ALLENTOWN, Pa. — It's one thing for Blippi, the inquisitive and colorful character who teaches preschoolers on YouTube, Netflix, HBO Max and more.
It's quite another to bring the high-energy, educational act that made Blippi a global sensation to a stage near you, not to mention trucks and other vehicles.
You can see how well that translates at “Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour,” which hits the Grandstand Stage at the Allentown Fair on Thursday, August 29th at 5:30pm.
Tickets are $30 each and remain on sale on the fair's website.
“And Blippi has been a massive hit globally, with over a billion monthly views across its Netflix, Amazon and YouTube platforms alone, which is incredible. And to be able to present that content as a live show is really special for kids and families and for us.”
Maci Bass, Creative Associate, Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour
“Blippi sparks the curiosity of preschoolers around the world by creating content and experiences that are approachable, accessible and make learning fun,” Maci Bass, creative associate for Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, said by phone from Houston, Texas.
“And Blippi has become a global sensation, with over 1 billion monthly views across Netflix, Amazon and YouTube platforms alone. That's incredible.”
“And to be able to bring that content into a live show is really special for kids and families and for us.”
“Living in front of children all over the world”
Blippi was created by Stevin John and posted his first episode in 2014, featuring the character wearing an orange and blue beanie, suspenders and a bow tie, alongside a tractor.
However, Blippi started to gain more attention in 2020 when it began being distributed on other platforms by Moonbug Entertainment.
“It started as a musical and then morphed into 'Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour,' and with each version, the audience gets more and more excited.”
Maci Bass, Creative Associate, Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour
Blippi is currently available in more than 20 languages, including American Sign Language, and is distributed by more than 30 global broadcast and streaming partners.
Bass said the idea of bringing a live Blippi show to various locations started with 2021's Blippi: The Musical.
“The idea was to bring this YouTube sensation to life, take him on the road and perform live in front of kids all over the world,” said Bass, who got his start as a performer on the show.
“It was such a success that now Blippi is back with more songs, more excitement and a more different performance.
“It started as a musical and then morphed into 'Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour,' and with each version, the audience gets more and more excited.”
“A very selective process.”
Bass said the show will feature “Blippi, his best friend Meeka and the rest of the band onstage dancing, singing and playing instruments.”
“Be prepared for audience interaction, lots of singing and dancing and just having a good time,” she said.
“We have counting activities, monster trucks and everyone's favourites, excavators and garbage trucks, to get the kids on their feet and playing.
Maci Bass, Creative Associate, Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour
“And be sure to tune in as all of our favorite vehicles will be gracing the stage.”
But even with all the fun, “I think it's a daily learning experience. It's the ultimate adventure of curiosity,” Bass said.
“We have counting activities, monster trucks and everyone's favourites, excavators and garbage trucks, to get the kids on their feet and playing.
“Specific lessons? I think it's the everyday adventures that Blippi introduces to you and the kids.”
And of course, “you can expect some familiar Blippi songs sung by Blippi and his best friend Meeka.”
Bass, who performed with Blippi's creator John in “Blippi the Musical,” said that as the touring Blippi shows have become more varied, other actors have been hired to play Blippi on the road.
“We do a lot of research into the character of Blippi, so whoever plays Blippi has to really embody the character and the spirit of the character,” Bass said.
“And there's a very thorough selection process that heavily involves the character's creator. It's a very selective process when we're looking for someone to play the character of Blippi.”
“Really, really special.”
Just how big the Blippi brand has become is evident in the fact that fellow Blippis Meekah and Juca have their own shows, release hit songs, and have popular toys sold in major retailers.
Bass said his role has become that of someone “making sure everything runs smoothly.”
“I work so hard to make sure the show meets the standards and that Blippi remains Blippi,” she said with a laugh, “and that we deliver the same great show wherever we air it.”
“This is my first time working with a family audience. There's nothing like it. You get to bring joy to families and kids.”
Maci Bass, Creative Associate, Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour
In addition to Blippi, Bass, a New York-based artist, has appeared in stage productions such as Hairspray, The Rocky Horror Show and Cabaret.
But she said working with Blippi was “really fun.”
“This is my first time working with a family audience and there's nothing like it,” she said. “I get to bring joy to families and kids.”
“So they're our most connected audience. Whatever you do, they just love it and embrace it. That's really, really special.”
“For me personally, it’s really special to have started off as an actor on the show, grown with the show and the brand, become one of Blippi’s directors and have such an up-close and personal relationship with the brand itself.
“For me, it's been really exciting and special, and having the opportunity to grow with it has been really fun.”