OCC Theater Brings Curious George to Town for Two Events

Olney Central College Theater is bringing the lovable childhood character of Curious George to town for two special events.

Many people have enjoyed the books, TV shows, and movies featuring Curious George, but few know the fascinating history of how he came to life. Long before getting himself into all sorts of mischief, the famous monkey made an incredible journey when his creators escaped the Nazi invasion of France.

OCC Theater invites children, families, and adults of all ages to learn about this incredible adventure through the traveling art exhibit “The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey.” The exhibit will be hosted at the Dr. John D. Stull Performing Arts Center, located at 305 N. West St. in Olney.

The traveling exhibit showcases original and reproduction works of art depicting the miraculous escape of the Reys from Nazi-occupied France during World War II. OCC Theater will display their story along with fun activities for children. The exhibit will open Friday, Nov. 12, and run through Sunday, Nov. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 1 to 3 p.m. on weekends. It is free and open to the public.

In addition to the sharing the history, Curious George will be live on stage! OCC Theater will present the musical "Curious George and the Golden Meatball" on the Ruth Henry Stage. Specifically designed for young audiences, this musical is full of fun songs and dances featuring George, The Man in the Yellow Hat, and their friends.

In Curious George and the Golden Meatball, All You-Can-Eat Meatball Day came just once a year. George had been waiting all month for that day, a day almost bigger than his birthday! On Meatball Day, George helped his friend, Chef Pisghetti, cook some delicious meatballs and serve them to the hungry crowd.

But this year, the crowd had vanished! Something was keeping people away...something pretty big. And that something was Phinneas T. Lightspeed and his speedy Meatballs-o-Matic machine. In despair, Chef Pisghetti vows to cook no more. Determined to help his friend, George goes on a mission to enter the Chef’s meatballs in the world-famous Golden Meatball Contest in Rome.

Curious George and the Golden Meatball is a fun-filled adventure, in which George learns more about Rome...and meatballs... and the secret ingredient to cooking! Performances are at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19 and Saturday, Nov. 20, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21. Tickets for the musical will go on sale online and at the OCC Theater box office at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 8.

For more information about OCC theater and the Curious George events, visit https://www.iecc.edu/occtheater or the OCC Theater Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OCCTheater.

These events are made possible in part by the Olney Arts Council. For more information about OAC, visit https://www.olneyartscouncil.com/.