Based on Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer, the No. 1 preschool show on commercial television, Dora's Pirate Adventure sails into the Flint Center later this month.

As in the animated TV show, the live-action Dora and her crew ask their young audiences to help them read maps, translate simple Spanish phrases and use other problem-solving skills to reach their goal. There is, however, one important difference between the two media.

"The audience knows I can hear them, which some kids try to take advantage of," says Danay Ferrer, 31, who plays Dora in the stage show. "When I can respond to them, I do, even though it's not part of the show. It cracks me up because they're kids. You can't get mad at them because that's how close they feel to Dora."

This closeness has translated into a healthy bottom line for Nickelodeon. Since Dora the Explorer premiered on the cable network five years ago, the show and its licensed merchandise have brought in an estimated $1 billion. Dora's Pirate Adventure is the second live show spawned by the TV series; the first, Search for the City of Lost Toys, toured for two years.

Dora's success is due in part to the fact that parents have bought into the interactive educational experience it provides for their preschoolers. Ferrer says their behavior at the live show is proof of this.

"Some parents will do everything I ask the kids to do," she says.

"It's a lot of fun watching the parents," agrees Richie Portela, 26, who plays Dora's cousin Diego. "They get to see how excited their kids are about the show."

The fact that the audience already knows the characters well can be both an asset and a liability, Portela says.

"Sometimes kids can be the best audiences because they're so in tune with their imaginations, they can completely buy into what you're playing," he says. "They're also the first to point out when you're not doing something right."

Both performers say they tapped into their inner children to play their roles.

"It's easier to play a child than another adult," Ferrer says. "I've already been a bilingual Latina girl; I've never been another adult. You just remember how to be a kid again."

"It's been a whole lot of fun getting back to childhood memories," Portela says. "I was a whole lot like Diego: I was very rambunctious and loved the outdoors."

Ferrer and Portela have been touring with Dora's Pirate Adventure since January and are nearing the end of a 45-city run. Ferrer got her first taste of life on the road as part of a singing group that toured with Britney Spears and 'N Sync in 2000.

"That got my body ready for doing this tour," she says.

"Dora's Pirate Adventure" plays Aug. 27, at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Aug. 28 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino. Tickets are $19-$38. For more information, call 408.998.8497 or visit ticketmaster.com.