MainStreet Theatre Company Announces 18.19 Season

MainStreet Theatre Company, the resident professional company at the Lewis Family Playhouse, has special treats in store for the thousands of school groups and families who make up the bulk of their audiences. "I'm so excited to announce our 13th season", says Mireya Hepner, MainStreet's Producer. "We always strive to share stories that the kids and families will not only enjoy, but will send positive messages, as well. The three offerings next season are very different from each other, but all are geared for families to enjoy together. Our season includes a nostalgic musical, a magical introduction to contemporary dance based on a beloved book, and a new take on an age-old story."

The season will start with a 60 minute version of Schoolhouse Rock, Live!, based on the iconic 1970's television show, which has been in the news again with the recent passing of one of the original composers. Thousands of kids learned history, grammar, math and more through the clever, tuneful songs, and MainStreet is excited for a whole new generation to discover how much fun education can be. This fast-paced musical will be directed and choreographed by Art Manke, and is perfect to be shared with the entire family! School House Rock, Live! will play from October 6 - 28, 2018, with an additional week of performances for school field trips beginning on October 1st.

In March, MainStreet is thrilled to be presenting the Lula Washington DANCE THEATRE, with a program of dances based on The Snowy Day, and other stories by Ezra Jack Keats. Their powerful, high energy dancing and unique choreography makes Lula Washington Dance Theatre one of the most admired African-American contemporary dance companies in the West. MainStreet is thrilled to share their artistry with young audiences with this special presentation of four stories by the beloved children's author. This special program will play for 4 school performances and 2 public performances only, from March 7 - 9, 2019.

The season will conclude in the spring of 2019 with the west coast premiere of The Emperor's Nightingale, By Damon Chua. Based loosely on the classic tale by Hans Christian Anderson, this recent adaptation is set in eighteenth century China, where two young princes must compete to succeed their father as ruler of the land. Using historical research, some original music, and humor, this timeless story includes many contemporary touches that make it resonate for today's audiences. In this beautiful play, it takes bravery, empathy, and the help of a magical bird to teach the future Emperor the meaning of leadership. The Emperor's Nightingale will be directed by Tim Dang, and runs from May 4 - 19, 2019, with an additional week of school shows beginning on April 29th.

MainStreet Theatre Company, included in American Theatre Magazine's 2016 list of "20 Theatres you should take your kids to," has been the resident Equity Company at the Lewis Family Playhouse since 2006, and is known for producing high quality and innovative productions of plays and musicals for the whole family. An intimate, 536-seat venue, the Lewis Family Playhouse is the crown jewel of the three-acre, 89,000-square-foot Victoria Gardens Cultural Center. The complex at 12505 Cultural Center Drive and is conveniently located off the I-15 at Foothill Boulevard, as a major anchor of Victoria Gardens. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday from noon to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with free parking available.

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