VeggieTales Live, a show filled with sing-along-style songs, choreographed dance, and clips of popular VeggieTales videos, delighted the patrons of the 1200 seat capacity auditorium at Grace Community Church on November 9th. As a mother to a 16-month-old son, this was our family’s first visit to a production featuring live characters and I couldn’t imagine a more enjoyable experience.
VeggieTales are a faith-based animated series and musical group. The show heavily featured the favorite characters Bob, the Tomato, and Larry, the Cucumber. The VeggieTales began by starting a Top Ten Silly Songs Countdown, but also added lesson songs, and my personal favorite, songs from the 80’s. The live show was visually appealing, complete with detailed costumes, vivid color, and a group of talented dancers joining the VeggieTales during numbers.
Prior to the event, I honestly did not think my 16-month-old would have the attention span to enjoy the entire 90-minute stage show. During the first 5 minutes, he actually was pretty apprehensive about the loud music and life-size dancing vegetables and clung to his father’s neck like Velcro® . His fear quickly subsided and by the first rendition of ‘The Water Buffalo Song’ he was actually clapping along. Older children in the audience were encouraged to dance in the aisles, sing along, and learn to do the Moo Shoo dance. I believe children of all ages enjoyed the show from beginning to the finale ‘The Hairbrush Song’ which was announced with raucous applause.
During a short intermission, a brief video featuring the tour sponsor, World Vision, was played and explained their mission to fight poverty by sponsoring under-privileged children. The presentation by World Vision integrated seamlessly with the message of sharing conveyed by the VeggieTales during the show. VeggieTales merchandise was available for purchase during the event and one lucky audience member left with a 30 DVD Gift Set during the live drawing.
Overall, the VeggieTales Live show provided a night of amusement and fun. I only wish I could have downloaded the VeggieTales music beforehand so I could sing along too.
Disclosure: I was provided with tickets to attend the Veggie Tales concert. All opinions are my own.