On the heels of a sensational launch in Brisbane, Australia, “Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show”—a theatrical production—made its North American debut in New York City’s Madison Square Garden—and will be playing this summer as part of an extended U.S. tour at a location near your favorite little people.
Meet the Heelers
Based on an Emmy® award-winning animated children’s series that has garnered international acclaim with a following in more than 60 countries, “Bluey” features the adventures of the Heeler family—namely the 6-year-old and ever curious Bluey, her energetic younger sister, Bingo, and their witty and endearing parents, Chilli and Bandit. The stage tour has gone international as well, with locations including Singapore and the United Arab Emirates!
Morgan Lauff, who plays the role of Bandit as a master puppeteer, has an extensive background in Shakespeare, having played lead roles in “Hamlet” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and feature roles in “Macbeth” and “Twelfth Night.” His southern California credits include performing in award-winning and world-premiere productions and helping to launch new entertainment offerings at the likes of Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm and The Disneyland Resort. With the Heeler family being authentically Australian, Morgan seized the opportunity to immerse himself in the Australian culture and expanded his craft by learning the theatrics of puppetry.
The Uniquely "Bluey" Experience
Morgan explains what makes the “Bluey” experience unique—and it is about much more than artfully maneuvering the 5-foot, 35-pound puppet.
“This is the first time that the audience is able to see a full-fledged, long episode of ‘Bluey,’ played out in real life in front of a live audience. We have a really great responsibility to tell that story through puppetry, through advanced choreography, and through a lot of cardio-induced shenanigans, as it were,” Morgan continues. “It’s a lot of fun to be able to tell this story, and it’s a wonderful, collaborative art form as well.”
The cast includes up to 15 core performers and another 10 to 12 for stage crew, technical, lighting and sound. What takes place behind the scenes is essential to making this show as “wonderful and colorful” as it is.
“It’s a beautiful dance,” Morgan describes. “There’s a lot of partner work, there’s a lot of blocking that needs to be remembered, and there’s also the technical side that you need to be on top of as well to make sure the set looks great and that the audience is having a wonderful time,” Morgan recounts, adding that the audience enjoys watching the cast control the puppets as much as they enjoy the puppets themselves.
Yet what is it about “Bluey”—really—that makes the show such an international draw?
“The thing that sets ‘Bluey’ apart from most if not all children’s shows is that adults love this show as well. There’s a lot of empathy that this show brings to the audience,” Morgan states, observing that more adults than children tend to get emotional.
“It’s just a beautiful thing to tell this story, and it’s a huge responsibility and honor to be able to do it,” Morgan concludes.
About the Stage Show
“Bluey’s Big Play” will be presented live from Las Vegas at The Smith Center on 361 Symphony Park Avenue August 10 to 11 and is geared to audiences ages 2 and up. Exclusive VIP packages include premium seating, concierge service, gifts and photo ops with Bluey costume characters. The Smith Center will host four matinees and one evening performance, each running approximately 50 minutes. The show is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co.
For tickets, visit thesmithcenter.com/tickets/2425/bluey or call 702.749.2000 weekdays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. PDT or 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. MDT.