Live Performances

Family, Live Performance, Theater

CANCELLED “It’s Okay to Be Different” – Stories by Todd Parr


October 30, 2023 • 6PM

Merrill Auditorium


In light of the ongoing situation and out of respect for all, Portland Ovations has cancelled the Monday 6 PM performance of “It’s Okay to Be Different”. The safety and wellbeing of our audiences is our first priority. All tickets will be automatically refunded. Ticket holders will receive direct email communication regarding their tickets.

"Mermaid is globally renowned for its innovative productions."

Produced and performed by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia

What if being different wasn’t always such a bad thing? What if — gasp — it could be a strength? That’s not just the title of Mermaid Theatre’s adaptation of writer Todd Parr’s children’s storybooks, it’s the core message. Adapted from three books by Parr, this colorful production encourages everyone to embrace what makes them unique. It’s Okay to Be Different playfully delivers important messages of acceptance, understanding and self-confidence. Equally whimsical and heartfelt, The Earth Book is a sweet homage to our beautiful planet, inspiring readers of all ages to do their part to keep the earth happy and healthy. This is My Hair is a funny exploration of how silly hair can be and that no matter how your hair looks, it is important to always feel good about yourself. The production features Mermaid Theatre’s signature approach to puppetry — using black light to bring Parr’s vibrant illustrations to life — as well as a diverse cast and playful, original music.

Enhance your experience by wearing a costume for the show and joining our lively costume parade that winds its way through Merrill Auditorium. Arrive early to partake in engaging lobby activities before the performance begins.

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia gratefully acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Province of Nova Scotia. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and engages professional Artists who are members of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the terms of the Canadian Theatre Agreement. 

SHOW TIMES

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023 – 6PM

MERRILL AUDITORIUM, PORTLAND

RUNTIME: 1 HR, NO INTERMISSION

PORTTIX BOX OFFICE

ALL TICKETS: $15

Membership – This performance does not qualify for the 10% Member discount. Learn how to become an Ovations Member here.

Package and Save – Choose any 4 performances for a 10% discount. 

Exchanges – Ticket exchanges are available to Portland Ovations’ Members only. Exchange requests must be made prior to the performance date of the original tickets. 

PortTIX is the trusted box office for purchasing Portland Ovations tickets. 207.842.0800.

Does my child need a ticket? All patrons, including infants, must have a ticket to enter the venue. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian and must have a ticket for a seat adjacent to the adult. Please contact PortTIX with questions.

ACCESSIBILITY

Wheelchair accessible. Assistive Listening Devices available. This performance will be ASL interpreted. Read more about accessibility at Merrill Auditorium.

This is a family-friendly performance. Guests are free to exit and re-enter the theater when necessary. The performance cannot be viewed from the lobby.

About Todd Parr, Author/Illustrator  

Todd Parr is the author and illustrator of more than 50 books for children including the New York Times best-selling The I Love You Book, The Earth Book, and The Thankful Book. His books have received numerous awards and are available in over eighteen languages throughout the world. He is the co-creator of the popular Daytime Emmy® nominated television show, “ToddWorld,” as well as short films for “Sesame Street.” Todd is also working on a new show based on his books, produced by Spider Eye in the UK. In a review of his 2019 release, The Kindness Book, the School Library Journal states, “Parr encourages consideration of all people and creatures great and small.” Kindness and empathy remain at the forefront of Todd’s books and in his collaborations with SF-Marin Food Bank, Stouffer’s, People Magazine and several companies working towards helping people, animals, and promoting literacy. Todd lives in Berkeley, California with his three adopted pit bulls. 

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