sophie is played by Jessica Money, best known for roles at Arden such as 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Charlotte's Web, School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, A Midsummer Night's Dream (2020 virtual production). The cast also includes local actors Bi Jean Ngo (Mom/Childchewer/Miss Plumridge/Queen of England), Adaeze Nwoko (Rebecca/Gizzardgulper/Rebecca (dreamer)/ Undermaid/Queen of Sweden, Kishia Nixon (Sam/ Bonecruncher/Classmate/ Sam Simkins (Dreamer)/Head of Air Force), Newton Buchanan (Guy, Fleshlumpeater/Classmate/Ronald Simkins (Dream Dad)/Mr. Tibbs, and Jo Vito Ramirez (Daniel/Bloodbottler/Headmaster/ Head of Army.
The Arden also creates an interactive opportunity for audience members during their family-friendly theatre productions. After each performance, patrons are invited to participate in a ten-minute
question-and-answer session with cast members. Children are encouraged to ask the cast questions about the show, and the conversation is meant to encourage the imagination of younger theatre
patrons.
Get Your Tickets Today!
Single tickets begin at $30, with discounts available for military with valid ID, students, groups of 10, seniors, children and teens. Discounts for purchasing a Children's Theatre Subscription are also available.
Tickets are available online at www.ardentheatre.org, by phone at 215.922.1122, or in-person at the box office at the Arden at 40 N. 2nd Street.
Special programming for The BFG includes: Friday, January 19, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.
ASL Interpreted Performance: Saturday, January 20, 2024, 4 p.m.
ASL Interpreted Performance: About Arden Theatre Company
Arden Theatre Company, founded in 1988, is a professional theatre company in Old City, dedicated to bringing to life great stories by great storytellers on the stage, in the classroom, and in the community. To date, the Arden has produced 46 World Premieres.
The Arden has developed four distinct educational programs: Arden for All, our in-school arts education program for elementary level students; Arden Drama School, our on-site, tuition-based theatre classes for pre-K through 12th grade students; Teen Arden, our theatre enrichment program for high school students; and the Arden Professional Apprentice program, a rigorous training program for young theatre professionals.
Arden Theatre Company
40 N. 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215.922.1122
boxofficer@ardentheatre.org
