THE VELVETEEN RABBIT
WHEN: Saturday, April 6, 4 PM
WHERE: bergenPAC, 30 N. Van Brunt Street, Englewood
TICKETS: $59, $39, $29
Tickets available at: www.ticketmaster.com or www.bergenpac.org or
Box Office 201.227.1030
A stuffed rabbit sewn from velveteen is given as a Christmas present to a small boy but is neglected for toys of higher quality or function, which shun him in response. The rabbit is informed of magically becoming Real by the wisest and oldest toy in the nursery as a result of extreme adoration and love from children, and he is awed by this concept; however, his chances of achieving this wish are slight.
The journey of the rabbit and boy shows us the meaning of friendship, the importance of long-lasting relationships and the value of knowing how to love and be loved.
With successful productions at theatres around the country, this fantasy play is enjoyable to all groups, including adults. Written as a "memory play," The Velveteen Rabbit is an emotional journey through time, as told through the eyes of a young man looking back on his childhood. By reliving the relationship between his 4-year-old self and his favorite toy, the velveteen rabbit, he rediscovers the true meaning of friendship. Central to the story is, of course, the velveteen rabbit, who is introduced to the idea of becoming real by the old rocking horse. The play explores the rewards of loyalty, the poignancy of loss, and the wonderful, surprising powers of love.
The Velveteen Rabbit is a children’s novel written by Margery Williams and illustrated by William Nicholson. The book was first published in 1922 and has been republished many times since.The Velveteen Rabbit was Williams' first children's book. It has been awarded the IRA/CBC Children's Choice award. Based on a 2007 online poll, the National Education Association named the book one of its "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children."
