Inspired by true-life story of Central Park Zoo penguin parents,
whimsical work invites audiences to jump into a baby penguin birthday party

Vancouver, BC – Carousel Theatre for Young People (CTYP), Vancouver International Children’s Festival, and Zee Zee Theatre present the world premiere of Vancouver playwright Dave Deveau’s The Papa Penguin Play. Inspired by the true story of two male penguins who were gifted an egg at New York’s Central Park Zoo – as well as Deveau’s own parenting experience – the playful and imaginative work follows a pair of penguin fathers and their zoo keeper friend as they navigate the delightful chaos of throwing a first birthday party.

WATERFRONT THEATRE
1412 Cartwright Street, Granville Island
May 15 - June 1

“Since my husband and I became fathers six years ago, we’ve searched for stories that represent and celebrate queer families, and the adorable children’s book, And Tango Makes Three – about Central Park Zoo’s unconventional penguin family – has been an inspiration,” says playwright Deveau, who also serves as Co-Artistic and Managing Director of Carousel Theatre for Young People. “I wanted to create a work that added to this legacy in recognition of the many different ways a family can look, while also being an exuberant celebration of one of life’s most exciting milestones – a baby’s first birthday!”

In The Papa Penguin Play, penguins Peaches and Izzy are the Zoo’s main attraction: two male penguins who put on daily shows to visitors’ delight. Their dream to have a family of their own comes true, thanks to help from their friendly Zoo Keeper, when they are gifted an egg, which through their diligent care yields their baby chick, Hedgie. The play welcomes children ages 3-8 and their families to put on their party hats and step inside the colourful and family-affirming celebration that is Hedgie’s first birthday.

The visually-spectacular, over-the-top show pulls out all the stops to celebrate the occasion, with puppetry, drag performance, musical numbers, and audience immersion into a joyful hour of theatre for young audiences.

“It is an essential part of CTYP’s mission to tell stories with, for, by, and about underrepresented youth and families,” says Jennica Grienke,  Co-Artistic and Managing Director of Carousel Theatre for Young People. “For far too long CTYP’s stage ignored queer families. We are here to celebrate them now!”

The Carousel presentation will be directed by Deveau’s husband, co-parent, and Artistic and Executive Director of Zee Zee Theatre, Cameron Mackenzie, and stars Jeffrey Follis, Kosta Lemermeyer, Rae Takei, and Katie Voravong.

The creative team also includes Set Designer Kimira Reddy; Sound Designer MJ Coomber; Lighting Designer Victoria Bell; Props Designer Monica Emme; Puppet Designer & Director Stephanie Elgersma; and Movement Coach Nicole Rose Bond.

The Papa Penguin Play will feature several special events throughout its run, including a mandatory masked performance on May 18 (11am) and a VocalEye described performance on May 25 (4pm).

Tickets and information at carouseltheatre.ca

About Carousel Theatre for Young People (carouseltheatre.ca)

Carousel Theatre for Young People (est. 1976) empowers young people and families through playful, imaginative and accessible theatre experiences that develop emotional literacy. CTYP uses theatre arts to inspire, support and encourage the healthy development of young people in their journey to become healthy, confident, well rounded, compassionate human beings. We envision a community that empowers young people to be imaginative, expressive and engaged. CYTP is the only company in BC that presents a season of professional local, national, and international plays for young audiences, commissions new works, mentors emerging artists in the field, and offers a robust drama school for ages 3 to 17.

CTYP creates and performs on the beautiful ancestral, traditional, and unceded territories of the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish and Musqueam Nations. Located on Granville Island, we are a gathering place for artists and young people at the crossroads of imagination and possibility. Our commitment to artistic excellence has resulted in a strong reputation as Vancouver’s professional mainstage TYA company, a growing, loyal audience base, and numerous Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards, including seven nominations and four wins in 2022.