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About

Based on the best-selling series of books by Cynthia Rylant!

Moving from the city to a new house in the country can be tough. Just ask Henry, who can't find a playmate in his new neighborhood.  Luckily, he's got Mudge, a great big, 182-pound canine buddy, with whom he can share all kinds of adventures!

Henry discovers that having a pet is a big responsibility.  They need to be fed. They need to be taken out for walks. And, of course, they need lots of love and playtime!  

When the dog is as big as Mudge is, they also need good training. Henry teaches his new friend to sit, heel and shake his hand, but rolling over is one trick Henry just can't seem to teach Mudge, no matter how hard he tries.

When Henry's cousin Annie comes for a visit, Mudge is so charmed by her that he finally rolls over at her command!  Henry thinks Mudge must love Annie more than him. Very upset, Henry runs away into the cold dark woods to find adventures on his own. Mudge follows the boy's scent into the forest.  He really does love Henry and doesn't want to be without him. Will the two friends be reunited?

Approximate Running Time: 60 Minutes
Recommended Ages: Pre-K through 3

Curriculum Connections

  • Communication and Language Arts
  • Literature Based
  • Music
  • Relationships and Family

Themes

  • Friendship
  • Cooperation
  • Responsibility
  • Loyalty
  • Family

Fun Fact

Writers Kerrigan and Lowdermilk's album, Our First Mistake, hit #1 on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter chart. They also wrote TWUSA's Rosie Revere, Engineer and Friends.

Original Credits

Book and Lyrics by Kait Kerrigan
Music by Bree Lowdermilk
Based on the Henry and Mudge series of books by Cynthia Rylant
Original Direction by Peter Flynn
Original Choreography by Devanand Janki
Scenic Design by Paul C. Weimer
Costume Design by Rob Bevenger
Orchestrations by Brian Lowdermilk