'Bluey's Big Play' bounces to America. Stage production of beloved show comes to NYC

Bluey is in a New York state of mind.

Not only is the beloved animated Australian heeler set to live large as one of the newest Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons, but she's also ready to hit the stage.

"Bluey's Big Play" comes to Madison Square Garden's Hulu Theater from Friday, Nov. 18, to Sunday, Nov. 20. The stage show features an original story by "Bluey" creator Joe Brumm and new music by "Bluey" composer Joff Bush.

The production then travels across the United States, making stops in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago, San Antonio, Los Angeles and more.

"It is exciting that an Aussie show has such great traction in America. We are really looking forward to sharing the live show with American audiences," said director Rose Myers.

"Bluey" the television show burst onto screens in 2018 in Australia and premiered in the United States in late 2019 on Disney Jr., followed quickly by distribution on Disney+.

It spawned a phenomenon, with audiences around the world falling in love with the Heeler family and friends. Clothing, party supplies, toys and more are everywhere.

Just what is it about "Bluey"?

"It’s a depiction of a very relatable contemporary family and the show really celebrates the joy of family life. The characters are brilliant. Brumm hits a great balance of brilliant humor and heart," Myers said.

The treasured status of the characters necessitated special care in translating the animated television show into a live stage production, Myers said.

"Bringing the characters to life on stage was a big responsibility," she said. "We spent a long time developing the set and puppetry. Puppetry is quite a technical medium so it’s important to keep the storytelling front and center throughout the process. The show features quite large puppets, so working with puppetry director Jacob Williams and our amazing cast was a big part of the delight of seeing it all come to life."

Much of the worldwide popularity of "Bluey" came during COVID-19 shutdowns.

"The TV show had meant so much to people during the lockdowns," Myers said, "so when we finally got on stage it was really special. It was one of the very first shows back on stage in Australia after some quite lengthy shutdowns where many of us wondered what the future of theater would look like and if people would return. It was great to see that people did really hunger for the live experience, and 'Bluey’s Big Play' was such a joyous way to launch back into that."

What extra-special moments can audiences keep their eyes peeled for during the show?

"Chattermax is always popular, and look out for the opportunity to play Keepy Uppy with the characters," Myers said.

Like the television show, "Bluey's Big Play" aims to be enjoyed by people of all ages.

"It’s a magical experience to share with the whole family," Myers said. "I think that is a very important element that 'Bluey' really offers a lot for the whole family — whatever shape your family takes. The adults will enjoy themselves as much as the kids."

Go: "Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show," 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, and Sunday, Nov. 20, Hulu Theater, Madison Square Garden; events.bluey.tv.

Ilana Keller is an award-winning journalist and lifelong New Jersey resident who loves Broadway and really bad puns. Reach out on Twitter: @ilanakeller; ikeller@gannettnj.com

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Bluey's Big Play the Stage Show is coming to Madison Square Garden