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Larkin dancers to bring ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillars’ to life on stage

Posted February 10, 2025 12:35 pm

Susan Klovstad

The Larkin VPAA will present a dancing adaptation of “The Very Hungry Caterpillars” Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14-15, at Larkin High School in Elgin. Courtesy of Kelly Myhre-Bahwell

Larkin High School’s VPAA Dance Academy will present a dancing adaptation of “The Very Hungry Caterpillars” in its annual “Bring a Book to Life” performance.

Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, and 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Larkin High School auditorium, 1475 Larkin Ave., Elgin. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. For details, call (847) 888-5000, ext. 8420.

Eric Carle’s original book is titled “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” (singular) but Larkin’s colorful adaptation is “Caterpillars” because “our main characters are six senior dancers as the caterpillars,” according to Margaret Palmer, co-director of the VPAA dance program.

“We chose this story because it’s a classic book and has been a favorite among children for decades,” Palmer added. “Eric Carle’s artwork is so iconic and draws you into the story … and, of course, who doesn’t love food?”

“We have 23 performers from Larkin High School’s Dance Academy Magnet School,” Palmer continued. “The dancers will perform a variety of dance styles, from tap to musical theater to contemporary and jazz. Come enjoy the variety of music and dancing.”

In addition to the Friday and Saturday shows that are open to the public, they will perform shows for more than 1,000 elementary students during the week, Palmer said.

Lizzie Bellock rehearses for “The Very Hungry Caterpillars,” a dancing adaptation of the Eric Carle book. Courtesy of Kelli Myhre-Bahwell

From left, Dominika Grela, Joyce Garcia and Mayrin Naranjo rehearse in “The Very Hungry Caterpillars.” Courtesy of Kelli Myhre-Bahwell

Emily O'Hearn rehearses for “The Very Hungry Caterpillars,” a dance adaptation to be performed Feb. 14-15 at Larkin High School in Elgin. Courtesy of Kelli Myhre-Bahwell

From left, Lizzie Bellock, Lucy Ghiotti, Scottie Campbell, Nevaeh Lee, Ruby Hall and Dominika Grela rehearse for “The Very Hungry Caterpillars,” a dance adaptation of the Eric Carle book, to be performed Feb. 14-15 at Larkin High School in Elgin. Courtesy of Kelli Myhre-Bahwell

From left, Anthony Merlo, Addison Kuttnauer, Isabella Ramirez-Guillen, Lucy Ghiotti, Jocelyn Ramos and Bianca Alejandro portray “very hungry caterpillars” in Larkin VPAA Dance Academy's upcoming show. Courtesy of Kelli Myhre-Bahwell

The cast of Larkin VPAA Dance Academy's “The Very Hungry Caterpillars,” which will be performed Feb. 14-15 in Elgin. Courtesy of Kelli Myhre-Bahwell

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