By John Lyle Belden

For so many of us, whether children or kids-at-heart, a little monkey called Curious George has been part of our lives. But a lot has happened since the mini-ape encountered the Man in the Yellow Hat decades ago, and through adventures penned by original authors Margret and H.A. Rey and their successors, he has become a rather clever primate.

Inspired by his antics on the PBS Kids animated series, “Curious George: The Golden Meatball” brings the characters to life, presented by Constellation Stage and Screen in Bloomington. The live-action musical features young Juna Sparks as George, with Tucker Ransom as the Man in the Yellow Hat. The remaining cast play various characters, chorus, and delivery personnel essential to the plot. In their feature roles, Maggie Lynn Held is the Doorman to George’s apartment building, Gabriel Armstrong is famous Italian Chef Pisghetti, assisted by Sophia Hoffman as Netti, and Marco Molldrem is the sly inventor, Phinneas. Nicholas Ranauro choreographed and directs.

We open, after some song and dance about the title character, on All You Can Eat Meatball Day, which is Pisghetti’s way of saying thanks to all his customers – who aren’t showing up because Phinneas has built a machine that quickly makes rival meatballs (that are more like meat-cubes, but they seem to be a hit). Discouraged, the Chef closes shop – for good, he says.

George, who had just learned how to make the meaty treats, wants to help. To this end, his curiosity will take him, and the others, all the way to the The Golden Meatball contest in Rome.

This show is squarely aimed at the 10-and-under demographic, with several moments that directly engage the audience. This is a perfect way to introduce a child to the wonder of live theatre, done in a professional manner that grownups can appreciate.

Ransom looks like he stepped right out of the book’s pages, and perfectly personifies the monkey’s patient and caring guardian. Sparks lithely makes use of her dance training to tumble and communicate with gestures as George only speaks in vague chatter. Armstrong manages to work that thin line of Italian caricature to charm the kids without looking objectionable to their parents (for those my age, he reminded me a bit of Father Guido Sarducci from SNL).

Performances of “Curious George: The Golden Meatball” are 6:30 p.m. Fridays and 1 and 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 5 at Waldron Auditorium, 122 S. Walnut St., Bloomington. For info and tickets, visit seeconstellation.org.