The performance of Berenstain Bears LIVE! has been on the New York scene ever since it opened at the Manhattan Movement and Arts Center on June 25, 2011. The show has been a favorite of audiences, playing off the children’s television show, which is based on the series of books written by Jan Berenstain. But while the show has been popular for almost a year, there are two performances coming up that are more timely, and will be more moving, than ever.

Jan Berenstain, co-writer of the books with her late husband Stan Berenstain, sadly passed away on February 24, 2012 after suffering a massive stroke. Those working on her life’s art are deeply saddened, as is a world of generations that grew up on the bear family. To honor Berenstain’s work, two tribute performances will show on March 3 and 4 at the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theatre.

The show will be filled with lots of antics from Brother Bear, much curiosity from Sister Bear, bad habits played out by playful Papa Bear, and the calming voice of reason, Mama Bear — everything that audiences have already come to love so much. Not a lot is being said about what the additional tribute to Ms. Berenstain will include, but it’s sure to shine a well-deserved spotlight on this artist’s life work.

The two shows are being directed by Devanand Janki, and the cast includes: Joel Anthony Frank, Lindsie Detota, Melissa Joiner, Drew Torkelson, Haley Greenstein, and Gerry Vega. Tickets for both the tribute performances and the regularly scheduled shows are now on sale.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 at 3:58 pm and is filed under Theater. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.