Synchronicity Theatre to Present Musical Adaptation of Classic Children’s Story Mr. Popper’s Penguins

Synchronicity Theatre in Midtown Atlanta will celebrate the holidays with Mr. Popper’s Penguins, a family-friendly musical based on the 1938 children’s book about a humble house painter who gets a cool surprise when Antarctic explorer Admiral Drake ships him a penguin. Performances run from December 9, 2016 to January 1, 2017 and are suitable for children age 3 and up.

Mr. Popper’s Penguins is directed by Synchronicity’s producing artistic director Rachel May, and will feature music direction by Alli Lingenfelter and choreography by Jennifer Smiles Plumley. The cast includes Atlanta-based actors Brandon Partrick as Mr. Popper, Megan Wheeler as Mrs. Popper, Jacob McKee as Bill, Janeva Sibdhannie as Jane, and Brian Jordan, who along with the entire cast, will assume multiple roles based on beloved characters from the book.

The production is a high-energy, faithful adaptation of the 1930’s and 40’s style of the book. The penguins will be portrayed with puppets, and will be “brought to life” by the actors on the stage. Six actors will play more than 23 characters. A world will be designed in which the penguins transform the characters from a black and white, “ho-hum“ existence into a world where dreams come true. The set, costumes, and lighting will use the original illustrations for inspiration.

New to the Family Series this season is PJs & Play. Every Friday, kids are invited to wear pajamas and enjoy milk and cookies while watching the show. There will be special PJs & Play New Year’s Eve Countdown shows on January 1, 2017 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Throughout the run of the show, families can experience the wonderment of swimming and hanging out with penguins with pre-show footage courtesy of Georgia Aquarium. Little ones can also have their photos taken with the George Waddlesworth statue and bench that will be located in the lobby area during show. Members of the public are also invited to attend a special preview of Mr. Popper’s Penguins on November 19, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Georgia Aquarium as part of the kick-off to its Festival of the SEAson.

Show times for Mr. Popper’s Penguins are Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. All performances will be at Synchronicity Theatre in Midtown Atlanta’s Peachtree Pointe complex. Single ticket prices range from $20-22 for adults and $15-16 for children and are available online at www.synchrotheatre.com.

School matinee performances are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. School group tickets are $8-10 for weekday matinees. Please contact Caitlin White at caitlin@synchrotheatre.com for detailed information about planning a field trip to Synchronicity.