CENTRE WELLINGTON – Wear your PJ’s, bring your favourite stuffed toy, and come to downtown Fergus on Dec. 7 for the Fergus Santa Claus Parade.
And after Santa passes by, come in and warm up at the theatre and watch a special 3pm matinee performance of The Velveteen Rabbit.
The Velveteen Rabbit is an adaptation of Margery Williams’ children’s story, featuring shadow puppetry, dance, and original music.
This rendition the tale begins on Christmas Eve, 2075.
A young boy has waited all night to find out if he’s gotten a new toy rocket that flies just like the “real thing.”
His grandmother decides to let him stay up a little later, as long as he listens to a story she has to tell, about a toy called the Velveteen Rabbit.
The grandmother tells the story of a Christmas morning years ago, where a little girl opens her presents and finds just what she wanted – an Astronaut Space Explorer and the Three Chimes Cuddle doll.
Her final present ends up being… just a regular stuffed bunny?
Cuddle and Astro interrogate the Velveteen Rabbit – trying to find out what makes her unique, like a real rabbit.
But she can’t do cool tricks like they can.
They’re interrupted by another toy, Raggedy Ann – an inherited toy who’s been around a long time.
Raggedy tells the Velveteen Rabbit what being “real” actually means: Not having cool gadgets or buttons that make sounds, but being truly loved by the child that takes care of you, and making memories together.
We first hear from the Velveteen Rabbit when she discovers that’s exactly what she wants, to love the little girl, and be loved in return; to become real.
“This show teaches us important lessons about love, friendship, and belonging,” says theatre coordinator Eric Goudie.
“It takes the business of being a kid seriously, and celebrates the act of growing up, while still being a lot of fun.”
Tickets for all shows are now on sale, and are available in the box office, by phone at 519-787-1981, or online at fergusgrandtheatre.ca.
