‘Thomas Saves The Day’ chugs into Houma

Shaun Rice’s “Thomas the Train” encounters were limited to cursory glances while channel surfing … until his goddaughter was born last year.

Today, in the role of Sir Topham Hatt, the father figure charged with keeping the trains in line, Rice has enthusiastically embraced the lovable train tale.

Rice and the cast of “Thomas Saves the Day” chug into the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center April 27 for two shows. The 90-minute musical features all the beloved characters from the Thomas & Friends brand.

As Thomas, Percy and other Island of Sodor friends prepare for the Lantern Festival, a big storm rolls into town, tearing down decorations and breaking the lighthouse lamp. It will take plenty of friendship, cooperation and Thomas’s help to save the day, and the festival.

“It’s magical to see the Island of Sodor absolutely come alive,” Rice said. “The way they’ve made these trains and the way the set looks … it’s really amazing to the kids.

“And the way the show is designed, the kids are as much a part of the show as we are,” he added. “It really does draw them into that world. They get so excited to talk to Thomas and help him out of situations. They really, really do see the character they love from TV right there in front of them and relate to him in a personal way.”

Youngsters are encouraged to clap along, yell out directions and help move the action along, including helping right the trains when machinery goes awry and clearing the train tracks of sheep.

Thomas and Percy are designed to travel the stage, and the animatronic faces add to the lifelike quality. Compared to his character and that of the train’s driver, Rice said standing on stage, the trains appear lifesize.

“During rehearsals in New York, we didn’t have the trains so we were just moving coat racks around,” Rice said. “When we finally got to rehearse with the actual trains, it is so different. It’s like, ‘Here comes Thomas’ and he’s actually singing and talking with you.

“It’s magical for us and even more magical to see from the audience’s point of view,” he said.

The “Thomas Saves the Day” tour marks Rice’s return to the Houma area. Some may recognize him from his role as Chef Pisghetti, the kind-hearted Italian chef/owner of Pisghetti’s Ristorante in “Curious George Live!”, which visited the civic center last year.

“I’m excited to be coming back,” the 32-year-old St. Louis native said. “The food in your area is so amazing. I’m excited to get back and get some of that home-cooking.”