A theater company billed as producing high-quality, low-cost theater to audiences and schools in Northwest Indiana has found a home in Michigan City.
Alliance Children’s Theater of Indiana, which is working out of Canterbury Theatre in Michigan City, stages its debut production, the musical “A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail,” Dec. 16-17 as part of Canterbury Winter Arts Series.
“I love children’s theater. It’s something that we need to work on in this area,” said Donald R. Beck, director of “A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail.”
“They have a great facility. They have a terrific workshop and a great rehearsal hall. There’s not a bad seat in the house. It’s a good theater to work in.”
Beck, who has done theater for approximately 40 years, started in October as artistic director of Canterbury Winter Arts Series and chose to remount a show he co-directed in 2016 at Chicago Street Theatre in Valparaiso.
“We’re looking at Canterbury to bring in some different acts and some variety to keep the winter theater going along in Michigan City. I jumped at the chance to do the show because we had such a good time doing it last year,” said Beck, of Michigan City.
“The cast was up for it so we thought it was a good fit.”
“A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail” features book, music and lyrics by James W. Rodgers and is based on books by A.A. Milne.
The crew for Alliance Children’s Theater of Indiana’s production includes musical director Taylor Moss of Valparaiso, and choreographer Abby May of Michigan City.
“It’s a show about helping friends and sharing and caring. Everyone’s probably very familiar with the characters of Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Rabbit and Christopher Robin,” Beck said.
“Eeyore sings a song about feeling neglected and overlooked and being by himself. A lot of people can identify with that during the holiday season. He’s broken. He’s lost his tail so Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet decide to help him.
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“They encourage him to think positive, keep his chin up and stand up to your troubles. It’s all about taking care of one another and accepting people for who they are. Each of the characters has a unique trait. They all accept each other in spite of those idiosyncrasies.
“It’s a great story for any time of year but especially for the holiday season.”
The cast includes Chesterton, Gary, Highland, LaPorte, Portage, Porter and Valparaiso residents.
“They’re very experienced actors. I’ve worked with many of them on several occasions,” said Beck, noting that he directed several of the cast members in “You Can’t Take It With You” in fall at Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso and worked with others on a Footlight Players show in Michigan City.
“They’re a good group. Even though it’s a children’s show they take it very seriously. They work hard and they’re dedicated to this production. I’m certainly very blessed to have them.”
Beck already is looking to the future and plans to stage the musical “Wiley and the Hairy Man” under the Alliance Children’s Theater of Indiana banner in March at Canterbury Theatre.
“I want to excite young people. I want to entertain them and educate them about the power of theater by doing quality work and just positive, inspirational stories,” he said.
“What I’m trying to do is incorporate local actors and provide work with experienced actors, directors and designers and creative staging so children really understand that theater can be magic.”
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
‘A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail’
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16; 2 and 5 p.m. Dec. 17
Where: Canterbury Theatre, 807 Franklin St., Michigan City
Tickets: $10 adults; $5 children
Information: 219-874-4269; www.festivalplayersguild.org