That fanciful creature with rotten teeth, orange eyes, black tongue, purple prickles and terrible tusks -- otherwise known as the Gruffalo -- will be visiting several Pittsburgh-area stages this week.
"The Gruffalo," presented by Pittsburgh International Children's Theater, features the stage version of the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson. In the story, Mouse -- a rodent about to become lunch -- talks her way to safety by spinning a tall tale about a big, bad "Gruffalo" that will come to terrify the predators. Then, Mouse, who is searching for nuts, faces a giant surprise when, later, she comes face-to-face with the very creature she invented.
Alan Park, the actor who plays the Gruffalo, says his character is a curious cross between a big bear and the Yeti, otherwise known as the Abominable Snowman. Park, who is British and traveling through America for the play's tour, says Mouse has a vivid imagination. She instantly makes up things about the Gruffalo as she tries to trick the fox, owl and snake who hungrily eye her.
"All the things the mouse thinks about, that's what the Gruffalo becomes," says Park, who lives in London. "The moral of the story is, really, no matter how small or how big you are, you can get yourself out of any situation.
"It's one of those stories that feels very familiar," Park says.
When Mouse encounters the Gruffalo, is the creature real or still a figment of Mouse's imagination and a product of the "deep, dark wood"⢠The play, intended for children age 3 and older, leaves it up to children to decide for themselves, Park says.
Park has his own take on the mystery.
"I think the Gruffalo does exist, but maybe only in the deep, dark woods," he says. "There's something magical about this forest. It brings these animals to life."
Many children in the audience will identify with Mouse, Park says. Audience members are encouraged to participate in the show and help Mouse, by warning the carnivores about the Gruffalo that supposedly is coming.
"The Gruffalo" -- a production of London-based Tall Stories -- features an original musical score, with a recorded soundtrack, singing and dancing. One person plays the fox, owl and snake, each of which has a distinctive personality, Park says. The fox is a sly trickster, while the owl acts like a retired army colonel. The snake, he says, is flamboyant and likes to dance and party.
The set, Park says, is simple and basic, with just a few trees. It promotes the idea of creativity, and that "all it takes to create a show is some acting and your imagination."
Additional Information:'The Gruffalo'
When and where:
• 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Marshall Middle School
• 7 p.m. Friday, Moon Area High School
• 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Mt. Lebanon High School
• 2 p.m. Sunday, Byham Theater, Downtown
• 7 p.m. Wednesday, Gateway High School, Monroeville
Admission: $9.50 in advance; $11 at the door
Details: 412-456-6666 or www.pghkids.org
