Photos by Ava Straccia
by Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Reporter
For fifty-six years, Walpole Children’s Theatre’s (WCT) has been providing quality entertainment “for children, by children.” Their 2025 season has done just that, first with their winter production of Robin Hood, which was a big hit with audiences, and now with Winnie-the-Pooh, written by Kristin Sergel.
There aren’t many places better to be, particularly on a summer day, than the Hundred Acre Wood. This is where young Christopher Robin’s beloved stuffed animals live. This is also where we find Winnie-the-Pooh - the cute, comical, honey-loving bear we all know and love from stories and cartoons. Along with his never-ending search for honey, Pooh has a problem: there are some new residents in the forest that may be looking to stir up some trouble. Can he put the needs of his stomach aside long enough to help Piglet, Rabbit, Owl and friends solve the mystery? Will the bees that guard his cherished honey finally sting him? Will he have to take…a bath?!
Established in 1969 with a group led by Emerson College student Robert Cheeseborough, Walpole Children’s Theater is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization. Many of the show’s production staff, such as director Mia Straccia, have been with the group since they were children. This provides a unique opportunity for newer cast members to learn from seasoned veterans and then continue to grow their talents - and their friendships - through the years.
Enjoy every un-bee-lievable moment of Winnie-the-Pooh at one of these remaining shows: Friday, July 25, at 10 a.m. (this will be a sensory friendly performance) and 7 p.m., and Saturday, July 26, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. All shows take place at Footlighter’s Theater on Scout Road in East Walpole and are suitable for all ages. This production is sponsored in part by a grant from the Walpole Cultural Council. Tickets can be purchased online at wct.booktix.com or by calling the box office at 508-921-0542.
