Photo credit: Derek Ford
PRODUCTION HISTORY:
Kaleidoscope's Family Theatre Festival, February 2013 (BC)
International Festival of Animated Objects, March 2013 (AB)
Gabriola Theatre Festival, June 2016 (BC)
Kaleidoscope's Family Theatre Festival, June 2016 (BC)
Victoria International Fringe Festival, August 2017 (BC)
Persephone Theatre, September 2018 (SK)
Kaleidoscope Theatre, August-September 2020 (AB)
Gruff was originally Produced by Puente Theatre with commissioning support from Kaleidoscope Theatre.
GRUFF
A rollicking musical for two goats and a troll about what happens when the grass really is greener on the other side.
by Mercedes Bátiz-Benét, Judd Palmer & Brooke Maxwell
Gruff tells the story of two goats, one wealthy with plenty to eat, and one poor goat with nothing. A hideous troll has taken up residence under the bridge separating the lush green lands of the Rich Goat from the barren waste on the other side of the craggy chasm. The promised land is forever unattainable! The troll is soon recruited to join the side of the underclass, but when the revolution is won, the victors become tyrants, and it’s up to the troll to find a way to break the cycle of greed. Finally, everybody agrees that the green grass is for everybody to enjoy, and that sharing and friendship are the true lessons. Gruff is a timely parable about immigration, friendship, and sharing.
RUNNING TIME: 60 Minutes | No Intermission
Written by Mercedes Bátiz-Benét, Judd Palmer & Brooke Maxwell
Directed by Mercedes Bátiz-Benét
Music Direction by Brooke Maxwell
Costume Design by Catherine Hahn
Head Puppet Design & Construction by Mercedes Bátiz-Benét & Judd Palmer
Lighting Design by Emma Dickerson
Set Design by Catherine Hahn & Jimbo Insell
Original Set Carpentry by Brian Culp
Staged Managed by Emma Dickerson
Starring: Jana Morrison as "Poor Goat"
Pat Rundell as "Rich Goat"
Trevor Hinton as "The Troll"