Saturday, October 3, 2026
The red carpet turned blue at the Long Island Children’s Museum in Uniondale on Feb. 16, when families gathered for a star-style premiere of “Pete the Cat,” a musical complete with a grand entrance for the storybook character.
Based on the popular children’s book series by Kimberly and James Dean, the production follows the laid-back blue cat as he helps a young boy navigate creativity, confidence and self-expression. The musical features live musicians — a signature element of LICM Theater — and blends humor and life lessons designed to engage both children and adults.
The production uses the theme of creativity, friendship, cooperation and personal growth, mixed in with some emotional learning and messaging about overcoming fears and trying something new.
The sold-out “Pete’s Blue Carpet Catwalk” invited children to walk the carpet, as students from Farmingdale High School’s theater program volunteered as “paparazzi” to take photos of them. The children posed for photos with the character and took part in a VIP-style experience ahead of the show, before heading to “Pete’s Groovy Lounge” for refreshments and food sponsored by The Gluten Free Treat Shop.
“It popped into my head one day that it would be really fun to do a special VIP event,” Lisa Rudin, artistic director and co-director, said, “to give kids a chance to pretend to be glamorous movie stars or very important people.”
Children lined up along the blue carpet, some holding copies of the popular book series as they waited for their turn in the spotlight. Some children invited the attention of the paparazzi, while others were slightly shy and casually walked on through.
“I like ‘Pete the Cat,’” Mateo Diaz, 4, of Oceanside, said while clutching his book.
Other young attendees also expressed that they had fun walking down the carpet.
While waiting on line to walk the blue carpet, children were greeted by a bodyguard, Michael Costello, the father of co-director Austin Costello. Michael Costello is a bodyguard by profession, and worked the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Feb. 1.
“My dad was at the Grammys a few Sundays ago, and he was showing Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish around,” Austin said. “He watched Jelly Roll playing on stage, and then he came here.
“He was showing little kids the way down the blue carpet, and after giving the kids little plastic kitty ears and sunglasses, I think he probably had more fun.”
After the children walked the blue carpet, they had a brief interview with Rudin’s daughter, Amelie Burfitt, and a photo opportunity with Pete the Cat in costume. Burfitt asked kids after they walked the carpet what they’re most excited about.
Austin praised the museum and its staff members for making the production come together, especially with a new twist during the premiere. President of the museum, Erika Floreska said this is something they might consider doing for each opening performance.
“I think it was a home run that she had this whole thought of the blue carpet,” Austin said of Rudin. “And our staff here, especially with the theater, was willing to play ball and try something new.
“The theater has been here quite a long time, and this was a first for us,” he added. “It was a dream come true.”
Afterward, families made their way into the theater for the 1 p.m. curtain, followed by a meet-and-greet with the cast, as swag bags with glasses and plastic cat ears were distributed.
“It was entertaining — and as an adult, which is not always easy — but it was my first show here,” said Michael Kohn, who came with his two sons, Christopher, 5, and Daniel, 7, and his wife, Laura. “I was impressed with the production, quality and things for a kid’s show.”
Austin explained that creating a show to entertain both adults and children is the goal. “Some of children’s media is insufferable,” he said.
Christopher and Daniel both learned different ways to paint, which was a big lesson from the show.
The show tells the story of Pete the Cat as he helps his friend, Jimmy Biddle, conquer second-grade art, and along the way they learn something new about inspiration. Christopher painted a “purple groovy bus” while Daniel painted many jellybeans in various colors.
While “Pete the Cat” is not Daniel’s favorite TV series, a musical-driven show, which ran from 2017 to 2022, his mom said honestly that the young visitor thought the theatrical live version was “great.” He enjoys the book, however, adding, “My favorite part is when he has a bad banana.”
Since the book is only a couple of pages long, the theatrical version would need to change somehow, especially to keep children engaged for a 50-minute show.
The show has been brought into theaters around the county, and LICM had to secure the rights, during which the company wrote a brand new story, similar to what New York City does by bringing popular movies to the Broadway stage.
