Jonathan Rockefeller: A Tale of Puppets, Animation & Music
welcome to Jonathan Rockefeller: A Tale of Puppets, Animation & Music interview.
1. What inspired you to create the new Winnie the Pooh musical?
Winnie the Pooh is such an iconic character beloved by so many – it was a challenge worth doing! Our work has always been about inspiring new and first-time theatre-goers, and the Hundred Acre Wood characters were a perfect choice to bring to life on the stage.
2. How do you think this musical will be different from other Winnie the Pooh productions?
Although Pooh is 97 years old, he hasn’t actually had many stage adaptations. But the two things that differentiate this piece are the Sherman Brothers’ songs – which have a deep history with Disney’s Winnie the Pooh since his first featurette, and the puppetry. The puppetry allows these characters to come to life in something resembling the stage’s animation. They are tangible, real and incredibly tactile.
3. What was the most challenging part of bringing this musical to life?
The puppets and the puppeteering. Getting the story just right.
4. What message do you hope audiences take away from the show?
This is a piece about joy, love and friendship. I think it’s hard to watch this show without your heartstrings being pulled just a little. Especially with those brilliant A.A.Milne lines like “If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me here, and I’ll stay there forever”.
5. How did you choose the cast and crew for the production?
The puppeteers have to be incredibly athletic. They have to bring to life the characters – vocally and physically – and be on stage for the majority of the show. Picking the crew is about picking great creative collaborators.
6. What do you think is the unique element of the show?
The audience is unique. We have young families, young children, and lots of adult fans. It really is a show for the whole family. I think everyone genuinely enjoys seeing these characters come to life.
7. How do you think this musical will appeal to Disney fans?
This is for you if you’re a Disney fan and have ever watched anything with Winnie the Pooh. It’s great to see the Sherman Brothers’ songs on stage.
8. What do you think are the most important elements of a successful musical?
Pace, story, production values, and most importantly, knowing your audience.
9. What was the most rewarding part of putting together this show?
Seeing audience reactions after months and months of hard work by our wonderful team.
10. What advice would you give to aspiring musical creators?
Read. Write. Get inspired. And don’t be afraid to keep starting again and again.
Website: winniethepoohshow.co.uk
Facebook: @WinnieThePoohShowUK
Twitter: @WinnieShowUK
Instagram: @WinnieThePoohShowUK
You can find my review of Winnie The Pooh Show, HERE
Also, Jonathan did have a hand in Review The Very hungry caterpillar on stage.
