The Kelsey Theatre Returns to the Hundred Acre wood for an all new musical adventure

Once again that tubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff is coming to the Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College. Maurer Productions OnStage presents "A Winnie-the-Pooh Birthday Tail" Friday, August 15 at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, August 16, 17, 23, 24 at 2 & 4 p.m.

Once again the MPO Puppet will present an enchanting musical adaptation based on the timeless tales of A.A. Milne, Maurer Productions takes a uniquely creative approach to the story of Pooh and friends. With the exception of Christopher Robin, all the other characters who reside in the Hundred Acre Wood - Eeyore, Piglet, Rabbit, Owl, Tigger, Kanga, Roo and more - are hand-crafted, stage-size puppets that were custom-built for this show.

Designed and built over several months, the puppets, are presented in the Japanese style of Bunraku. "The puppeteers are not hidden behind walls or under the floor." Said Diana Gilman Maurer the director. "They are on stage with their puppet. This creates a hybrid performance that blends the actors' expressions with their puppet characters."

Starring in "Winnie the Pooh" are: Thomas Martella as Christopher Robin and Toni Campbell as Pooh. Appearing as Pooh's colorful companions in the Hundred Acre Wood are: Jake Bazel as Tigger, David Miller as Owl, Jesse Dubin as Eeyore, Marty Berrien as Rabbit, and Nicole Spadafino as Piglet. Kanga is a two-person puppet played by Rosie Karlin and her Daughter Molly Karlin. Also featured are Stacy Maurer as Sunny Bunny/Tiggers right arm; Hunter Maurer as Funny Bunny and Amanda Maurer as Honey Bunny. The production team includes director/producer Diana Gilman Maurer, musical director Buzz Herman, choreographer Jane Coult and stage manager Jeff Cantor.

The Kelsey Theatre is conveniently located on the college's West Windsor campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road.

Tickets are $8 for children and seniors, and $10 for adults. Free parking is available next to the theatre. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible and provides assisted listening devices upon request. For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit the Kelsey webpage or call the box office for a brochure.