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Media Contacts

Cheryl Crouch
IU Auditorium
crouchcm@indiana.edu
812-855-1998

Jennifer Piurek
University Communications
jpiurek@indiana.edu
812-856-4886

Last modified: Monday, December 15, 2008

Bob the Builder visits IU Auditorium for one night only

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 15, 2008

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Bloomington families will have the chance to hang out with a PBS favorite -- and eco-crusader -- Bob the Builder and friends at Bob the Builder LIVE! Spud's Big Mess on Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. at IU Auditorium.

Based on the popular TV show that airs on PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS Sprout, Bob the Builder LIVE! Spud's Big Mess is a singing, dancing extravaganza for budding builders and their families. The show stars Bob the Builder, his business partner Wendy, trusty machine-team members Scoop, Dizzy, Lofty and Scrambler and other favorite friends from Sunflower Valley, including the mischievous scarecrow Spud, Farmer Pickles and Mayor Bentley.

Bob the Builder

The show begins as Bob and his team build the first-ever recycling center and wind farm in Sunflower Valley. It isn't long before some items go missing and a few of Bob's friends mysteriously disappear. Faced with a mountain of garbage, they must figure out who is responsible for the mess and work together to fix it, while dealing with Spud's antics. Can they all pull together and get the job done? Yes they can.

"We've had many requests for a Bob the Builder show over the years, so we're very pleased to finally be able to bring this show to IU Auditorium," said Doug Booher, director of IU Auditorium. "The eco-friendly message of this particular show perfectly reflects the values of the Bloomington community."

The 90-minute show features 10 original songs as the characters embark on an adventure that promotes positive messages of caring for the environment, recycling, teamwork, cooperation and the importance of a can-do spirit. Interwoven into the storyline are takeaway lessons for kids and good reminders for the grown-ups, including how to:

  • Encourage habits such as taking care of the Earth and everything that lives on it
  • Understand what it means to recycle and reuse
  • Identify and define a recycling center and how to find one while understanding its importance
  • Define trash and recycling, incorporating the motto, "Trash is only trash if you don't recycle it."

Bob the Builder LIVE! Spud's Big Mess is presented by Magic Arts & Entertainment, a subsidiary of Tix Corp., and is produced by HIT Entertainment and the UK-based I.P. Live. The Bloomington show is one of more than 70 across the nation as the show tours through June 2009.

"Bob the Builder has become one of the biggest stars on any stage around the globe," says producer Martin Flitton of I.P. Live. "For kids in the U.S., Bob the Builder may be their first theatrical experience and an opportunity to learn how theater works. All the wonderful lessons that come from Bob the Builder's live show are a plus."

In support of the eco-friendly messages of this show, the producers will use all show communications to encourage attendees to read the show programs online. In addition, show materials will include special recycling tips and eco-themed activities for kids. All venues where the live show is performing will be encouraged to use recycling containers and include how to attend the show by using public transportation on their Web site.

"Bob the Builder's positive messages of teamwork and follow-through, along with his lessons about caring for the environment, have made him a phenomenally popular character worldwide and will resonate with kids and families through this exciting stage show," said Gary Krakower of HIT Entertainment.

Tickets are $21-$33 for the general public and $12-$30 for IU Bloomington students and children. Tickets are available at the Auditorium Box office, by phone at 812-855-1103 and online at https://www.iuauditorium.com/new0809/index.html.

Bob the Builder LIVE! Spud's Big Mess is sponsored by the support of show sponsors WTIU and Southern Indiana Pediatrics, LLC, as well as season sponsors Curry Auto Center, B97, the Bloomington Herald-Times, IU Document Service Centers, and IU Residential Programs and Services.