Arts | Dog-themed family musical to hit CCM’s stage this weekend

Desi van Doeveren (left), Anne de Blok (center) and Eric-Jan Lens

Spot, one of the most famous dogs in children’s literature, will be arriving for a musical show in the region tomorrow and Sunday at the Macau Cultural Center (CCM).
Based on Eric Hill’s “Spot the Dog” series of children’s picture books, Dutch company Theatre Terra will bring “Spot” to the CCM in a production that uses puppets, actors and colorful sets to portray the story.
Theatre Terra’s take on “Spot” is a family musical that will feature lively songs, simple dialogue and Dutch clog dancing.
At a press briefing with the cast of the upcoming musical show yesterday, Eric Jan-Lens, who plays the father of “Spot,” said that the show aims to encourage children to be more inventive and creative.
“Spot the dog is, in a way, like a small child [who’s] very enthusiastic, very happy,” he explained. “I think that’s the message. That even if you’re small, you can still do your best and contribute.”
The show, which the cast described as “interactive”, has just finished its run in Hong Kong. The cast expressed their hopes that Macau audiences would also welcome “Spot” with  the same “energy and participation.”
After its performance in the region over the weekend, “Spot” will head to Australia for shows in Sydney and Perth.
Hill’s “Spot the Dog” series has been published in more than 30 countries and has been adapted into a cartoon series.
Theatre Terra creates and performs new shows every year, ranging from family musicals and puppetry to theatre. Founded in 1977, the company has since grown into one of the Netherlands’ leading theatre groups for children and families.