The beloved children’s book “Library Lion” has been transformed into a captivating musical production now showing at the Adam Theater in Boston. The adaptation celebrates the book’s 20th anniversary, having first been published in 2006. This enchanting performance offers young audiences a unique experience that bridges literature and theater, thanks to a remarkable puppet created by the Jim Henson Company.
The production invites children to immerse themselves in the story, with an intricate puppet that brings the lion character to life. Author Michelle Knudson expressed her joy over the adaptation, stating, “You forget instantly that it’s not an actual creature.” While she had not anticipated her book being adapted into a musical, she believes it is a perfect match, enhancing the experience for children who now get to engage with the story in two different formats.
Puppeteer Sophie Kauffman emphasized the importance of creating a lifelike presence for the puppet. “I hope that the puppet feels alive to them and that they’re able to be engaged the whole time, which is a big ask of some kids,” she shared. The puppet’s detailed design involved significant collaboration, ensuring it would resonate with young viewers.
Collaboration Behind the Puppet’s Creation
The creation of the lion puppet required the expertise of three skilled puppeteers, each responsible for different parts of its body. One operates the head, another manages the heart, and the third controls the tail and legs. Sydney Grant, a fellow puppeteer, noted the synergy between the performers: “While we each get to hold our individual pieces, they all come together and are linked so we can feel each other moving and breathing and create something that is alive.”
The collaborative effort extended beyond the puppeteers. Karin Sharav Zalkind, co-founder and executive director at the Adam Theater, explained the meticulous design process, which included selecting colors, defining the lion’s movement, and determining how it would interact with the stage. This attention to detail is evident in every performance.
Another puppeteer, Sarah Nolen, highlighted the extensive preparation prior to the opening night. “We did a lot of work together at the beginning, which was about fusing our breath and moving together as a group, even if we’re doing separate things,” she said, underscoring the dedication required to make the puppet believable.
Impact on the Community
The production of “Library Lion” not only aims to entertain but also to educate and inspire young minds. The show is scheduled to run from January 10 to January 25, 2026, at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston’s South End. Every ticket purchased contributes to a charitable initiative that allows local children to attend the performance for free. This year, around 2,500 students from Boston schools will experience the magic of theater, reinforcing the importance of arts education within the community.
Adam Theater’s co-founder and artistic director, Ron Bechor, emphasized the significance of live performance, stating, “This is part of the magic of the theater, to see the puppet, to see the puppeteer, and then they disappear.” The production of “Library Lion” exemplifies the fusion of creativity and community engagement, ensuring that the story continues to resonate with children and families alike.
