In Cementland lives a very special Boy with a singular wish to find a treasure. Amidst heaping piles of greasy toaster ovens, broken TVs, and wet smelly socks, he discovers a rusty old box promising wondrous riches, but all he finds inside the box are colorful packets filled with tiny grey specks. Even his new friends Rat, Rabbit, and Fruit Fly don't know how to make treasure out of specks. Frustrated, the Boy leaves the box–and the treasure–unprotected. Thieves come in the night and the Boy builds a monster called Frog Belly Rat Bone to scare them away. Frog Belly protects the specks, and in doing so teaches all the friends a very valuable lesson.
Rogue Artists Ensemble is proud to present Timothy Basil Ering’s The Story of Frog Belly Rat Bone. Told using the Rogues’ signature Hyper-theatrical stylecombining puppetry, music, video projections, and innovative prop design, this production engages and delights audience members of a new generation. This world-premiere stage adaptation is possible by special agreement with the author and Rogue Artists Ensemble is proud to bring this inspiring work to life on the stage!
A full-scale production is available to professional theaters for their family series; this version includes a wide range of video, audio, and special effects. A touring adaptation is also available for smaller spaces that may not meet the technical demands of a full-scale production; this version is ideal for schools and community auditoriums.
"In a dull, gray, endless place called Cementland, there lived a very special boy. This boy had a singular wish: he wished to find Treasure."
Timothy Basil Ering, The Story of Frog Belly Rat Bone
In 2006, The Story of Frog Belly Rat Bone was discovered by Rogue Artists Ensemble. Its lovable characters, quirky aesthetic, and solid message immediately endeared the story to the entire ensemble and we wasted no time in contacting Candlewick Press for permission to adapt this wonderful book into a children’s play. To our great delight, Timothy agreed to allow us this honor. Now the gears are turning on a world-class stage production of this unique book. An early staging of this production was presented in Summer 2007, and the current touring version continues to blossom, entertaining audiences around Southern California.
Frog Belly Rat Bone is now on tour! The show can be adapted to a variety of venues and age groups, and is ideal for schools, children's theaters, and community events. For more information, see the "Education" tab, or just click here.
Also, by special arrangement, Timothy Basil Ering's beautiful illustrations are available as prints in our store! See the "store" tab above, or click here to browse the prints.
"Stand tall, Frog Belly Rat Bone! I dub thee king of the treasures. Frog Belly Rat Bone, one, two, three...you are the monster who will protect the specks!"
Timothy Basil Ering, The Story of Frog Belly Rat Bone
New England Book Show, Juvenile Category Winner
New York Book Show, Children’s Trade Hardcover Winner
Nick Jr. Family Magazine "Best Books of the Year"
The Story of Frog Belly Rat Bone is produced by Rogue Artists Ensemble and is made possible by the generosity of countless Rogue Supporters.
Cast (current, touring):
(in alphabetical order)
Eric Fagundes
Rebecca Fennell Lena Garcia
Shannon Goldsborough Liesel Hanson
Amy Judd
Jonathan Kidder
Casey Kimble
Lucas Salazar
Tyler Stamets
Miles Taber Cast (original workshop):
(in alphabetical order)
Joyce Hutter
Tyler Stamets
Cari Turley
Scott Westra
Director:
Emily E. Coalson (original), Sean T. Cawelti and John Nobori (current)
Adapted for the stage by:
Rae Walker (original), Emily E. Coalson (current), with Rogue Aritsts Ensemble
Stage Manager:
Taylor Katai (original), Shannon Goldsborough (current)
