Hungry Caterpillar Takes the Stage in Oz

The Joester Loria Group and Eric Carle Studio premiered the new live show "The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show and Other Timeless Stories" at Sydney Festival in Australia this month. 

The reception was so enthusiastic that shows had to be added, making "The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show and Other Timeless Stories" the fastest-selling show of this year's Sydney Festival.

Produced by Joey Creative and created in partnership with regional agent Haven Licensing, the live show brings to life the children’s books of Eric Carle including The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly and The Artist Who Painted A Blue Horse. 

Eric Carle’s iconic characters are represented in 75 puppets created in the artist's distinctive collage style, and a giant pop-up book serves as a centerpiece on the stage.

A variety of activities also accompany the show including an interactive zone for kids to take photos with the puppets and create their own hungry caterpillar, as well as an exhibition of signed Eric Carle lithographs.

Following its run in Sydney, the show will tour to Melbourne, Brisbane, Penrith, Queanbeyan and Newcastle. 

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a seminal children’s book, one that has introduced generations of children into the wonderful world of storytelling," says show producer, Jonathan Worsley. "And now, we have the opportunity to do the very same–to introduce a whole new generation to the storytelling through theater. For many this will be their first experience, and we want to make it a magical one. To faithfully take a book that means so much to so many people, and create a new interpretation for the stage is both a privilege and an honor.”