This is Valley Youth Theatre’s 11^th annual production of A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail, and gives many young people their first theatre experience. You’ll hear several kids erupt into uninhibited laughter throughout the show, especially after the search for the elusive Christmas tail begins. 

Shawn Hathcock plays the loyal, honey-loving Pooh Bear, with Hannah Blaile as his almost inseparable, d-d-d-dear friend Piglet. They try to raise Eeyore’s spirits with Think Yourself Up in a scene complete with a seesaw with Piglet balanced in the middle. But as Eeyore, Yichao Wang is not going to stop being glum that easily, preferring to wallow in his classic slow-talking melancholy until he’s got his tail back on. 

Help is on the way in the form of the other inhabitants of the woods, all friends of their kind alter ego Christopher Robin (Matt Cordon). Cathy Landry is the dramatic and self-important Rabbit who eagerly takes it upon herself to take charge of the situation. Ashley Waggoner is Kanga, the talkative and unbearably proud mother of sweet, perfect little Roo (Morgan Karns) who seems to be constantly getting in trouble with momma Kanga. Then there’s the wise Owl who is a little bit upper crust English owl and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll, with Christine Margo turning in a great solo. And what Winnie-the-Pooh story could be complete without the lovable Tigger, with Justin Rapp injecting a great deal of vim and vigor into the show while knocking the other cast members down with his enthusiasm and marveling at his own strength by kissing his bicep. 

Performs December 1-23, 2006.

Rob Hopper
National Youth Theatre

Piglet: