'ELLA'S BIG CHANCE', THE MAGIC KITE, CORALINE and More Set for Children's Theatre of Charlotte's 2015-16 Season

Books (and talking animals and congressional bills and a tin man and a toy china rabbit) come alive at Children's Theatre of Charlotte in the 2015-16 season, with a lineup that includes adaptations of some of the most popular titles and fairy tales, including three productions making their world premiere.

One of the national leaders in theatre for young audiences, Children's Theatre -- located uptown at ImaginOn -- has colorful characters and lots of ways for families to save on tickets in its season of professional productions.

CTC families will be the first to see an all-new version of the classic story of Cinderella with the musical adaptation of the book "Ella's Big Chance: A Jazz Age Cinderella." It joins "The Magic Kite" -- written by José Cruz González and adapted from the illustrations of local artist Rosalia Torres-Weiner -- and the holiday gem "'Twas the Night Before..." as new works premiering on Children's Theatre's stage. In addition, "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" will make its regional premiere.

"I'm so excited by the vibrant and inspiring array of productions and artists we feature this season," said Adam Burke, Children's Theatre's artistic director. "We are working with some wonderful directors including the electric Michael Bobbitt ('Schoolhouse Rock Live'), artistic director of Adventure Theatre in Maryland, the always inspiring Christopher Parks ('Journey to Oz'), artistic director of the Experiential Theatre in New Jersey, Commedia dell'Arte expert Carlos Alexis Cruz ('The Commedia Princess and the Pea'), the always popular Ron Chisholm ('Elephant and Piggie') and, finally, we welcome back to Charlotte the intensely creative writer/director April Jones ('Twas the Night Before...'). Our audiences will love the journey they will go on with Children's Theatre."

The Halloween show -- a musical adaptation of Neil Gaiman's "Coraline" -- will be presented in partnership with the Department of Theatre at UNC Charlotte, "Journey to Oz" features participatory contributions from the audience and "Schoolhouse Rock Live!" will be like an actual rock concert for the family. Other highlights include the uplifting "Danny King of the Basement," and a retelling of the popular folk tale "Hare & Tortoise" for the preschool series.

Children's Theatre offers several ways for families to save on tickets including subscription plans for three age groups: Explorer Series (ages 4-6), Dreamer Series (ages 6-8) and Adventurer Series (ages 8-14). Subscriptions will be available starting May 1. Tickets to individual shows will go on sale in July. For more information, or to order subscriptions starting May 1, visit ctcharlotte.org or call the Customer Sales and Service Center (10-5 M-F): 704-973-2828.

Children's Theatre of Charlotte is a national leader among theatres for young audiences, serving nearly 300,000 young people and families annually with professional productions and innovative education initiatives.

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The 2015-16 season includes:

Elephant and Piggie's: We are in a Play! (Based on the Elephant & Piggie books by Mo Willems; Published by Hyperion Books for Children; Script and Lyrics by Mo Willems; Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma): Best friends Gerald and Piggie are surprised to find themselves on a fun musical adventure in front of an audience -- you! -- in this adaptation of Mo Willems's popular Elephant & Piggie books. (Sept. 26-Oct. 11)

Coraline (Book by David Greenspan; Music and Lyrics by Stephin Merritt; From the novel by Neil Gaiman; Presented in partnership with the Department of Theatre at UNC Charlotte): Be wise. Be brave. Be tricky. Bored by her colorless surroundings, Coraline goes exploring through a magic door and gets trapped in a strange, unsettling parallel world. Get scared out of your wits for Halloween with this creepy musical version of the popular fantasy novel by Neil Gaiman. (Oct. 16-31)

The Commedia Princess and the Pea (By Lane Riosley and Rebecca L. Byars): A tiny pea under 20 mattresses is the Queen's final test to see if her beloved son's chosen bride deserves his hand. Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale meets the comic storytelling of Italian Commedia dell'arte. (Nov. 14-22)

Ella's Big Chance: A Jazz Age Cinderella (By Shirley Hughes; Adapted for the stage with Book, Music & Lyrics by Joan Cushing): A Cinderella happy ending - just not the one you would expect. In this world premiere musical infused with the dance and fashions of the Roaring '20s, Ella's new stepmother and sisters snap up the dazzling dresses she designs, but don't think she's worthy of their glamorous life. When the Duke proves them wrong, Ella must look inside to choose the right path for herself. (Dec. 4-20)

'Twas the Night Before... (Written by April Jones): Created just for Children's Theatre of Charlotte, 'Twas the Night Before... weaves together stories and music celebrating the spirit and traditions of Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. (Dec. 12-23)

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (By Dwayne Hartford; Based on the novel by Kate DiCamillo): Edward Tulane, a toy china rabbit with a devoted girl for an owner, loves himself. But when he is lost, he goes on a decades-long journey around the world and discovers his capacity for loving others. (Jan. 29-Feb. 7, 2016)

Journey to Oz (Written by Christopher Parks; Based on the works of L. Frank Baum and W. W. Denslow): The audience is in the middle of the action in this fun, experiential show as Dorothy and her friends battle the Wicked Witch to find the brains, the heart, and the courage they never knew they had. Inspired by L. Frank Baum's original stories, you'll rediscover an iconic story you only thought you knew. (Feb. 19-March 6, 2016)

Hare & Tortoise (By Brendan Murray): A fun, fast (and slow) show for the youngest in the family! The classic story of about racing, opposites and taking your time to complete a task is retold in the fun, fresh update. (Feb. 27-28, 2016)

Danny, King of the Basement (By David S. Craig): 10-year-old Danny and his mom can't scrape together enough money to live in one place for very long. So, Danny gets really good at making friends quickly and keeping the real reasons for moving to himself. When his new friends discover his secret, he sees what true friendship really looks like. (March 11-20, 2016)

Schoolhouse Rock Live! (Originally Adapted and Produced for the Stage by Theatre BAM; From the Series Created by George Newall and Tom Yohe; Based on an Idea by David McCall; Book by Scott Ferguson, George Keating and Kyle Hall; Music and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Bob Dorough, Dave Frishberg, Kathy Mandry, George Newall and Tom Yohe): Learning never rocked this hard! This musical adaptation of the classic TV show uses clever songs to teach about history, grammar, politics, math and more. Sing along with "Just a Bill" and "Conjunction Junction" with your own kids! (April 8-24, 2016)

The Magic Kite (By José Cruz González; Adapted from the illustrations by Rosalia Torres-Weiner): Tito's family reels when Papa is unexpectedly sent back to Mexico ... then Tito remembers that he knows how to build a magic flying kite that can help them. This world premiere play with music and puppets, is an inspirational story of how a family leans on love and hope during a difficult time. (April 22-May 1)

PlayPlay! Theatre (Written and Directed by PlayPlay! Theatre): Unique experiences for infants and toddlers, up to age 3. This season our friends at PlayPlay! Theatre will present four different productions of "theatre for the very young." (Multiple Dates)

Hare & Tortoise is produced by special arrangement with Plays for Young Audiences. A partnership of Seattle Children's Theatre and Children's Theatre Company-Minneapolis.

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