By Zach Dunkin
As a sixth grader at Park Tudor School in Indianapolis, Piper Murphy aspires to be a writer. Now, she gets to portray one as she takes on the role of a young Beatrix Potter in Indiana Repertory Theatre’s production of “Peter Rabbit and Me,” Nov. 21-Dec. 20, on the theater’s Cabaret stage.
“It’s kind of cool to step into the shoes of someone who was about my age when she started writing all of these amazing stories,” said Murphy. “I’ve been learning a little bit more about the life and times of Beatrix Potter. She created the character of Peter to live out some of the adventures she was not able to have as a young girl in Victorian England.”
“Peter Rabbit and Me” is one of the IRT’s Exploring Stages programs for young audiences. Recommended for grades PK-3, the performance will last approximately 55 minutes with no intermission.
Adapted by Aurand Harris from Beatrix Potter’s “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” the play tells the story of young Beatrix and the fascinating world of Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail and Peter Rabbit in their exciting adventures in Farmer McGregor’s garden. In the seclusion of her top-floor nursery, the 13-year-old daughter of wealthy parents creates her own excitement by inventing and illustrating stories about her pet animals, including her favorite, Peter Rabbit.
Murphy also will play Peter Rabbit.
“Playing Peter is going to be really fun because I will get to interact with the audience,” said Murphy, an understudy in “The Giver” last season at IRT. “As a cast, we get to bring to life a story that has been loved by generations of children.”
Peter Rabbit and Me
When: Various times Nov. 21-22 and 27-29, and Dec. 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20.
Where: The Cabaret, Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
Tickets: $20, adult and child pricing (chair); $20, adult pricing (carpet seating on the floor): $15 adults (carpet) and $8 child and student pricing (carpet).
Nov. 21 special event: The Market District of Carmel will provide snacks from “Farmer McGregor’s garden” during an event sponsored by Yelp, the website service known for its public reviews and recommendations. The event begins at 9 a.m. with a performance at 10 a.m.
Info: www.irtlive.com.
