The Velveteen Rabbit
An Old Friend in a New Word
Written by: Jimmy Blais
Directed by: Dean Patrick Fleming
Recommended for: Elementary students
The Velveteen Rabbit by Jimmy Blais is a play that captures the journey of Riley, who, after moving to a new home, receives a plush rabbit offering comfort and sparking imaginative adventures. The following year, Riley gets an AI assistant, Lexa, leading them into exciting digital escapades. This introduces a conflict between the comforting, imaginative world with the Velveteen Rabbit and the thrilling digital adventures with Lexa, highlighting the themes of emotional connections and the balance between reality and technology.
Themes and Concepts
➜ Reality
➜ Imagination and Technology
➜ Adaption
➜ Growth
➜ Coping with Change
Resources
Original Cast and Team
Audrey Ferus
as Parent
Brontae Hunter
as Riley
Giordano “Gio” Imola
as Parent/Rabbit
Jimmy Blais – Playwright
Dean Patrick Fleming – Director
James Douglas – Tour Manager
Mélanie Ermel – Production Manager, Technical Director and Tour Manager
Annalise Peterson-Perry – Rehearsal Tour Manager
Andrew Scriver (potatoCakes_digital) – Video Designer
Emily Soussana (potatoCakes_digital) – Video Designer
Troy Slocum – Sound Designer & Composer
Julian Smith – Sound Assistant
Aidan Spark – Puppet Creator
Shopdogs – Set Build