Toopy and Binoo are coming to town. If you are are wondering who they are, just ask a toddler.
The mouse Toopy and his toy cat stuffed animal Binoo, household favourites on the small screen, are coming to life at the Royal Theatre, Sept. 16 for the show Toopy and Binoo and the Marshmallow Moon.
Creating a stage play from an animated television program had its challenges for Patti Caplette, the show’s writer, director and choreographer.
“We want people to expect a very imaginative, goofy and fast-paced show,” Caplette said. “Of course, the show will have the look and feel of animation and we are very aware of colour and texture to make them identifiable.”
Toopy and Binoo travel with their imaginations to various lands and go on many journeys together in their animated series shown on Treehouse TV.
In Toopy and Binoo and the Marshmallow Moon, Toopy sets out to find the perfect song for the show. But finding the perfect song to sing to the children is only half the battle because he also has to search for the perfect place to sing it.
On his search, with Binoo of course, the lovable pair run into a blue cat blues band, a crooner fish, some adorable sheep, a pair of love struck dragons and many other crazy musical characters.
“Toopy can open the door and go into any land,” said Caplette, adding that animation and giant screens are incorporated into the show. “One minute they are under the sea and the next they are up in space.”
The show, which combines music, theatre, dance, puppetry and innovative multimedia technology should be a hit with the tots, but is written for members of the whole family to enjoy – including parents.
“I always produce our shows for people two to 92 (years old),” Caplette said. “We want to see grown-ups standing up and dancing. Come and let your hair down.”
The show runs 60 minutes with an intermission.
Toopy and Binoo and the Marshmallow Moon is at the Royal Theatre, Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Tickets are $33.50 and can be bought online at rmts.bc.ca.
