Playtime Poppy turns 60

In the past 60 years, entertainment has changed dramatically.

But one thing has remained constant in Eastern Iowa - Playtime Poppy, the mascot of Children's Theatre of Cedar Rapids.

“Its staying power is awesome,” says Mary Locher, Children's Theatre board president. “It's one of the things in Cedar Rapids that people won't let die.”

Playtime Poppy, a lifelike ear of corn created in 1951, was the brainchild of Margaret Collins, first wife of Collins Radio founder Arthur Collins.

Collins, a member of Cedar Rapids Junior League chapter, which presented children's plays, wanted the youth theater troupe to have a face of its own.

Eventually, Playtime Poppy became the entity of Children's Theatre of Cedar Rapids.

“You always get people who say they are excited that their kids are in the plays they grew up with,” says Locher, a Cedar Rapids native.

To commemorate the mascot's 60th anniversary, a fictional play dramatizing its history, “Playtime Poppy - Outstanding in Her Field,” will be presented on Friday and Saturday at The Carl and Mary Koehler History Center, 615 First Ave. SE.

Bob Assink, 71, a member of both the History Center and Children's Theatre boards, collaborated with Mike Moran, Marc Hammes and Cary Beatty on the  original script 10 years ago for Poppy's 50th anniversary.

The script has been revised, replacing the candy corn character with cupcake kids to help celebrate Poppy's birthday.

“It's the Poppy story, but also a historical piece,” Assink says.

The play follows the storyline of Jeb (Logan Pratt) who befriends an ear of corn that comes to life and eventually becomes the mascot of Children's Theatre.

Jeb lives in a house in Linn County that looks a lot like the American Gothic house, Assink says.

When the ear of corn becomes Poppy, she and Jeb relive stories from books.

Although Jeb is picked on by several kids at school, with the help of Poppy, he lands the role of Prince Charming in the school play, “Cinderella.”

Three Junior League members who were instrumental in Playtime Poppy's creation are also represented in the play.

Cast members range from age 7 to 78.

“It brings tremendous life and vitality and balances out the kids,” says Assink, a retired humanities teacher and drama director from Kennedy High School.

Playtime Poppy plays are produced during the school year by students at Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Kennedy and Washington and Linn-Mar high schools.

As well as the play at The History Center this weekend, other events will mark Playtime Poppy's 60th anniversary.

The Children's Theatre has partnered with Old Creamery Theatre to present “The Legend of Blackbeard's Gold” on Aug. 12 at Theatre Cedar Rapids, 102 Third St. SE.

Auditions will be held 9 to 11 a.m. Monday at the theater for actors ages 7 to 18.

Playtime Poppy also will appear at St. Jude's Sweet Corn Festival Aug. 12 to 14 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 50 Edgewood Rd. NW.

“We plan to keep the birthday theme throughout the year,” Locher says.

Keeping with tradition, the Playtime song is still sung before each show by Poppy and audience members.

“I run into people all over who remember Poppy as a singing, dancing ear of corn,” Assink says. “Here we are, 60 years later, still singing.”

If you go

• What: “Playtime Poppy: Outstanding in Her Field”
• When: 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
• Where: Carl and Mary Koehler History Center, 615 First Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
• Tickets: $3 at The History Center
• More information: Call The History Center at (319) 362-1501 Ext. 11
• What: “The Legend of Blackbeard's Gold”
• When: 4 and 7 p.m. Aug. 12
• Where: Theatre Cedar Rapids, 102 Third St. SE
• Tickets: $8
• More information:

If you go

• What: “Playtime Poppy: Outstanding in Her Field”
• When: 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
• Where: Carl and Mary Koehler History Center, 615 First Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
• Tickets: $3 at The History Center
• More information: Call The History Center at (319) 362-1501 Ext. 11
• What: “The Legend of Blackbeard's Gold”
• When: 4 and 7 p.m. Aug. 12
• Where: Theatre Cedar Rapids, 102 Third St. SE
• Tickets: $8
• More information: www.playtimepoppy.com