Charlestown Working Theater To Present 'Squirrel Stole My Underpants'

Charlestown Working Theater will present the family-friendly puppet show "Squirrel Stole My Underpants" on April 13 and 14.

In the show, Sylvie is sent to the backyard to hang up the laundry. The moment her back is turned, a mischievous squirrel steals her favorite piece of clothing and runs off. When Sylvie gives chase, an entire world emerges from her laundry basket, and curious characters show her the way through mysterious lands. 

Award-winning actor and dancer Bonnie Duncan premiered this show for 10 sold-out performances in January. Duncan designed and sewed all the puppets herself. Materials for scene changes emerge from a laundry basket. A nightgown becomes a rippled ocean. Tattered flannel shirts evoke an evil forest. The squirrel’s tree is fashioned of corduroy trousers with leaves of—you guessed it—underpants.

“All of it is handmade on purpose,” Duncan explained to the Boston Globe, “so kids can see how I use familiar materials in different ways. I want them to think, ‘I can totally make that.’ I hope it arouses that underlying curiosity of childhood. I spent a lot of my childhood in my imaginary world, and I love that. I want that to be celebrated.” 

Local musicians Brendan Burns and Tony Leva composed music for the show. Scored for guitar, upright bass, and music box, it ranges from swing and ragtime to soundscapes.

Charlestown Working Theater will present "Squirrel Stole My Underpants" on April 13 and 14 at 2 p.m.

The show, which received “Family Grant” funding from the Jim Henson Foundation, is recommended for ages 3 and up. A recent performance found a 4 year old raving, "it was so silly", while a 38 year old found it "fantastic and inspired."

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Charlestown Working Theater's website at www.charlestownworkingtheater.org.