MERRILLVILLE – Children’s fascination with trains will be sated when beloved British cartoon, Chuggington, brings its live show to the Star Plaza Theatre on Saturday.
In “Chuggington Live! The Great Rescue Adventure,” the three advanced trains of the “trainees” –Brewster, Koko and Wilson – are working on new skills and eagerly want to impress the crew with what they’ve learned about courage, speed and determination — some of the hallmarks of the TV show, said Deb Fiscella, the marketing manager for the tour. When Koko finds herself in trouble, the other two must use what they’ve learned to save her.
“They’re learning to be part of the group,” Fiscella said.
Crew members are played by actors Jonathan Ramos, Rori Nogee, Taylor Drumright, Megan Godin, Benjamin Rowan, Kim Senisi, Caitlin Sheppard, Alexandra Shieron and Hiroko Uchino.
The new national live production, which will hit several major cities including Pittsburgh, Detroit, Indianapolis, New York City and Austin, Texas, will feature new songs as well as old favorites from the TV show, which airs on Disney and Disney Jr. The set will come to life with fully working trains that have moving eyes and mouths. The train designs themselves are based on real train engines from all over the world. A giant LED wall backdrop will provide interactive backgrounds from the series.
It sounds complicated, but the theater is no novice when it comes to producing live, interactive shows.
” ‘Chuggington Live’ is no different than most live children’s shows that have performed here in the past,” said Bill Kelley, the marketing and social media director for the Star Plaza Theatre. “Our staff is accustomed to meeting the demands of a live touring show, and they can get the show up and ready for the performances on Saturday with relative ease. The challenge is loading it out after the show so that the tour can get to the next city.”
The two-act show was written and directed by Theresa Borg, who’s been involved with other family productions such as “Sesame Street Presents Elmo’s World,” “Yo Gabba Gabba Live! There’s a Party in My City!” and “Ben 10 Live: Time Machine.”
The TV show itself debuted in 2010, Fiscella said, and now airs in more than 178 countries and has been translated into 36 languages.
Chuggington Live! The Great Rescue Adventure
When: 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21
Where: Star Plaza Theatre, 8001 Delaware Place, Merrillville
Tickets: $28, $33 and $53
Information: http://www.starplazatheatre.com/index.php/get-tickets/upcoming-events/51-chuggington