FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. \u2014 \u201cLife of Pi,\u201d the book by Yann Martel, sold more than 15 million copies before the blockbuster film, and on Wednesday night, the Tony Award-winning theatrical experience opens at the Au-Rene Theater in the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale.<\/p>\n
During a voyage of perseverance, a boy named Pi Patel moves with his family and their zoo animals from India to Canada. Three puppeteers bring Richard Parker, a 500-pound tiger, to life on stage. <\/p>\n
\u201cAs an actor, I think it\u2019s so rare to have a fully South Asian cast on stage, and I am really grateful for that experience, and I will cherish this forever,\u201d said Sharayu Mahale, who plays Pi in the play. <\/p>\n
Jon Hoche, the resident director, said the puppetry in the show is really incredible and sets it apart from other shows.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe puppetry, the puppets, are really the main characters in the show,\u201d Hoche said. <\/p>\n
The play includes flashing or strobe lighting, loud noises, confetti cannons, and pyrotechnics. Children younger than four years old will not be admitted. <\/p>\n