The Backyardigans are bringing their musical backyard adventures to Port Alberni this Saturday, Jan. 28.
Uniqua, Pablo, Tyrone, Tasha and Austin usually find something to explore in their backyard; mysteries last just as long as one episode on Nickelodeon.
Director and choreographer Patti Caplette and her crew will ensure that television magic comes to life on stage at the ADSS Auditorium (1 p.m.) in The Backyardigans Quest for the Extra Ordinary Aliens.
“With the live show we follow the same format of the TV show in that the kids come out in the backyard to play. Someone has an idea that they’re a detective or in our case, a cookie-stealing alien protector,” Caplette said in a telephone interview.
“We go with them through their imagination, through other landscapes and places.”
The characters are larger than life, Caplette explains. “It’s fantastic to see the audience’s big inhale of breath when they see the characters on stage. They go crazy. It’s wonderful.”
The live show features the same voices as the characters children know from the television program, Caplette said. “We felt it was very important to get the exact actors and people who do the Backyardigans show. Their voices are recognizable.”
The travelling show uses CGI animation for background screens; the number of screens depends on the size of the stage, she said. They use ‘maskateer’ performers that are more like a body puppet than a mascot, allowing the people inside to dance and act.
“Our shows are designed for family audiences,” said Caplette.
Tickets to the Backyardigans are $23.50 each and are available at the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce.
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