Hippos in the House with SO's Abigail Baker, Alexandra Hall and Jordan Osuntuyi

Got a hippo in the house? Sure, when Dreamcatcher Junior's Hippopotamus Sandwich, a musical revue of songs, stories, and poems, performs at Baird this weekend.

Conceived and adapted by Jessica O'Hara-Baker and Tricia Woods, with direction from Jessica O'Hara-Baker and Tricia Woods, and choreographed by Laura Ekstrand, Hippopotamus Sandwich is based on the poetry of Shel Silverstein. The performers include Heather, Kelly and Megan Amendola,  Amanda Londino, Anthony Troiano, and South Orange's own Abigail Baker, Alexandra Hall and Jordan Osuntuyi.

A lead role in the production, now in rehearsal at Baird, is the Giving Tree, a familiar character to fans of Silverstein's poetry. Many of the eight performers in the production have become Silverstein fans over the past weeks; they are students in Dreamcatcher's Summer Conservatory, and have spent the month focused on their skills and performance.

According to Artistic Director Laura Ekstrand, Hippopotamus Sandwich is the fourth annual production of Dreamcatcher Junior.  She explains, "One of the hallmarks of the program is that the show is always directed by theatre professionals, but is staffed by and cast with students from elementary school through college."

And if you've never seen a hippopotamus sandwich, or a show starring Fred the Trout, Dreamcatcher has a show for you. And for your favorite hippo.

Hippopotamus Sandwich is performed at Dreamcatcher on Fri., July 30 at 7:30p.m. and Sat., July 31 at 2p.m. All tickets cost $10. There is no charge for season passholders. To guarantee a seat, buy tickets online. The in-person box office accepts cash only.