Children's Theatre of Charlotte Announces 2011-12 Season

A strong lineup of productions for the 2011-12 season continues Children's Theatre of Charlotte's commitment to providing theatre that entertains, challenges and inspires young people and families. In its 64th year, the Theatre presents a diverse selection of shows, including musical spectacular Seussical^TM, a holiday show featuring Junie B. Jones and work for a wide range of ages. The Theatre will also host an exciting array of Visiting Artists, including a first time visit from PlayPlay! Theatre for the very young and return engagements from professional stepping company Step Afrika! and singer-songwriter Roger Day.

The season opens with an original staging of Seussical^TM, the family musical adventure that has delighted audiences across the country since its 2000 Broadway debut. Dr. Seuss' beloved stories collide in this colorful extravaganza that celebrates the bonds of friendship, the importance of tolerance and the incredible power of the imagination. First up for Resident Touring Company the Tarradiddle Players is The Commedia Cinderella, a funny, fast-paced show that puts a slapstick spin on one of the world's most famous fairytales.

For the holidays, the Theatre presents both a fresh, new story and a tried-and-true classic. Adapted from Barbara Park's best-selling series about everyone's favorite first grader, Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! offers a sassy, hilarious and ultimately heart-warming perspective on the season. The Tarradiddle Players will perform The Velveteen Rabbit, one of the most treasured tales in their repertoire.

The new year begins with The Borrowers, based on the classic book by Mary Norton about a tiny family living under the floor boards of a house belonging to human beings. When the Clocks' cozy hiding place is discovered, they find adventure and a new home in the giant universe outside. The Tarradiddle Players take on another fairytale with a production of Rapunzel that stays true to the mystery and enchantment of The Brothers Grimm story.

Tales of Edgar Allan Poe, a pair of spine-tingling stories from the master of the macabre, continues Children's Theatre of Charlotte's commitment to work for tween and teen audiences. In May, the Theatre's high school Ensemble Company presents another production for older ages. Eugène Ionesco's Rhinoceros is an unsettling examination of maintaining individuality in a world of conformity.

The 2011-12 season includes scripts by two playwrights for young audiences whose work has been previously produced by Children's Theatre of Charlotte. Author and NPR commentator Kevin Kling, who penned the script for Lyle the Crocodile, brings Richard Scarry's beloved books and characters like Huckle Cat, Farmer Pig and Lowly Worm to singing, dancing life on stage in Busytown. And the Tarradiddle Players finish their season in the Wells Fargo Playhouse with Salt and Pepper, a thoughtful drama about the burden of illiteracy written by José Cruz González, who adapted Tomás and the Library Lady for the stage.

Children's Theatre of Charlotte will not raise ticket prices for the 2011-12 season, and offers several ways for families to save on tickets. In addition to the Early Bird Discount (order by August 1 and save $1 per ticket), the Theatre offers a season-long program through which families can save $2 per ticket by ordering three or more productions at one time. In addition, tickets to select Friday night performances throughout the year will be half-price as part of the Target Family Time Series sponsored by Target. Tickets for the season will go on sale to E-Club subscribers on April 25 and to the general public on May 2.

Performances will be in the McColl Family Theatre or Wells Fargo Playhouse at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th Street. For more information visit us online at www.ctcharlotte.org, or call the Box Office at 704-973-2828 (10 am to 5 pm, Mon.-Fri.). Details on all productions follow.

Children's Theatre of Charlotte 2011-2012 Season

Uh-Oh!
Written and Performed by PlayPlay! Theatre
Aug. 16-20, 2011 • Wells Fargo Playhouse
All seats $12
Visiting Artist Experience
"Theatre for the Very Young" makes its CTC stage debut with PlayPlay! Theatre's Uh-Oh!, a simple story of work and play, and those "uh-oh!'s" that happen every day. The actors use stimulating sights and sounds to engage little ones and ignite their curiosity. A perfect first theatre experience presented in an intimate setting, Uh-Oh! is all about creative play. With pre- and post-show activities, Uh-Oh! offers an hour of wonder and delight that might even change the way you play with your child.

One Act • For Ages Birth-3
Best enjoyed by Preschool ages

Seussical^TM
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
Co-Conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, and Eric Idle
Based on the Works of Dr. Seuss
Sept. 23-Oct. 23, 2011 • McColl Family Theatre
Front Orchestra $24 / General Section $18
US Airways Crown Experience
Oh, the thinks you can think, when you think about Seuss! Dr. Seuss' beloved stories collide in a family musical adventure that has delighted audiences across the country since its 2000 Broadway debut. Steadfast Horton the Elephant, insecure but mighty Gertrude McFuzz, and the mischievous Cat in the Hat take center stage in this colorful extravaganza that celebrates the bonds of friendship, the richness of individual differences, the importance of tolerance and the incredible power of the imagination.
Two Acts • For Ages 5+/Grades K+

Best enjoyed by Elementary, Middle and High School ages

Tarradiddle Travels
Adapted by Flora Atkin
Oct. 22-23, 2011 • Wells Fargo Playhouse
Front Orchestra $12 / General Section $10
Preschool Experience
Designed especially for preschoolers, Tarradiddle Travels explores the world of live theatre with an engaging experience. Young audiences will enjoy four simple stories from around the world, from classics like "Caps for Sale" to less familiar stories like "Mouse Marriage." Three actors tell the tales in a playful
style that makes clever use of colorful prop pieces and encourages audience interaction.
One Act • For Ages 3-5
Best enjoyed by Preschool ages

The Commedia Cinderella
By Lane Riosley
Oct. 28-Nov. 13, 2011 • Wells Fargo Playhouse
Front Orchestra $18 / General Section $14
Tarradiddle Experience
In this funny, fast-paced show, the Tarradiddle Players put a slapstick spin on one of the world's most famous fairytales. Beautiful Cinderella is forced to work as a kitchen maid by her mean Stepmother and two ugly Stepsisters, but thanks to a little help from her Fairy Godmother, she still has a chance to win the hand of the handsome Prince. With roots in the humorous, physical acting style of Italian Commedia dell'arte, this production is a lighthearted treat.

One Act • For Ages 5+/Grades K+

Best enjoyed by Elementary ages

 

Meet the cast at an audience talkback following the opening night performance on Friday, Oct. 28!

 

 

Roger Day
Nov. 19-20, 2011 • Wells Fargo Playhouse
Front Orchestra $14 • General Section $12
Visiting Artist Experience
Encouraging kids to sing loud, jump high, and dream big, two-time Parents Choice Award-winner Roger Day entertains over 100,000 children and adults each year. His energetic live performances incorporate his trademark wit, whimsy, and wordplay, all grounded in the joy of a powerful love and respect for children. Roger urges kids to reach their potential by using body and brain, mind and muscle, in a show that the Dallas Morning News called "joyful and empowering."

One Act • For Ages 5+/Grades K+
Best enjoyed by Elementary ages

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
By Allison Gregory
Adapted from the books by Barbara Park
Book Cover, copyright © 2005 by Random House Children's Books, from Junie B., First Grader: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May) written by Barbara Park and illustrated by Denise Brunkus. Used by permission of Random House Children's Books, a division of Random House, Inc.
Dec. 2-22, 2011 • McColl Family Theatre
Front Orchestra $24 / General Section $18
US Airways Crown Experience
First grader Junie B. Jones can't decide how she feels about the holidays. On the one hand, she couldn't be more excited about her school's holiday gift shop, especially the super-amazing Squeeze-a-Burp toy. On the other hand, her tattletale classmate May just might ruin the entire Holiday Sing-Along. When Junie B. draws May's name for Secret Santa, she hatches a plan to give her nemesis a lump of coal while snagging the Squeeze-a-Burp for herself. Will Junie B. have a last-minute change of heart and show her true holiday spirit? A refreshing, new story for the season, this entertaining show has laughs to spare!
One Act • For Ages 5+/Grades K+

Best enjoyed by Elementary ages

The Velveteen Rabbit
Adapted by Scott Davidson
From the story by Margery Williams
Dec. 9-30, 2011 • Wells Fargo Playhouse
Front Orchestra $18 / General Section $14
Tarradiddle Experience
All the other toys in the nursery snub the Velveteen Rabbit for being boring, old-fashioned and stuffed with sawdust. But when the Boy discovers the little rabbit under his tree on Christmas morning, they become instant friends. As their friendship grows, the Velveteen Rabbit learns what it means to be truly loved - and the smiles and tears that come from being "real". Adapted from the classic book by Margery Williams, this poignant story has charmed generations of families and continues to be loved by audiences today.
One Act • For Ages 3+/Grades PreK+

Best enjoyed by Preschool and Elementary ages

Meet the cast at an audience talkback following the opening night performance on Friday, Dec. 9!

The Emperor's New Clothes
Written and performed by the Grey Seal Puppets
Jan. 14-15, 2012 • Wells Fargo Playhouse
Front Orchestra $14 • General Section $12
Visiting Artist Experience
This Grey Seal Puppets production uses playful puppetry and a cast of animal characters to give a whole new dimension to Hans Christian Andersen's classic story. The Emperor just happens to be a pig; the crafty tailors are foxes; the prime minister a near-sighted camel; and the councilor, a befuddled old walrus. Even the audience takes part, as animals, of course! Don't miss this fanciful take on a beloved fable, where we learn the dangers of vanity and the rewards of being brave and honest.
One Act • For Ages 4+/Grades PreK+
Best enjoyed by Preschool and Elementary ages

The Borrowers
By Mary Norton
Adapted for the stage by Charles Way
Jan. 20-Feb. 5, 2012 • McColl Family Theatre
Front Orchestra $24 / General Section $18
US Airways Crown Experience
Under the floor boards, Arrietty Clock and her parents, Homily and Pod, live a quiet little life. Tucked away in their cozy home decorated with dollhouse furniture, they survive by "borrowing" what they need from the "human beans" who live above them. But life is too quiet if you ask Arrietty, a typical tween yearning to experience the grown-up world for herself. When the Clocks' hiding place is discovered, they must venture into the giant universe outside, and Arrietty gets a bigger adventure than she bargained for. This inventive adaptation of Mary Norton's beloved book transports audiences to a delightful new world.
Two Acts • For Ages 7+/Grades 2+
Best enjoyed by Elementary and Middle School ages

The Best of Omimeo
Written and performed by the Omimeo Mime Theatre
Jan. 28-29, 2012 • Wells Fargo Playhouse
Front Orchestra $14 • General Section $12
Visiting Artist Experience
For 35 years the Omimeo Mime Theatre has offered audiences a cornucopia of creativity and imagiNative Theatre experiences. This season Hardin Minor, Eddie Williams and the Omimeo regulars will present a special performance featuring favorite vignettes from the Omimeo repertory. As an added treat, special guest artists The Fettuccini Brothers (just back from their tour of China) will add to the show with their comedy juggling antics. From circus arts to acrobatics, mime to vaudeville, this show will keep you on the edge of your seat.
One Act • For Ages 5+/Grades K+
Best enjoyed by Elementary and Middle School ages

Tarradiddle Tales
Adapted by Flora Atkin
Feb. 4-5, 2012 • Wells Fargo Playhouse
Front Orchestra $12 / General Section $10
Preschool Experience
In Tarradiddle Tales, three actors explore four folk tales from different countries: "The Magic Tree," a Bantu folk tale; "Peter the Fool," a Danish story; "Spider Talk," an Anansi story from Ghana; and "Tiger Trap," from India. This playful show for preschoolers emphasizes storytelling and audience participation.
One Act • For Ages 3-5
Best enjoyed by Preschool ages

Rapunzel
Adapted by Max Bush
Feb. 10-26, 2012 • Wells Fargo Playhouse
Front Orchestra $18 / General Section $14
Tarradiddle Experience
Adapted by renowned playwright Max Bush, this production stays true to the mystery and enchantment of the original Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Theo and Helga long for a child of their own, as does Gothal, the powerful witch who lives next door. When Gothal catches Theo stealing from her walled garden, she forces him to give her his first born daughter, who she names Rapunzel. Imprisoned in a tower, Rapunzel spends her lonely days longing for companionship - until she meets the charming Prince Derrick. The young couple must rely on their love and courage to overcome the witch's power.
One Act • For Ages 5+/Grades K+

Best enjoyed by Elementary ages

Meet the cast at an audience talkback following the opening night performance on Friday, Feb. 10!

Step Afrika!
Mar. 1-3, 2012 • McColl Family Theatre
Front Orchestra $14 • General Section $12
Visiting Artist Experience
Rhythmic. Engaging. Electrifying. Experience Step Afrika!, the world's first professional company dedicated to stepping, a unique art form born at African American fraternities and based in African traditions. The dancers use their bodies as instruments, and their intricate kicks, stomps and rhythms mixed with spoken word pound the floor and fill the air. Don't miss a show that the Washington Post called "a virtuosic performance to make the venerable Alvin Ailey dancers sigh."
One Act • For Ages 5+/Grades K+
Best enjoyed by Elementary, Middle and High School ages

Tales of Edgar Allan Poe
"The Telltale Heart" based on the story by Edgar Allan Poe • Dramatized by Luella McMahon.
"The Halloween Trilogy" scripts by Cecilia Fannan and John de Lancie
Mar. 9-24, 2012 • Wells Fargo Playhouse
Front Orchestra $18 / General Section $14
Crown Experience
Join us for a pair of spine-tingling tales from the delightfully morbid mind of Edgar Allan Poe. In "The Telltale Heart," a murderer is undone by his own insanity as the incessant pounding of his victim's heart grows louder in his ears. This story is paired with "The Cask of Amontillado," in which a connoisseur of fine wines takes horrible revenge on his family's most hated enemy. Poe's dark genius has invited children and adults to love literature for over 150 years, and his eerie thrillers still haunt our imaginations today.
One Act • For Ages 11+/Grades 6+

Best enjoyed by Middle and High School ages

Busytown
Adapted by Kevin Kling
Based on the Books of Richard Scarry
Music by Michael Koerner • Lyrics by Kevin Kling and Michael Koerner
Apr. 13-29, 2012 • McColl Family Theatre
Front Orchestra $24 / General Section $18
Crown Experience
Welcome to the bustling world of Busytown, which is always buzzing with activity. As Huckle Cat takes us on a tour of his neighborhood, we learn just how many people it takes to keep a city running smoothly. From farmers and grocers to doctors and nurses, from postmen and bankers to firemen and lumberjacks, everyone in the community works and plays together. This comical, colorful production brings Richard Scarry's beloved characters, including Farmer Pig, Dr. Lion and Lowly Worm, to singing, dancing life on stage.
One Act • For Ages 3+/Grades PreK+
Best enjoyed by Preschool and Elementary ages

Salt and Pepper
By José Cruz González
Apr. 20-29, 2012 • Wells Fargo Playhouse
Front Orchestra $18 / General Section $14
Tarradiddle Experience
Salt's family has a secret. His grandfather can't read or write, and the Old Man's shame and silence make life hard on the two grandsons he is raising on his own - so hard that Salt's brother Andy leaves to join the Marine Corps. When Salt meets Pepper, the daughter of a migrant farmworker, her love of books sparks his own interest in the world of words. Together, Salt and Pepper discover a mysterious box of postcards that reveal the truth about his family's past and leads them to a more hopeful future. A regional premiere, this thoughtful drama explores the burden of illiteracy, and the bonds of family and friendship.
One Act • For Ages 8+/Grades 3+
Best enjoyed by Elementary and Middle School ages

Meet the cast at an audience talkback following the opening night performance on Friday, Apr. 20!

Rhinoceros
By Eugène Ionesco
May 10-12, 2012 • Wells Fargo Playhouse
All seats $10
Young Adult Experience
Performed by our high school Ensemble Company, Eugène Ionesco's 1959 play evokes a startling world of both hilarity and anxiety. When rhinoceroses suddenly appear on the peaceful streets of a small village, the townspeople are horrified - until they themselves begin to turn into the clumsy, unthinking animals. Only one man, Berenger, resists, and must decide if he should try to stop the brutal transformations. Written by one of the fathers of the theatre of the absurd, Rhinoceros combines nonsense and fantasy into an unsettling examination of maintaining individuality in a world of conformity.
One Act • For Ages 12+/Grades 7+
Best enjoyed by Middle and High School ages

 

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