(lively music) - From the page to the stage, Mo Willems' beloved characters embark on an unforgettable holiday adventure.

Today we're joined by Joseph Branca and Penny Caywood to talk about Salt Lake Acting Company's "The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!"

I'm so excited about this show.

- Us, too.

(laughing) - Yeah, we are, too.

- It's gonna be a good time.

(Liz laughing) - What will families be able to expect when they stop by?

- So a lot of silliness, friendship, and I think the true meaning of what is a gift.

A gift is not always something that you can put in a box.

A gift could be time, and caring, and friendship, and other things like that.

You'll also see all of your favorite Mo Willems characters.

- [Liz] Oh, yeah.

- Like Elephant and Piggy, The Unlimited Squirrels, and Pigeon, of course.

So it's just gonna be a lot of fun and silliness.

- And Joseph, or Joey Branka, you are in the show.

What does it mean to you to have that kind of energy in the room of young people watching and enjoying this production?

- Oh, I'm so excited.

It's my favorite kind of theater to do.

I've been really lucky.

This is actually my third year in a row getting to do the children's production at SLAC with Penny.

And two years ago, I was already the Pigeon, as well.

And so it's just a cool kind of return to form with this character that I fell in love with and so many others fell in love with.

And to get to revisit him alongside so many, like, fun, and cool, and colorful friends of Mo Willems characters.

And the energy the kids bring to the room is just, it's electric.

It's the best audience you could hope for.

- Yeah, and perfect for families for the holiday, right?

- It's perfect.

Mo Willems is so smart about how he writes, and although it seems very simple, they have lessons that an adult can also enjoy and your youngest theater-goer.

- And I love that you offer it at different times that are really accessible to kids and families who might be at home thinking, "What can I do?"

- Totally.

It's the best kinda way to kinda find a fun outing during the holiday season for everyone.

It's right there on the weekends in the middle of the day, so it's not too late or too early for anyone.

It's like a lovely time of getting to pop into the theater and celebrate for a bit.

- Oh, I love it.

I'm so excited about this show.

Thank you so much for stopping by.

If you would like to learn more information or get tickets to "The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!," it's happening December 4th through the 29th at Salt Lake Acting Company.

Just head to their website that's on the screen for more information.

I'm Liz Adeola, and thank you for watching "Contact."

(lively music) Philanthropy, Arts, culture.

It's what brings us together.

Hi, I'm Liz Adeola, the host of Contact, a show that connects you with local events and organizations that serve your community.

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