At Old Dominion, Staging of “Corduroy” is Stuffed with Kindness

Friendship can be the button that holds everything together.

That’s the message of “Corduroy” — both the classic children’s book and a stage version being performed at Old Dominion 91����Ƶ’s Goode Theatre.

In the 1968 story by Don Freeman, a toy bear sits forlorn on a department store shelf. He’s lost a button from his outfit and feels overlooked, unwanted. Then, a little girl named Lisa arrives who accepts Corduroy’s imperfections and sees his worth.

This simple tale of a stuffed bear and his wardrobe malfunction offered the right mix of warmth and optimism for the show’s director Katherine Hammond, who also serves as associate chair and director of operations for Old Dominion’s Theatre program.

Hammond lost her husband, Lee Smith, to cancer over the summer. Smith had also taught theatre, directed, and done production design at Old Dominion.

For her first show back after the loss, Hammond searched for a life-affirming story.

“I needed something that was not heavy,” she said. “I needed something I felt was uplifting. My husband loved toys. He built toys. And while this story is simple, it is a show that makes you smile.”

The Old Dominion production is also built to make you laugh.

“It’s a physical play — incredibly physical,” Hammond said. “It is based on classical European clowning.” The production’s creative team — which also includes HG Nedvin, Jim Lyden, Jessica Gaffney and Serenity Lopez — encouraged student actors to find comedy in the story’s settings. “That was my goal, to give the students the opportunity to explore the joy of physical comedy” Hammond said.

Mia Ortega, an Old Dominion freshman from Williamsburg, plays Lisa. She wasn’t familiar with the original children’s story but said she’s having fun bringing “Corduroy” to life along with the rest of the cast, crew and creative team. “I just enjoy doing theater,” she said. “I’ve been doing it since middle school. It brings me a lot of joy.”

Through “Corduroy,” Ortega has sharpened her acting chops.  She said she finds acting almost therapeutic. “You don’t hold back expressing your emotions when you’re pretending to be someone else,” said Ortega, who is studying psychology. “It’s a good release in a way.”

Likewise, student Isaiah Reese said he enjoys playing the title character. “Portraying an animated stuffed animal is new territory for me, but I’m having a lot of fun doing it though,” he wrote. “It helps me step out of my comfort zone a little bit, and it gives me more experience of focusing on movement and facial expressions since I don’t have much dialogue.”

Knowing that Corduroy’s search for belonging can connect with audiences far and wide, the production team partnered with community organizations and institution supporting local youth.

“It’s a huge community effort,” Hammond said. “We have created lots of friends with this, and it has just grown and grown. People are really excited about being part of the experience.”

• Students from several Norfolk and Virginia Beach public elementary schools will be brought in for three exclusive matinee performances.

• A gently used toy drive will be conducted through a collaboration with The Dream Center of Hampton Roads, an organization that seeks to build relationships with those in need, bridging the gap between the resources available and folks who can benefit from them. Audience members are encouraged to bring and donate a new or gently used toy.
• Through a partnership with the 757 Creative Reuse Center, a sustainable crafting station will run before select performances.
• The Norfolk Public Library will operate a pop-up library in conjunction with some “Corduroy” performances. Representatives from the library will share valuable information about their programs and encourage reading.

• A SPaARC Bear Faire is being organized through a partnership between ODU Theatre and several ODU STEM Education classes. In the Goode Theatre’s lobby starting 30 minutes before showtime, young audience members will be able to play games and win prizes as they participate in interactive educational experiences. Old Dominion STEM students built toys for children to try. “After we use the toys, we’re going to give them to The Dream Center of Hampton Roads, to benefit children who are homeless,” said Kat Ferguson, an adjunct lecturer at Old Dominion. The concept is a step toward creating SPaARC (STEM Partnership and Arts Resources Collaborative) linking Old Dominion STEM Education and Theatre Arts students.

“The play’s message about the value of friendship and kindness is timeless,” Hammond said. “As the story unfolds, Lisa and Corduroy bear both strive to forge a friendship. And that friendship enriches their lives in ways that they couldn’t have imagined,” Hammond said.

“I feel the same. I feel surrounded by so many friends. They are a treasure to me.”

Want to go?

What: “Corduroy” is presented by ODURep Theatre and directed by Katherine Hammond. The play was adapted for the stage by Barry Kornhauser, based on the books “Corduroy” and “A Pocket for Corduroy” by Don Freeman, with music by Victor Zupanc.

When: March 1 and 2 at 2 p.m.; Feb. 27, 28, and March 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Goode Theatre, 4601 Monarch Way, Old Dominion 91����Ƶ

Tickets: