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Smart and feisty Madeline stars in Ludwig Bemelmans children's book series and since her debut in 1939, her zip and charisma have kept her popularity rating high. On Jan. 22, she jumps off the page and onto Ridgefield Playhouse's stage in ArtsPower's musical production of "Madeline and the Bad Hat." In it, the young braveheart Madeline (Bemelmans describes her as the youngest and smallest of the girls in her convent school class) has a run in with a mischevious new neighbor, Pepito, the son of the Spanish Ambassador. She is about to write him off as a jerk when an unforseen event occurs and Madeline must rescue him. After this predicament, she realizes he's not the brat she originally thought he was.
Besides his intrepid central character, other unique features of Bemelmans's Madeline series include each one being written in rhyme. However, according to the official Bemelmans website, the author (1898-1962) viewed himself more as an illustrator than a writer and only began writing at 36. Later in his life, he devoted himself exclusively to painting. His work is owned by New York's Metropolitan Museum and the Musee National d'Art of Paris.
But when it came to crafting his books for a young audience, Bemelmans was apparently firm in his view of them. "We are writing for children, but not for idiots," he said. ArtsPower's production of "Madeline and the Bad Hat" will prove how this little spitfire of a character remains relevant -- and show what an entertaining one she is as well. Performances take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more information, visit the Playhouse's website.
Was Madeline a favorite character of yours? Who were some others? Let us know by pasting your comments below.
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