Bugs Bunny has been a staple of family entertainment ever since his first appearance on April 30, 1938 in “Porky’s Hare Hunt.” This classic “stinker” was created by Ben Hardaway, and officially adopted by Tex Avery and Chuck Jones. Mel Blanc voiced Bugs Bunny for most of the 20^th century. However, this Oscar-winning bunny is not an old relic yet. He is still active in commercials, short features, full features and even live and on stage!

Bugs Bunny on Broadway (now touring over 20 years) was created and conducted by George Daugherty. This symphony is not just the usual puppet show, but actually celebrates animation, as Bugs Bunny and company are projected on a giant screen. Here’s the catch: a symphony orchestra plays the original cartoon’s classical music live! Who can deny that one of Looney Tunes’ most distinctive features was its classical score soundtrack? George Daugherty produces the show, which has been running since 1990, originally at the Gershwin Theatre.

The music of the classic cartoons, as Carl Stalling wrote them, are still intact and are performed by a full symphony orchestra. In case you’re keeping track of which of the best tunes will be performed, rest assured the classics (i.e. “What’s Opera, Doc?”, “The Rabbit of Seville” and “Long-Haired Hare”) will be honored with an encore. This is the type of show that is nostalgic for long-time fans and yet captivating for new audiences.

Let’s face it–animation today has really gone downhill in terms of quality drawing and quality soundtracks. Bugs Bunny On Broadway celebrates not only the golden days of animation but also the spirit of live classical music. This concert has been selling out around the word for the last 20 years and has graced the stage of some of the top facilities in the world, including The Hollywood Bowl, the Kremlin Palace and the London’s Royal Festival Hall. The event actually gives a variety of symphony orchestras the chance to perform these innovative and complex numbers–each one indeed, telling a whimsical story with notes.

Be sure to catch the concert on tour. There are also new additions to the concert in the way of more classic characters: Elmer Fudd, Porky Pig, Daffy Duck and even Tom and Jerry! Don’t miss your chance to catch it live!