FUSE Productions’ Newest Musical Stars Children’s Book Characters

FUSE Productions presents the children’s musical ‘Elephant and Piggie’s ‘We Are In A Play!’,’ based on the popular books by Mo Willems, at 6 p.m. Wednesday at The State Theatre.

Commissioned by the Kennedy Center, ‘Elephant and Piggie’s ‘We Are In A Play!’” debuted there in 2013. The book and lyrics were written by Mo Willems, based on his own characters, and the music was written by Deborah Wicks La Puma.

In the show, an elephant named Gerald (Jonathan O’Harrow) and a pig named Piggie (Madeline Biever) are best friends. But, Gerald worries that something could go wrong that might end their friendship. Piggie is not worried at all. She is even happier and more excited than usual, because she and Gerald are invited to a party hosted by The Squirrelles (Leah Mueller, Clara Hanahan and Lauren McKee), three singing squirrels who love to have a good time.

Regional favorite Jonathan O’Harrow, noted for his comic acting in recent leading roles with FUSE Productions and Nittany Theatre at the Barn, is looking forward to the chance to be “a bit larger than life” as Gerald. He also is ready for the energy and sense of wonder that a young audience will bring to the show.

“Anytime you’re onstage, the audience is as much a part of the process as you are — an extra character,” he said. “That’s 10 times as true with a kids’ show. They will be very involved in some of the sketches and songs.  And, kids who know the books will recognize many of the incidents in the show.”

The production is directed by Richard Biever and choreographed by Jill Brighton. Julie Snyder is creating the costumes, and Tyler Sperrazza is designing the lighting.

General admission tickets are $8 and can be purchased at https://fuseproductions.thundertix.com. The performance is supported by a grant from the James and Barbara Palmer Performance Fund.