Peppa Pig comes to Beaver Creek

First concerts are always memorable, but when you’re 18 months or older and a series of cartoon characters like Peppa Pig come to “life” and introduce you to an orchestra, it’s magical.

What started in the United Kingdom in May 2004 as an animated preschool series has expanded worldwide, broadcasting in more than 180 countries.

On Saturday, Peppa Pig, Mummy and Daddy Pig and George perform at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek in an interactive introduction to musical instruments and a live orchestra. The program ranges from classical Mozart to fun music from the animation. A meet-and-greet after the show is also available for kids to meet and take photos with the characters, get a plush toy and more.

Though British shows can be a little different than American ones, the producers haven’t had to change anything for American audiences, they said.

“Any kid who loves Peppa will love the show, and I think that’s pretty universal. The only slight change we had to make was changing a sandwich that’s referenced from a ‘jam sandwich’ to a ‘peanut butter sandwich’ because I’m not too sure you have ‘jam sandwiches’ in the U.S.,” said actress Evie James.

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The blend of live classical music and children’s theater makes the performance so popular, and the fact that many younger kids will experience their first show in a theater stands out.

“For them to not only see their favorite Peppa Pig characters but to also experience a live orchestra playing is very unique,” she said. “The show is really fun, interactive, educational and charming. It ticks so many boxes.”

Peppa and George — and sometimes Daddy Pig — engage the kids in the orchestral music. Then James answers the questions in a simple and fun way. To keep up the energy, the kids sing along, dance, practice body percussion — and even ballet. They even have a chance to get up close to some of the handheld instruments before the show, as well as watch musicians warm up.

“The kids are encouraged to go and have a listen to each instrument individually and ask any questions they might have for the musicians,” she said. “There are also a number of moments where we get to hear orchestral arrangements of some of the music from the ‘Peppa Pig’ TV show, which definitely engages the kids between the other more famous classical pieces, and they sound absolutely gorgeous. The grand orchestral performance of the ‘Bing Bong’ song is a particular highlight. We make it super fun and very dynamic. We have moments where everyone in the audience will be up on their feet, moving to the music or joining in in some way, and then there are moments of calm as well. So it’s just a case of changing up the atmosphere to keep them interested. I have worked with so many kids this age, so I’ve got a very good understanding of what they need to keep them focused. Not every show will be exactly the same, as my job is to link the audience to Peppa, the orchestra and myself. And every audience is different. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to focus an audience if I can tell the kids might be getting a bit fidgety. But on the whole, the kids are so entertained by what’s happening on stage. There’s a lot to see.”

 Of course, there are so many benefits to exposing kids early to music.

“It’s been scientifically proven to improve cognitive development, emotional regulation and listening skills, as well reducing stress in children,” she said. “When you listen to non-repetitive, complex music, like classical, it helps strengthen brain connectivity and can spark creativity, as well. So it’s a perfect thing to introduce to younger children as their brains are developing. I used to listen to Mozart if ever I was studying for a big test at school as a teenager and it seemed to work.”

The most relatable element of the show for kids involves the younger characters: Peppa Pig, George and the newest addition to the family, Evie (baby Evie, not James).

“It’s so sweet watching children learning about and enjoying music at the exact same time as their Peppa Pig heroes,” James said. “The biggest response we get I think is from Daddy Pig. As the story moves along, Daddy Pig gets a couple of really exciting opportunities to play the glockenspiel and to conduct the orchestra, but unfortunately neither of these things go to plan and some very funny moments come out of this.”

Backstage, James can hear the loud and enthusiastic audience response when the characters first take the stage.

“From that moment, they are hooked. The kids are either mesmerized throughout, or they’re up out of their seats dancing along. It’s awesome,” James said. “This is a truly unique show so don’t miss your chance to experience a Peppa Pig Concert with a 12-piece orchestra.”