Ferdinand is quiet by nature, always content to sit under the old tree and simply smell the flowers. Suddenly eager to fit in with a tough trio of bulls, he gives up his life of solitude to train for bullfighting. When it comes time to fight, he is chosen as the fiercest of the bulls. But can he find a way to “win” and still be true to himself? This musical is a charming testament to the importance of knowing what makes you happy!
Musical Theater • Best for ages 4 to adult • 60 minutes
Adaptation and lyrics by Karen Zacarias
Music by Debbie Wicks La Puma
Based on the book “The Story of Ferdinand” by Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson
Artistic Credits
Director: James Larson
Musical Director: Jerry Brabec
Choreography: Sue Gillespie Booton
Costume Design: Sherri Geerdes
Scenic Design: Ronald L. Wells, Jr.
Lighting Design: Jennifer A. Kreitz
Stage Manager: Dani Taylor
Cast
Duque Duo (a combative duke who lives in Spain): Ryle Smith
Duquito Danilo (Duque's son who wants to be a dancer): Walter Shatley
Ferdinand (the gentle bull who loves flowers): Sara Kaus
Cochina (Ferdinand's friend, the star-struck pig): Samantha Shatley
From the Director
We are delighted to open our season at The Rose with “Ferdinand the Bull”, the story of the bull who would rather smell flowers than fight in the bull ring.
“Ferdinand” was adapted for the stage by Karen Zacarias, the Mexican-born playwright whose plays have been produced all over the USA, including the Kennedy Center, Chicago’s Goodman Theater and the Arena Stage. She is also the granddaughter of one of Mexico’s foremost film directors, Miguel Zacarias.
What’s more, Karen founded and runs the Young Playwrights Theater in Washington D.C., which helps the city’s local youth write plays, and she’s raising her three young children – no easy chore. “I haven’t slept in a really long time,” she recently told The Washington Post.
If it seems like “Ferdinand” has been around since grandma and grandpa were going to grade school, well, it has! With publication in 1936, by 1938 it was outselling the blockbuster novel, Gone with the Wind. And, it had unintended global implications. The unassuming picture book was burned in Nazi Germany and banned in Franco’s Spain at the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War.
Now that’s a mighty big impact for a story about a peaceful bull who prefers to spend the day sitting in the shade and smelling flowers!
James Larson,
Rose Artistic Director & “Ferdinand the Bull” Show Director
The Story of Ferdinand Coming to The Rose, Omaha World-Herald (9/8/11)
“Ferdinand” Has Big Appeal for Youngsters, Omaha World-Herald (9/10/11)
