The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
The power of the pig
Akron-bound ‘Peppa Pig’s Adventure’ has lots for little ones to love, producer says
Growing up in Minerva, Josh Blackburn fondly remembers seeing touring productions of “Sesame Street Live” and “Barney & Friends” as a child.
Little did he know at the time such a fascination with live theater and tours eventually would blossom into a career. Today, the Brooklyn, New York, resident is employed by live-entertainment production company Round Room Live.
“As a kid, we saw some regional theater shows, but I was way more into the music business, concerts and things like that,” said Blackburn, calling from New York City. “Then in college, I found the business side of the theater industry, which made a little more sense to me.
“At the time, there wasn’t a lot of good news coming out of the music industry so I switched over to theater and the rest is history.”
These days, Blackburn is working directly as a producer
of the nationally touring Peppa Pig Live!, which not only recently returned to the road but is scheduled to appear April 19 at the Akron Civic Theatre.
“The fanbase is ready to see Peppa again,” Blackburn said. “I was in New Orleans for one of the first performances being back on the road. When Daddy Pig
walked onstage, you would think it was Elvis with the screams and applause. That’s pretty amazing for a show that’s been around for so long on TV.
“The simplicity and love and kindness that the show puts out into the world really resonates with those kids and fans. Just having Peppa and exploring her
world with her family, it’s really something that every generation of new preschooler can resonate with their mom, dad and little brother trying to navigate a big world. It’s a lot of fun.”
The popular Nick Jr. show “Peppa Pig” revolves around the adventures of the loveable titular character — whose favorite things
include playing games, dressing up, spending days outdoors and jumping in muddy puddles — as well as her brother, George and Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig.
Regarding “Peppa Pig’s Adventure,” the show finds the gang going camping, learning about animals, telling stories and singing songs around a campfire.
“It’s like an extended episode that’s much more musical,” he said. “Some songs are specifically written for the ‘Peppa Pig’s Adventure’ but then there’s ‘The Bing Bong Song’ everybody is familiar with in the Peppa world, as well as ‘Jumping in Muddy Puddles.’”
It’s the latter that actually ends up being an important life lesson for the preschool viewers.
“Peppa sort of embraces the muddy puddles,” Blackburn said. “As long as you’re prepared with your boots, you’re just stomping and keep moving forward. She embraces the challenges working through her everyday problems and comes out a happy little pig on the other side.”