Edina native's kids' book hits Hopkins stage

Bruce Challgren

“I Like Me” has singing, dancing and lots of colorful animal characters.

For the long MEA weekend, Stages Theatre offers special shows of a production based on Nancy Carlson's book for younger kids.

By JOY PETERSEN, Special to the Star Tribune

Last update: October 13, 2009 - 5:16 PM

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I LIKE ME

When: 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Thu. and Fri.; 1 & 7 p.m. Sat.; 2 & 4:30 p.m. Sun., as well as other regular dates through Oct. 25

Where: Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins

Tickets: $15 for adults; $12 for youth (age 4-17) and seniors; lap passes are also available

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Louanne Pig and Harriet Dog come to life in Stages Theatre's production of "I Like Me," a play adapted from Edina native Nancy Carlson's book.

The Hopkins company, which began its season Sept. 25, hopes to attract families to the production over the long MEA weekend with special showings on Thursday and Friday. The idea is to provide some entertainment during the two days kids get off from school while their teachers attend a professional conference.

This year the company will present shows Thursday through Sunday, with a meet-and-greet session planned with Carlson, who now lives in Minneapolis, on Saturday following the afternoon show.

Though the book is aimed at younger children, Ryan said the play has attracted school audiences up through fourth grade. Through song and dance, the play focuses on self-esteem and the importance of being true to oneself.

Tickets range from free to $15, depending on a child's age. The play runs through Oct. 25.

This is the eighth book Stages has adapted from Carlson's collection, and she's lent her stories over the past 18 years with enthusiasm. "It's just fun to see your concepts come alive in such a huge medium."

Carlson has written books based on specific characters. "I Like Me" was the first where she concentrated on a theme. She said it "popped in her head" one afternoon, and she wrote it on the spot.

Out of her collection of more than 60 books, Carlson said this is the one with the best theme, which she said is depicted perfectly in the play.

"To have a successful life, you have to like yourself. In the play it comes across loud and clear."

Carlson was interested to see how the production staff could create a story that was only about Louanne Pig, but after reading the script twice, it was obvious the playwrights had done their homework.

"They've taken characters from the other books and put them in the play," she said. "It's all part of the same body of work."

Carlson said the play incorporates the same aesthetic as the books, including bright colors and exact characters. "It was beyond what I could imagine."

Joy Petersen is a Minneapolis freelance writer.

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