"Library Lion," based on one of Time Magazine's 100 Best Children's Books of All Time by Michelle Knudsen, had its inaugural show premiere as a site-specific theater production at the Boston Public Library. The musical play, featuring a cast of five actors, three musicians and three puppeteers operating a puppet designed by Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Theater Premiere: Calderwood Pavilion, Boston was held on January 2025.
In the library, there are books. But also very clear rules: no shouting, no running, no eating or drinking. But what happens when one day a lion enters the library?
He doesn't roar or rampage, and contrary to expectations, he peacefully joins storytelling hour. Not everyone is okay with this, after all, he doesn't abide by the rules. (A lion? In the library? – that's completely out of order!) It will be revealed that rules are important to follow, but not only that: That it is also very important, to dust off some of these rule books as well.
Prepare for a theatrical experience that will roar its way into your heart. Don't miss this enchanting adaptation, where stories come alive and where even the wildest of guests might just find a place to belong.
Ages: 4+
Duration: 70 minutes
Theater Premiere: Calderwood Pavilion, Boston January 2025
"Loved Library Lion! The puppet itself was extraordinarily expressive and quite beautiful. I watched in a sea of children who went from being nervous about a “scary" lion to total acceptance and joy. The story dealt with so many things crucial to the emotional development of children all wrapped up in a delightful and funny story including facing one's fears, and seeing that things are not always what they seem. The show also had a lot to say about mistakes and forgiveness— in kids and adults— as well as accountability and compassion.
Finally, the play underscored the wonder of READING as a channel to the imagination!”
"Loved Library Lion!"
Joyce Kulhawik,
President Boston Theater Critics Association
Save me a Seat
Be sure to secure your spot to the sold out musical play - coming soon to a city near you!
Production Team
Playwright | Eli Bijaoui
Director | Ran Bechor
Music | Yoni Rechter
Set Design | Cameron Anderson
Puppet Design & Build | Jim Henson's Creature Shop
Movement Puppet Director | Kate Brehm
Costume Design | Ula Shebchuv
Props | Anna Vidergar
Music Arranger | Roy Friedman
Musical Director | Yuval Gur
Based on the English Translation | M.Rodgers and A.Berris
Lyric Translation | Vivian Eden
Lyric Translation ‘Oh Library’ | Ido Keren
Producer | Wanda Strukus
Strategy Advisors | BroadBand Collaborative
Pianist | Tomer Sne, Matan Yosef
Additional Music | Roy Friedman, Yuval Gur, Tomer Sne
Production Team
Calderwood Pavilion,Wimberly Theater
Opening January, 2025
Based on Michelle Knudsen children's book, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
Playwright | Eli Bijaoui
Director | Ran Bechor
Songs composed | Yoni Rechter
Music | Yoni Rechter & Roy Friedman
Set Design | Cameron Anderson
Puppet Design & Build | Jim Henson Creature Shop
Puppet & Movement Director | Kate Brehm
Lighting Design | Christopher Ostrom
Costume Design | Ula Shebchuv
Musical Arrangement | Roy Friedman
Musical Director | Alon Yavnai
Props | Emma Whiteside
Scenery Build | Infinity Productions LLC
Sound Designer | Alexander Gage Baker
Based on the English Translation | M.Rodgers & A.Berris
Lyric Translation | Vivian Eden, Lyric Translation ‘Oh Library’ | Ido Keren
Producer | Jennie M. Jadow
Production Stage Manager | Lisette van den Boogaard
Additional Music & Rehearsal Stage Manager | Tomer Sne
Production Manager | Claire Morse
Technical Director | Jason Ries
Production Electrician | Lawrence A. Ware
Strategy Advisors | BroadBand Collaborative, Marketing | Ameba Marketing
Public Relations | CBH Communications, Development Strategy | Tali Cherizli
Set Design Assistant | Michelle Lilly, Saskia Martínez
ASM & Wardrobe | Natasha Newcomb
ASM | Jack Douglas Riter
Graphic Designer | Shine Horovits, Olga Getmansky
Production Team
Boston Public Library
Opening September, 2024
Inspired by work at the Boston Public Library, this production was made possible by the talent and dedication of the original team. We thank them sincerely.
Based on Michelle Knudsen children's book, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
Playwright | Eli Bijaoui
Director | Ran Bechor
Music | Yoni Rechter
Set Design | Cameron Anderson
Puppet Design & Build | Jim Henson Creature Shop
Puppet & Movement Director | Kate Brehm
Lighting Design | Dan Jentzen
Costume Design | Ula Shebchuv
Musical Arrangement | Roy Friedman
Props | Anna Vidergar, Ofri Levinson
Musical Director | Yuval Gur
Based on the English Translation | M.Rodgers & A.Berris
Lyric Translation | Vivian Eden, Lyric Translation ‘Oh Library’ | Ido Keren
Scenery Build | J. Pizzuti
Additional Music | Roy Friedman, Yuval Gur, Tomer Sne
Piano | Matan Yosef, Woodwind | Joe LaRocca, Cello | Thiago Wolf
Producer | Wanda Strukus
Production Manager | Patsy Collins Bandes
Production Stage Manager | Lisette van den Boogaard
Rehearsal Stage Manager | Tomer Sne
Strategy Advisors | BroadBand Collaborative, Marketing | Ameba Marketing
Public Relations | CBH Communications, Social Media | Channing Rion
Development Strategy | Tali Cherizli, Production support | Jazzmine Bonner
Run Crew | Erin Field, Natasha Newcomb, Jack Douglas Riter
Graphic Designer | Olga Getmansky, Shine Horovits
*The Actors and Stage Managers employed in this production are members of Actor’s Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
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Robert is delighted to be making his debut with Adam Theatre. He was most recently seen in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ at North Shore Music Theatre, and ‘The Band's Visit' a co-production with The Huntington Theatre, and Speakeasy Stage. Elsewhere he has performed in the National Tour: ‘GROUCHO: A Life in Review’ Chico Marx opposite Gabe Kaplan as Groucho. Trinity Repertory, Merrimack Repertory, The Lyric Stage Company, Greater Boston Stage, Wheelock Family Theatre, The Umbrella Stage, New Repertory, Boston Playwrights, Overture Productions, American Classics and was a cast member of Boston's long running production of ‘Shear Madness’. He is a Fellow of the 2000 Eugene O'Neil Cabaret Symposium and has performed numerous cabarets in New York and New England.
Robert Saoud*
Mr. McBee
Library Lion Original Cast
Library Lion Story
"Library Lion" is a heartwarming story about a library that one day a lion walks into. A real lion. Because there are rules in this cultural space, the librarian thinks it's no place for wild animals. However, the library director quickly explains: "If he does not break the rules - then leave him be"
The lion becomes part of the daily life in the library, helping the librarians and children, listening to storytime. Until one day, the library director, while trying to reach a high book, stretches too far and falls. Her arm breaks. The lion, who cannot speak, roars for help, but is misunderstood, and is to leave the library for breaking the rules. By the time his intentions are understood, it's too late; the lion has disappeared. A team of people from the library, and children set out to search for the "Library Lion," hoping to right the wrong done to the lion.
This is a wise and touching story about friendship, accepting the other, and how rules, which may seem restrictive, actually protect us from the arbitrary use of power in public spaces.