What started as a children's book about an inquisitive monkey has turned into a major franchise. Created by authors Margret and H. A. Rey, Curious George has long been a wildly popular series of books published between 1941 and 1966.

Now, following on the heels of an animated series and two successful films, the characters have been brought to life on stage in a musical revue. That's right: Curious George and the Man in the Yellow Hat may be coming to your town in 2010 as Curious George Live, with a lot of their friends in tow!

Dancing, singing, and ever-silly antics abound as the little monkey learns life lessons. The innocence and playfulness of the performance has been greeted by critics and audiences alike as a breath of fresh air and simplicity in an age of technology-driven franticness. The 2010 run starts in mid-February with six Curious George Live shows in Salem, Virginia.

The storyline of Curious George Live centers around George's attempts to help Chef Pisghetti save his restaurant by winning the Golden Meatball Contest in Rome. Broadway-quality stage production supports the story and a thoroughly professional troupe of performers inhabits the characters.

Roaming as far north as Portland, Maine, Curious George also ventures southward all the way down to West Palm Beach, Florida in mid-June. Audiences far and wide, young and old are sure to enjoy the offering. The Midwest will even get a taste as Curious George Live swings into Cleveland in early April.

"The show's a lot of fun. Since kids haven't had a chance to see Curious George on stage before, they've been very excited," said Martino Mayotte, a member of the chorus.

Curious George has entertained and taught us for generations with his misadventures and positivity. With Curious George Live, a whole new crop of kids can experience the character that author H.A. Rey once described as being, "a good little monkey and always very curious."

"There are lots of little lessons that George learns along the way," he said. Top among them are lessons of friendship and teamwork. "George also learns that if you put love in everything you do, you can achieve a lot.”