Ferdinand the Bull Plays The Jorgensen 3/13

It takes a strong creature to go against the cheering masses, to swim against the tide of social expectation, to be an individual and stand up for principle - especially if you're a bull in a ring and there's a red cape nearby.

Enter Ferdinand, the Gandhi of bovines, onto Jorgensen's stage in two shows Sunday, March 13, in a Bank of America Children's Series event.

The story, as created by Ferdinand the Bull author Munro Leaf and adapted musically here by award-winning playwright Karen Zacarias, is about a bull who prefers picking flowers over joining Spain's national blood sport. He finds a kindred spirit in Danilo, a young nobleman whose father wants him to be the lord of the ring. But Danilo rebels, as sons often do, and bonds with Ferdinand in fighting for a just cause. You'll want to yell Olé!

This production by Childsplay of Tempe, Arizona, integrates Spanish, flamenco dancing and original music to create a delightful family theatrical experience for fans of the beloved storybook. Playwright Zacarias is author of Chasing George Washington: A White House Adventure, Einstein Is a Dummy, The Magical Piñata, and Cinderella Eats Rice and Beans: A Salsa Musical. Music is by Deborah Wicks La Puma.

Andrés Alcalá, a Portland, Oregon, actor and director, plays the title role. Alcalá has extensive credits bringing children's characters alive (Skin Horse in The Velveteen Rabbit, Duck and Huntsman in Peter and the Wolf and Engywook in The Neverending Story) and has played Shakespearean roles.

Colin Ross plays the young matador don't-wanna-be, Doquito Danilo. After touring with the show in Arizona and California, the young actor joined the national tour. Husband and wife team, Jesse Berger and Laura Berger, play Duque Dodo, Danilo's father, and Cochina, respectively.

Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2132 Hillside Road on the UConn campus in Storrs. Regular tickets are $11 for children, $13 for adults. For tickets and information, call the Box Office at 860.486.4226, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., or order online at jorgensen.uconn.edu. Convenient free parking is available across the street in the North Garage.

 

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