Exclusive interview with Nickelodeon about the upcoming Dora The Explorer live show
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London Theatre Direct
Much loved Nickelodeon character Dora The Explorer is gearing up for a live show at the Apollo Theatre that will have a limited three week run from 28th August to 16th September. Gerald Raines, VP of Recreation Business Development at Nickelodeon spoke exclusively to us about why he is excited about this new show and bringing the children's character who makes learning fun to a wider audience.
What do you think it is about Dora the Explorer that makes her and the show so popular around the world?
Dora the Explorer transcends national and cultural boundaries and taps into kid’s and parent’s love of learning, language and adventure. Originally conceived as a Latina heroine who taught children Spanish, today Dora teaches more kids around the world English than Spanish. Every little kid can relate to Dora – in France she is a little French girl, and so on.
Dora the Explorer has been on air for 12 years. How does the team continue to come up with new stories and adventures for Dora and her friends?
It’s exciting, not many characters enjoy such longevity. Before the team begins work on a new season, a few of the writers and producers take a trip to Latin America for a scout, going to markets and museums and gathering ideas. Many ideas are also generated from the cultural consultants the team works with.
How is the TV series being adapted for the stage and what can we expect from this new story?
The live stage show is based closely on the TV episode of the same name “Search for the City of Lost Toys.” We’ve added new songs and scenes and the live show even includes Dora’s cousin Diego. The live show calls on all the traditions of the theatre, including beautiful sets, costumes, lighting and special effects to transport children into Dora’s world. Just like the series, the premise of the live show is to deliver a hero’s journey, where Dora embarks on an adventure and along the way overcomes obstacles using the pre-school curriculum.
In the TV series, Dora the Explorer often asks viewers to help her find a map, count the stars, etc. Will the live show incorporate audience participation?
Yes, it does! Throughout the live show, Dora encourages the audience to help her along the way. It’s a lot of fun for me personally to go to the show and hear all of the kids participating and helping Dora.
Has the show been changed in any way for a British audience?
No, like the TV series, the live show story “Search for the City of Lost Toys” transcends cultural and boundaries. The live show has been seen by more than 2 million people around the world and has proved to be extremely popular
Why should parents bring their kids to see Dora this summer?
Just like the TV series that children all over the world have fallen in love with, Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys is designed to teach kids to explore, overcome obstacles, solve puzzles and discover a diverse and exciting world … all while having fun singing, dancing and playing along!
Book tickets for Dora The Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys at the Apollo Theatre here