Monday, Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. — RANDOLPH — “The Little Engine That Could” is a classic children’s story that illustrates the power of friendship, inner strength, and self-confidence, as expressed in the plucky little train engine’s determined refrain: “I think I can! I think I can!” On Monday, Feb. 2, at 10 a.m., Chandler Center for the Arts presents a musical version of Watty Piper’s beloved book. The adaptation, “The Little Engine That Could Earns Her Whistle,” was written and produced by ArtsPower, a New Jersey-based touring company that has earned widespread respect as one of the finest production companies for youth and family theater in the United States.
“The Little Engine That Could Earns Her Whistle” is set in the world of the Piney Vale Train Station, where the boss, Silver Engine, keeps everyone in line and all the trains running on schedule. Silver Engine considers Little Blue much too small to pull the Piney Vale express, but Little Blue still dreams of doing so and seeing the wide world beyond the train yard. Little Blue’s best friend Rusty has pulled the Express for years, until Silver Engine forces him to retire. Another engine, Little Red, takes Rusty’s place, but when Little Red is hurt, Little Blue finally gets her chance to prove she can pull the Express. Presented with her big opportunity at last, she wonders if she can really do it, but her belief in herself allows her to make it, even up the most challenging hill!
The show’s lively, Broadway-style score and bright, engaging sets and costumes are the work of ArtsPower, a company founded in 1985 by brothers Mark and Gary Blackman. ArtsPower has performed in 49 of the 50 states, including such prestigious venues as Lincoln Center in New York City and the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Since its inception, ArtsPower has created 29 original musicals and plays for youth and family audiences, many of them based on classic children’s stories.
ArtsPower’s artistic director, Greg Gunning, adapted and directs “The Little Engine That Could Earns Her Whistle.” Gunning also wrote the lyrics, with music composed and orchestrated by Richard DeRosa. Enjoyable for all ages but aimed primarily at an audience of kindergarteners through second graders, “The Little Engine That Could Earns Her Whistle” is perfect for school groups as well as community members in general.
“For many children, ‘The Little Engine That Could Earns Her Whistle’ may be the first stage production they ever see,” noted Gary Blackman. “Our goal is not only to teach them valuable lessons about self-reliance, but also instill in them a love of theatre.”
Tickets to the performance in the Main Hall are only $6 and may be purchased by calling 802-431-0204 or emailing outreach@chandler-arts.org. Chandler’s Main Hall and galleries are handicapped accessible. Chandler Center for the Arts is located at 71-73 Main Street, Randolph.
For more info, visit chandler-arts.org.
Photo courtesy of Chandler Center for the Arts
Cast of “The Little Engine That Could Earns Her Whistle” perform the lively show.
