One of Australia’s best-known children’s picture books will make its Melbourne stage debut next summer, with The Very Cranky Bear being adapted into a new musical at Arts Centre Melbourne.
Based on the book by Australian author and illustrator Nick Bland, the production will play a limited season at the Playhouse from January 13 to 16, 2027, following its world premiere at the Sydney Opera House in December.
First published in 2008, The Very Cranky Bear follows four friends who seek shelter from a storm in a cave in the Jingle Jangle Jungle, only to discover it is occupied by a bear who wants to sleep. Zebra, Moose and Lion attempt to cheer him up, while Sheep eventually takes a different approach.
The stage adaptation has been written by Tim McGarry, whose credits include Boy Swallows Universe, with original music by Gabbi Bolt, who worked on Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical. Nicole Pingon will direct the production.
Arts Centre Melbourne Families & Children Creative Producer Rebecca Armstrong said the book had established itself as a familiar part of Australian children’s literature since its publication.
“Since The Very Cranky Bear was first published in 2008 it has quickly become a classic of Australian children’s literature. With the exceptional CDP and the talented Tim McGarry and Gabbi Bolt behind this adaption, Arts Centre Melbourne couldn’t be more excited to bring this magical new musical to Melbourne this summer!” Armstrong said.
The production is being staged by CDP Theatre Producers, which has previously adapted children’s books including Alison Lester’s Magic Beach, Andy Griffiths’ YOU & ME and The Land of Lost Things and Dav Pilkey’s DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL for the stage at Arts Centre Melbourne.
McGarry said developing the production with the creative team had been “a total joy”.
“Creating this new musical work for CDP has been a total joy! Gabbi’s music is electric, Nicole’s directorial vision sublime, and Mel’s set and costumes exquisite!” he said.
Bolt said the team had sought to remain faithful to the character of Bland’s books while turning the story into a musical.
“Tim, myself and the whole team have worked very hard to honour the humorous, whimsical and colourful world of Nick Bland’s incredible books. And how special to bring it to the Playhouse! Melbourne’s going to love this jingle jangle jungle!” she said.
Bland grew up in the Victorian bush and spent his twenties in Melbourne, where he worked in a bookshop while illustrating readers in his spare time. He has since written and illustrated numerous children’s titles and now lives in Darwin, where he works full-time as an author and illustrator.
Earlier this year, The Very Cranky Bear was shortlisted in Guardian Australia’s poll of the best children’s picture books.
The Melbourne season will form part of Arts Centre Melbourne’s Kids & Families Program, which has been running since 2009. The centre is expected to announce its full summer program for children and families next month.
Discounted early bird tickets for The Very Cranky Bear are available until 11.59pm on Friday, August 21, or until the allocated tickets are exhausted.
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