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 whole world and is faced with a decision: scare the tuna salad out of him, or start an unlikely friendship. Based on the book by beloved author, Mo Willems, this performance uses hundreds of illustrated puppets, book pages, two-dimensional props, furry monster puppets, and songs to bring this remarkable world to life. Created in Manual Cinema’s unique style, audience members can watch the performance unfold on the big screen like a traditional movie and watch the artists below as they create the story in real time.
SHOW TIMES
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2025 at 10 AM
WESTBROOK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
BOX OFFICE
$10 / TICKET
Email offstage@portlandovations.org to inquire about tickets to this performance.
Registration closes two weeks before the performance.
RUN TIME
45 Minutes, plus a 10 minute post-performance discussion
ACCESSIBILITY & SENSORY
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. 
This performance is ASL interpreted.
LEARNING CONNECTIONS
EDUCATOR GUIDE
Coming soon! Click here to see examples of past Educator Guides.
WORKSHOPS
Pre and post-performance workshops are available. Please email offstage@portlandovations.org for more information.
- Language Arts: Reading, speaking, listening
- Theater: Shadow puppetry, hand-and-rod puppetry
- Social-Emotional Learning: Celebrating differences, recognizing strengths
- 21st Century Skills: Communication, creativity, collaboration
