Designed for inquisitive minds, “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!” is all about friendship and the exploration of the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.
The interactive musical show for kids is set for 6 p.m. Feb. 13 at Merrillville’s Star Plaza Theatre.
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Meant to carry on the legacy of “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood,” the stage adventure features Daniel Tiger in red-sweater mode — a nod to the late Fred Rogers.
Utilizing creativity and music, Daniel and company learn social skills needed for school and life, and thereby pass that valuable education on to audiences.
Portraying Daniel Tiger on the 2017 tour is Kimberly Mhoon, a native of Dolton, Illinois.
“That has been quite an experience,” Mhoon said of her prime role. “Daniel Tiger is quite the kid. He’s kind of just like the one that everybody gets along with. He’s the cool kid that manages to give everybody the good advice.”
Mhoon wears a full-body costume that encases the head.
“The people in the audience cannot see my face,” she said in a phone interview this month. “Daniel’s voice is recorded.”
Mhoon — who lives in Brooklyn, New York — said there are robotic elements to her costume, which presents some flexibility and range-of-motion challenges.
“It is quite hard to move inside of the costume, but it’s also fulfilling when they open the curtains on the opening act and everybody’s yelling for me,” Mhoon said. “So it’s all worth it. I see many qualities in myself that Daniel has. Daniel is optimistic. He’s inclusive. He tries to include everyone.”
Aimed at children around preschool age, the stage production is an offshoot of the animated television series “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.”
The program emanates from The Fred Rogers Company, and airs through PBS Kids.
Additionally, it is an often-streamed show, with tens of millions of streams per month.
Helping to take the series from living rooms to theaters is Dean Cestari, a 20-year-old native of Long Island, New York, who plays a Neighbor in the touring production.
The Neighbor is otherwise known as Handy Harry, “pretty much just an outgoing, fun guy,” according to Cestari, who now lives in New York City.
The actor said one of the tests that the theatrical production presents is “learning how to sing properly while doing a lot of dancing.”
Also a swing cast member who needs to be adept as a substitute in various roles, Cestari is receiving on-the-road training in the physical demands of such a production.
“I think my biggest challenge has been finding the stamina to be able to sing well and sing clearly and project, while also being so out of breath from all the dancing and running around that we’re doing,” he said.
Despite any barriers that must be cleared, Cestari appreciates the unique audience of tots that he helps entertain and educate.
“I think one of the incredible things about doing this show for kids is that kids are so expressive, and you can tell when they’re having a great time or when they’re having a bad time,” Cestari said. “A lot of the times you can see if they’re smiling, they’re singing along, they’re dancing. You can just see that right there in the audience, and you’re able to see that what you’re doing is making an impact.”
Characters from “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!” strive to make a connection with families in attendance, and get them involved.
Cestari pointed out that he, for instance, goes into the audience quite often.
Promotional material for the stage show states that “helping others and celebrating new experiences” are key themes.
Furthermore, “laughter and grr-fic surprises” are also in the mix.
‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!’
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Where: Star Plaza Theatre, 8001 Delaware Place, Merrillville
When: 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13
Tickets: $24, $34, $54
Information: 219-769-6311, www.starplazatheatre.com