A Timeless Tale for Young Theatre Audiences

"Funny, enchanting and visually inventive, The Boy Who Cried Wolf represents Tutti Frutti at their absolute best." —British Theater Guide.

"The children in the audience were captivated from the offset but, as it happens, so too were the adults. It was enchanting, uplifting and could melt the heart of any children's theatre cynic." —Lauren Masterman, Yorkshire Times.

MALIBU, CA – March 18, 2024 – Full of wisdom and excitement, “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” from Tutti Frutti Productions and York Theatre Royal performs at Smothers Theatre on Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Written by playwright Mike Kenny and inspired by Aesop’s famous fable, this is a beautiful wintery tale about a boy who learns that “nobody believes a liar, even when they’re telling the truth.” A gifted ensemble of actor-musicians play instruments and sing live as they embody all the delightful characters, including hilarious sheep and perhaps a scary wolf or two. All set in a village of knitters with fingers flicking, needles clicking, and where every new jumper tells a tale! Ultimately, Silas finds a place for himself (and his imagination) in his warm, wooly community. “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” is a story about false alarm, speaking the truth, and an ultimate tale of bravery. This is a warm, funny, and thoroughly engaging tale with a gifted ensemble of actor-musicians who play the endearing characters, the hilarious sheep, and perhaps a scary wolf or two!

Tutti Frutti Productions, led by artistic director Wendy Harris, has an excellent reputation for producing first-class children's theatre and has toured this show twice already in the UK. Now, they are embarking on their third tour of this successful production and third visit to the USA, having previously toured "The "Ugly Duckling" in 2023 and "Underneath A Magical Moon" in 2019. This is the largest tour of the USA that Tutti Frutti has embarked on, and it represents a proud moment for the small children's theatre company based in the north of England.

Artistic Director Wendy Harris reflects, “As a small children’s theatre company from Leeds, England, it is a big achievement to tour a production around the USA, and this is the third time we have done it. This is also our biggest run of dates in the USA, so we are really proud, particularly because we have such an amazing creative team who can produce a brilliant show suitable for all the family.”

Tutti Frutti has been creating imaginative, visual, and meaningful story-based theatre for children for over 25 years. They specialize in bringing fantastic, distinctive, and carefully crafted shows to children aged 3+ and their families and teachers across the UK and the world. They commission award-winning writers like Mike Kenny, Evan Placey, and Emma Reeves to create new plays for children and adaptations of traditional stories. Over the years, Tutti Frutti has delivered high-quality touring productions and built an excellent reputation for inventive, creative, and highly physical productions for children aged 3+ and their families.

Tickets, priced at $15-$30 for the public and $10 for full-time Pepperdine students, are available now by calling (310) 506-4522 or online at the The Boy Who Cried Wolf event page.

About the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts

Delighting more than 50,000 patrons and participants annually with live performances, art exhibitions, and local outreach opportunities, the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts serves as a hub for the arts on Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus, uniquely linking professional guest artists with Pepperdine students as well as patrons from surrounding Southern California communities. Three performance spaces, including the 450-seat Smothers Theatre, the 124-seat Raitt Recital Hall, and the “black box” Lindhurst Theatre, host hundreds of performances, rehearsals, and master classes throughout the year. The Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art, a dynamic, two-story exhibition space, showcases a revolving selection of modern and contemporary art with a focus on art made in California.

 

Event Details

WHAT: "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" from Tutti Frutti and York Theatre Royal
WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
WHERE: Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA
TICKETS: (310) 506-4522 or The Boy Who Cried Wolf event page
PRICES: Tickets priced starting at $15 

 

Photos

Download a photo of The Boy Who Cried Wolf Poster
Download a photo of The Boy Who Cried Wolf 1 2 3 4

 

Media Contact

Ericka Sherrill
Marketing and Publicity Manager
ericka.sherrill@pepperdine.edu
310.506.4055