"Filled with wonder, humor and oodles of warmth, you are sure to be charmed by this real gem of a show."
Created by Manual Cinema
Based on the books by Mo Willems
Leonardo is a terrible monster. He tries so hard to be scary, but he just… isn’t. Then Leonardo finds Sam, the most scaredy-cat kid in the world. Will Leonardo finally get to scare the tuna salad out of someone? Or will it be the start of an unlikely friendship? The plot thickens when this pair meets Kerry and Frankenthaler, an even scaredier-cat and her monster friend. Kerry and Sam need to make a big decision: will they just be scaredy cats or can they become friends?
Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster uses hundreds of illustrated paper puppets, book pages, two-dimensional props, furry monster puppets, and songs to bring Mo Willems’ books to life. Manual Cinema wanted to re-create the experience of holding one of Mo’s book pages, which are big, bold, colorful, and full of visual rhythm, with a playful use of scale. Like all Manual Cinema productions, you’re invited to watch the big screen like a traditional movie, or to watch the artists below as they create the story in real time. (There is no wrong way to experience the show!)
SHOW TIMES
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2025 – 4 PM
WESTBROOK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
RUNTIME: 45 Minutes, plus a 10 minute post-performance discussion
PORTTIX BOX OFFICE
MEMBER PRE-SALE THROUGH JUNE 26. PUBLIC ON SALE JUNE 27.
ALL TICKETS: $25
Membership – Ovations Members save $5 off full-priced tickets and reduced ticket fees. Learn how to become an Ovations Member here.
Package and Save – Choose any 4 performances for $5 off per ticket.
Exchanges – Ticket exchanges are available to Portland Ovations’ Members only. Exchanges must be processed before PortTIX closes on the business day prior to the performance.
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. Babies under the age of 1 may attend for free and sit in their parent’s lap, but require a complimentary ticket to enter the venue. This may vary by event. Please contact PortTIX with questions.
Wheelchair accessible. Assistive Listening Devices available. Click here to learn more about accessibility at Westbrook Performing Arts Center. This performance contains flashing lights, periodic darkness and loud noise. Ear protection available upon request.
ASL available upon request.
Audio descriptions available upon request.
