Winne-the-Pooh at Theatre in the Grove

About Theatre in the Grove’s production of Winnie-the-Pooh

This production of Winnie-the-Pooh is an amazing, heart-felt adaptation, by Sean Patrick Nill, of the original stories by A.A. Milne.

New to the neighborhood and feeling out of place, Christopher Robin would rather retreat into his room than face the unfamiliar world outside. While a friendly neighbor tries to draw him into play, he finds comfort instead in his cherished stuffed animals. Sensing his son’s unease, A.A. Milne begins sharing imaginative stories inspired by those beloved toys—stories filled with adventure, warmth, and gentle humor. As the tales unfold, Christopher Robin discovers the confidence to step beyond his fears and connect with others. Drawn from A.A. Milne’s original work, Winnie-the-Pooh brings timeless characters to life onstage and reminds audiences of all ages that friendship often begins with a little courage.

Directed by Donald Cleland with assistant director/stage manager Kathleen Lacock, the cast of this production is mostly youth, ages 8 to 20. 

There are 6 performances open to the public: Feb 6 & 13 @ 7:30PM, Feb 7, 8, 14, 15 @ 2:30PM.  

First Curtain Initiative

In addition to the performances scheduled for the weekend, Theatre in the Grove is proud to continue its “First Curtain Initiative” by inviting local elementary schools to attend a performance during the school day.  Each year, through our “First Curtain Initiative” nearly 1,400 local youth are able to attend a live theatrical performance. For many, it’s their first exposure to storytelling and the shared experience of live theatre. 

About Donald Cleland

Cleland has lived in Hillsboro for 60 years and taught in the Hillsboro School District for 31 years building active theatre programs in multiple schools.   He started directing youth theater in the early 1980’s.  Cleland says he has devoted his adult life to working with youth, and as a retired educator, directing at Theatre in the Grove gives him the opportunity to continue working with young people. 

Cleland says that the themes of Winnie-the-Pooh resonate beautifully for both young and old alike.   The main theme is FRIENDSHIP, specifically how difficult it is for a young person to leave old friends and familiar surroundings. 

About Kathleen Lacock

Lacock has been a teacher for 30 years in Hillsboro teaching elementary and middle school classes literacy and was a dual-language specialist. She has worked with Cleland in the past when she is usually the music director for the youth musicals that he directs.  Besides a passion for working with children, Lacock says she really enjoys watching the reactions of kids in the audience, many of whom are seeing live theater for the very first time.

Lacock likes this Winnie-the-Pooh adaptation because it toggles back-and-forth between “reality“, and imagination. But for kids, these worlds are not so very far apart. She says they are  working hard to create a realistic imaginary world.