Theatre for Young America's 2015-2016 Season to Feature SKIPPYJON JONES & More

Beginning its 42nd season, Theatre for Young America is offering an varied season of plays:: two Kansas City premieres; a world premiere; some traditional favorites; and a Halloween night-time presentation. The 2015-16 season begins with a Siamese cat's imaginative excursion to Mexico, and ends with a boy's magical encounter with a giant. Six of the presentations are based directly upon children's literature. The season runs from October 13, 2015 through June 24, 2016. All productions will be presented on the H&R Block City Stage, located on level B in Union Station Kansas City. Union Station is located at 30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, Missouri.

The 2015-2016 Theatre for Young America Season

SKIPPYJON JONES

(October 13, 2015-November 14, 2015)

This is a Kansas City premiere of a musical based on the book by Judith Byron Schachner about a Siamese cat with big ears and an even bigger imagination. His daydreaming takes him to Mexico, where he conjures himself an alter-ego; a swashbuckling Chihuahua named Skippito Friskito. According to research by TYA's Artistic Director,Kansas City area librarians say this is one of most popular books requested by children. The story is told in English and Spanish and was adapted by Dallas Children's Theatre Playwright-in-Residence Linda Daugherty with music and lyrics by Nick Martin. Audiences 3.5 years of age on up will enjoy this production.

LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW

(Evenings October 21-October 31, 2015)

The "Headless Horseman" rides again in this musical by John Simons based on a popular tale from Washington Irving's The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. A night-time presentation about a hapless teacher named Ichabod Crane, a skinny, lanky, jittery schoolmaster who competes with a local fellow named Brom, for the hand of Katrina. But what will happen on a dark, forbidding road when Ichabod encounters a ghostly specter? This Halloween season treat is suitable for audiences from ages 6 years old through adult.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER

(November 24, 2015-December 30, 2015)

The Herdman kids are a rough and tumble bunch who create mayhem wherever they go. A mom struggling to produce the church's annual Christmas pageant is forced to cast the Herdman children, who have never even heard of the Christmas story. Their outrageous interpretations leave a lot of the church folk aghast. Yet remarkably, they help everyone else in town rediscover the true meaning of the Christmas story. The Seattle Timescalls it "One of the best Christmas stories ever - and certainly one of the funniest." Adapted by Barbara Robinson from her book of the same name, this memorable tale has been a favorite of young readers since 1972 and is appropriate for all ages.

THE TOUGHEST KID IN THE WORLD

(January 19, 2016-Janurary 23, 2016)

This play about resolving conflict, The Toughest Kid in the World, was written by Gene Mackey with original music by Molly Jessup. Designed as a "play within a play" this show tells the story of a boy named TK who learns from his fellow cast members that there are more effective and inventive ways to deal with confrontation and to avoid violence. This play is updated annually to reflect the types of conflict today's youth face. It is suitable for ages 9 and older. This production goes on tour in January 2016 after its main stage run at City Stage.

JUNIE B. JONES, THE MUSICAL

(February 9, 2016-March 19, 2016)

This production is an adaptation by Marcy Heisler, of four of Barbara Park's Junie B. Jones books, with music by Zina Goldrich. Sassy Junie B., who writes everything down in her "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal" records her exploits: meeting her new teacher Mr. Scary; making new friends with José and Herb (but not that tattletale May); needing new glasses; and being the "Boss of Lunch"; and getting to wear a hairnet! But her dreams of being the star of the school kickball tournament are derailed when she badly stubs her toe. What will Junie B. do? Junie B. Jones, The Musical is appropriate for audiences 3.5 years and older.

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS

(April 12, 2016-May 14, 2016)

This is a robust and hilarious musical treatment of the English fairy tale about the three little pigs facing the threat of the big bad wolf. The play was created by Gene Mackey with original music by Cheryl Benge. In this version, the tale is narrated by the Peddler, who not only supplies the pigs with the straw and sticks and bricks to build their houses, but also finagles a role as manager of their singing careers. The pigs, named appropriately, Big, Tweeney and Wee, must out-maneuver a "big, bad wolf" while keeping their musical careers afloat. Appropriate for ages 3.5 years on up.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

(June 7, 2016-June 24, 2016)

The premiere production of a new musical play based on the old English Fairy Tale set in the Ozark Mountains and featuring folk melodies from the British Isles. This musical puts new lyrics to the old tunes and focuses on the hardships of a single mother and her son, the dreams that arise from impoverished lives and the hope that sustains the adventurous young. This play is by Gene Mackey, TYA's Executive Director and Resident Playwright, who has authored more than 40 plays and has had many of them produced by theaters for young audiences throughout the United States. Suitable for ages 3.5 years and up.

In addition to The Toughest Kid in the World, Theatre for Young America will also offer these touring productions:

TRIPLE PLAY! Famous 3 Stories

Good things come in threes! Three really good actors bring to you a musical show about famous threes: Three Pigs, Three Bears, and Three Little Kittens. The actors engage the early education audience in the story through audience participation and interaction. Colorful set, props and costumes further enrich this in-school experience that encourages reading and interest in language and storytelling. (Tours February 2016-May 2016)

TRIPLE PLAY TWO! Fabulous 3 Stories

This lively musical play is based on three stories all founded on the number three: Peter Rabbit and his Three Sisters, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail; The Three Billy Goats Gruff; and The Three Little Fishies. With original music by Rita Lovett and Molly Jessup, the play introduces young students to these stories and encourages them to read the original literature for themselves. In post-performance discussion the actors introduce themselves, answer questions and call attention to the books on which the play is based. (Tours February 2016-May 2016)

DRAMATIC HISTORY WITH DANNY COX

Internationally known singer, songwriter and actor Danny Cox tells the American story through his own unique musical and dramatic style. Including historical figures and figures of legend, the show encompasses the sweep of history and the geographic expanse of America. Content can be tailored to the social studies curriculum, with a central focus, such as the life of Frederick Douglass, the fables of John Henry, and the role of cowboys of color in Westward expansion. (Tours throughout the 2015-16 school year).

To post a comment, you must register and login.