THE SHOW:  

It’s Christmastime in the Hundred Acre Wood, but not everyone’s in a holiday mood. Eeyore is even more depressed than usual. His tail has fallen off again, and it may be lost forever in the woods. If this Christmas Tail is going to end merrily, Winnie-the-Pooh and all his familiar friends are going to have to find it and pin that tail on the donkey. With book, music, and lyrics by James W. Rodgers, this Valley Youth Theatre annual tradition has been helping prime Arizona's youth for the holidays since 1996.  

THE PRODUCTION:  

'Tis the season of traditions, and this cast rises to the 20-year tradition of bringing to life the characters of A. A. Milne's imagination in a way that has the young audience mesmerized and excited, many of whom may be experiencing their first live theater performance. There's Charlie Siegel as Christopher Robin playing delightedly with his animal friends. Benny Cowans as Rabbit humorously and anxiously takes charge of the desperate search. Ethan Shanker as our favorite pessimist Eeyore laments with little hope of being reunited with his appendage. Jake Bonar brings a rush of energy as Tigger. Noa Gauthier is a hoot as the wise Owl who is quite pleased with her new hanging doorbell. And Tiana Marks is hilarious as the ultra-proud parent of little Roo (Ivon Staneva) as she tenaciously tries to get everyone to ask about her child with sort-of subtle hints aided by Roo who is always quick to pose for attention.

And most of all there's Winnie-the-Pooh. Jessica Sinodis is charming with her voice, expressions, and body language as she captures the persona of Pooh, always with adorable Olivia Fearey as oft-pensive Piglet in tow. Their woodland friends round out the cast delightfully as they search for the tail, put on a party, and wish the audience a Merry Christmas. Great costumes and makeup by Karol Cooper, as well as nice sets and one of the few opportunities for snowfall in Phoenix, all help wrap up this annual gift to Arizona families.

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Performed December 4 - 23, 2015

Rob Hopper
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Executive Director
National Youth Arts

~ Cast ~ 

Christopher Robin: