George and Martha
| Company type | Company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Animation, Television production |
| Headquarters | Canada |
Area served | Canada, United States |
| Products | Animated television series |
George and Martha is a collection of children's books authored and illustrated by James Marshall between 1972 and 1988. Each volume contains five brief tales centered on two hippopotamus companions, George and Martha, whose names pay homage to the first President of the United States and his spouse. This literary series served as the foundation for a 1999 American-Canadian animated television series consisting of 26 episodes, as well as a musical production premiered in 2011.
Plot
The stories portray the daily experiences shared by best friends George and Martha, including attending dance lessons, trips to the beach, visits to amusement parks, and engaging in humorous antics. Through lighthearted narratives, the series highlights aspects of friendship, emphasizing that despite occasional disagreements, the pair always make amends.
Books
The primary titles in the series are:
- George and Martha (1972)
- George and Martha Encore (1973)
- George and Martha Rise and Shine (1976)
- George and Martha One Fine Day (1978)
- George and Martha Tons of Fun (1980)
- George and Martha Back in Town (1984)
- George and Martha Round and Round (1988)
- George and Martha: The Complete Stories of Two Best Friends, featuring an introduction by Maurice Sendak (1997)
Cast
- Nathan Lane portraying George Hippo
- Andrea Martin as Martha Hippo
- Kathryn Greenwood in the role of Frieda
- Colin Mochrie voicing Oscar and Bud Chuckles
- Debra McGrath as Valerie Chuckles
- Sean Cullen providing voices for Wilde and Eton
- Robin Duke playing Penny
- Tony Rosato as Duke
- Greg Kramer portraying Anton
Production
The animated series was co-produced by Canadian company Nelvana Limited alongside Wild Things Enterprises Inc. It includes 26 episodes, each divided into two segments, amounting to a total of 52 segments.
The opening theme is Perfidia, performed by Mambo All-Stars.
Broadcast and home release
Initially broadcast on Canada's YTV, the show debuted in the United States on HBO Family on April 1, 1999. It continued to air on HBO Family through 2009 before returning on Qubo beginning March 28, 2016. Selected episodes were distributed on VHS by Sony Wonder under their "Doors of Wonder" imprint. By 2017, all installments were accessible on YouTube via the Treehouse Direct channel.
Musical
In 2011, George and Martha was transformed into an original stage musical titled George and Martha: Tons of Fun, produced by Imagination Stage located in Bethesda, Maryland. The show featured music, script, and lyrics crafted by Joan Cushing, with direction by Kathryn Chase Bryer.
External links
- George and Martha playlist on YouTube