Daniel Tiger bringing lessons wrapped in fun to Cedar Rapids

The live production of "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" is a welcome distraction for many parents and a highlight for children during the pandemic.

The animated children's television series, produced by Fred Rogers Productions, 9 Story Media Group and 9 Story USA, spawned a live show, which is refreshingly slow-paced in a world of kids’ shows that are lightning fast. There's something soothing about Daniel Tiger's “Neighbor Day,” which will appear Feb. 24, 2022, at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Cedar Rapids.

"There is something different about this show," director Jenn Rapp said while calling from San Diego. "It's a show about doing the right thing and being good to your neighbor. That's not surprising, since the show is connected to Fred Rogers and ‘Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.’ All those wonderful characters from that show come to life."

The colorful characters connect with preschool children, who have fun while learning life lessons during the show.

"Kids learn about how to deal with emotions and how to deal with fear and anger," Rapp said. "Kids learn that they're perfect the way they are. They learn about kindness and how important it is to share. There are so many positive messages conveyed throughout ‘Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood.’ "

A huge positive is just the fact that many children's shows are touring for the first time since 2019.

"That is huge," she said. "It's so exciting to have children's theater happening again after such a long dry spell, thanks to COVID. I missed it so much."

Rapp, 48, has been in the children's theater since being part of a "Dora The Explorer" production in 1998. Rapp, who also choreographed "Scooby Doo" and "SpongeBob SquarePants" productions, aims to inspire.

"That's part of the job," she said. "It's an occupation I enjoy so much. It's a fascinating job since the audience moves on and then there is another group of 2- to 5-year-olds who come out to the shows, and Daniel Tiger is new to them. They get to see characters in colorful costumes and have fun at a musical production, which they might not have experienced before."

Rapp enjoys watching both generations experience the show.

"The kids love it since they're familiar with the television show," she said. "The parents connect since they, like I did, grew up with ‘Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.’ That show never leaves you."

And then there are the songs, which turn into big singalongs.

"I love ‘Grown Ups Come Back,’ “ Rapp said. "That's a big one for kids, who get upset when they're dropped off at school. Parents sing the song to their nervous kids to reassure them that they're not being left behind. They feel better knowing that at the end of the day mommy or daddy will return for them."

And after a long hiatus Daniel Tiger has finally returned.

“We're all so thrilled," Rapp said. "So we're back out with this show with our script 'Neighbor Day' -- and all I can say is that it's about time."