What happens when a determined bird wants to drive a bus? Audiences will find out June 14 and 15 at Theatre III in Acton, MA, when Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! brings Mo Willems’ beloved picture book to life—this time, with puppets.
Tickets are available now at theatre3.org/upcoming/pigeon2025.
The show is the second production in Child’s Play at Theatre III, a new initiative of the Theatre III board, created in response to a growing community need for live performances geared toward young audiences. After recognizing that gap, board member Ruth Bendig proposed the idea, and with support from fellow board members and volunteers, helped bring it to life.
“So many families in the area were looking for live performances they could enjoy with young children,” said Bendig. “We realized Theatre III was uniquely positioned to meet that need, and the success of our first show, Click, Clack, Moo, confirmed we were on the right track.”
While puppets have made memorable appearances in past productions — including James and the Giant Peach and Puffs, which earned a DASH award for Excellence in Puppet Making in 2022 — this show marks the first time a Theatre III production for young audiences has been built around puppetry.
Featuring a whimsical score, playful staging, and a full cast of puppets, the production stars Rosemary Ouellet as the Pigeon; and Wendy Blizard Eldredge in multiple roles including the Duckling, the Bus, and the Puppy. Puppet designer and consultant Patrick Cleary brings the story to life through carefully designed characters.
“The characters have to look like they do in the books,” Cleary said. “From the first minute, kids need to know exactly who’s onstage like they’re meeting The Pigeon and his friends in real life.”
Ouellet, who majored in theatre in college, finds joy in performing for young audiences. “It lets you turn the brightness up on everything you’re doing, which is just a fun way to live,” she said. She hopes kids and parents alike can connect with the Pigeon’s larger-than-life emotions: “I think everyone can relate and maybe learn with him how to handle things when they don’t go your way.”
Cleary agrees that theater can spark curiosity beyond the stage. “Live theater can feel like magic, especially when it brings your favorite characters to life right in front of you,” he said. “I hope some kids in the audience go home and try making puppets themselves.”
Eldredge, who has a background in early childhood education, hopes the experience inspires children. “Maybe they’ll even want to take part in it one day,” she said. “You want to be as serious as you can, even if the material is silly, because in the end, you’re exposing little ones to this great form of art.”
All performances are “relaxed,” designed to welcome wiggly audiences. Families can enjoy the show at their own pace, with a monitor in the lobby and a dedicated space for those who need a break. Funding from five local cultural councils helps make the performances accessible to a broad audience.
“The puppets take on more personality with every rehearsal,” Bendig added. “I can’t wait for audiences to see them in action.”
According to their website, “Theatre III is not handicapped-accessible, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, they can and do help any patrons who need help ascending the stairs into the theatre or other assistance.” The theatre is being renovated to add a lift and accessible bathrooms this year and they expect to have construction finished by the beginning of 2026.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door and are expected to sell quickly, based on last year’s turnout. For families looking to introduce kids to live theater, the Pigeon offers an irresistible start.
Jen Lewy is a local writer and the author of the Game of Paradise series, a sci-fi adventure about AI and the future of humanity.