America’s Hometown Hound Festival and Bluey’s Big Play
With Plymouth’s dog-themed festival, America’s Hometown Hound Festival, and Bluey’s Big Play hitting the stage at Boston’s Wang Theater, happening on the same day, Saturday, June 13th, was certainly one for the dogs.
America’s Hometown Hound Festival
Plymouth has had a Bark at the Park in the past at Nelson Park. Nelson Park, hosting again this year, is the perfect location for the festival as it has expansive waterfront views, a state-of-the-art playground, and a splash pad. Typically, this event brings out dog-themed vendors and, in the past, has hosted a beer garden and food truck.
Although the name has changed, the America’s Hometown Hound Festival was similar in nature to the Bark at the Park, meaning loads of dogs and dog-themed vendors. Dog walkers, dog treat bakers, and dog trainers were all represented in full. Although we left our dog at home, my kids enjoyed many of the activities the festival had to offer. By signing up for an email at one vendor, they were able to spin a wheel for a prize, which included a squeaky ball and a water bowl. My two younger sons both made bracelets to take home.
There were no extra food or drink options this year, but the snack bar on site was open so popcorn and soda were on the menu for them as well. With the proximity of the playground, they spent a while romping around. Plymouth County Comfort Dogs was giving away a calendar that my middle child really enjoyed. He also thought it was cool that the Plymouth student safety officer was his baseball coach this year.
Bluey’s Big Play
After leaving the festival, our day for the dogs was not over yet. We had bought tickets for a performance of Bluey’s Big Play at the Wang Theater in Boston. As there were multiple showings of this play throughout the day, the crowds were not as large as when I’ve typically been to this venue. It worked out well since I could show my wife and other kids the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame that I took my oldest to last year. Most of the exhibits are scattered throughout the hallways of this ornate classic theater. The museum and the theater itself are a real gem.
Time for the Show
We sat in the uppermost level but still had a clear view of the stage. Favorite Bluey characters, including Bluey, Bingo, Mum, and Dad, were presented by two puppeteers each. The puppeteers made the characters move, and their mouths moved, although the sound was pre-recorded. It was a unique way to see a children’s performance, very different from the typical characters à la Disney or Sesame Street with actors inside a costume. The stage’s set was highly colorful and well-constructed. The plot involved Bluey and Bingo taking Dad’s phone and the antics that followed. It also had a more serious subplot of Bluey’s Mum reconciling with her sister, Brandy.
At 50 minutes in length, it was long enough for a plot line to develop. The music, as in the television show, is excellent, with familiar tunes, along with other numbers I wasn’t as familiar with. The brightness of the performance and the true-to-form puppets were a winning combo for my kids, who are Bluey enthusiasts, as well as the casual fan such as myself. All in all, it was just worth it to see the smile on my youngest’s face. At three, this was his first big-time live theater or concert spectacle.
This Backyard Road Trip was definitely for the dogs. America’s Hometown Hound Festival and Bluey the Play, happening on the same Saturday in June, made for a barking good time.
