The touring production of a brand new Off-Broadway hit OWEN & MZEE THE MUSICAL will be coming to Vashon Island! OWEN & MZEE is inspired by the true story of two very unlikely but great friends, a baby hippo named Owen and a 130-year old giant tortoise named Mzee. It is the story of a remarkable friendship that touched millions of people around the world.
When Owen was stranded after a tsunami, villagers in Kenya worked tirelessly to rescue him. Then, to everyone’s amazement, the orphan hippo and the elderly tortoise adopted each other. Now they are inseparable, swimming, eating, and playing together. Adorable photos e-mailed from friend to friend quickly made them worldwide celebrities. Here is a joyous reminder that in times of trouble, friendship is stronger than the differences that too often pull us apart.
Vital Theatre Company, based out of NYC, adapted the musical from the #1 New York Times best-selling children’s written by father and daughter team Craig and Isabella Hatkoffand Dr. Paula Kahumbu . The musical features book and lyrics by Michelle Elliott and music and lyrics by Danny Larsen. Tyrone L. Robinson is the Director and Choreographer. Featured in the cast are Desmond Fernandez, Aguel Lual, Oscar Whitney Jr. and Eric J. Willingham.
Vital Theatre Company is dedicated to producing entertaining and educational theatre for young audiences. It commissions and produces three to five musicals for children each season. Since its founding in 1999, Vital Theatre Company has been honored with the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Family Musical, and two Awards for Excellence by the Off-Off Broadway Review. Vital Theatre Company has presented over 100 original productions for hundreds of thousands of children and their families.
After a smashingly successful run Off Broadway, Vital is taking OWEN & MZEE on tour in 2023. VCA is thrilled to welcome this company to our stage
