KNUFFLE BUNNY, TARZAN and More Set for The Rose Theater's 2013-14 Season

In the story, Dad is left in charge for the first time and toddler Trixie must find a way to communicate. When Knuffle Bunny gets lost, both Dad and daughter come close to "losing it," too! This hilarious musical version of the beloved Caldecott Honor book (by the author of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus) will get your family giggling.

Knuffle Bunny will be presented on Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 5 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. Interpretation for the hearing impaired will be offered at the 2 pm show on Saturday, Sept. 14th.

Robin Hood
October 11-27, 2013

This legendary tale of Robin Hood bursts into fresh and fiery new life in this unique, fast-paced adaptation by Greg Banks. Brave and bold, Robin Hood cleverly evades the relentless Sheriff of Nottingham in this dramatic adventure which highlights helping others, justice, fairness and right versus wrong. Audience members ages five to 11 will be especially enchanted as a band of merry men (and women) bring familiar characters to life in surprising new ways. Don't blink or you'll miss something as Rose Artistic Director Matt Gutschick, directs this fast-paced, interactive show! This show is produced by permission of Children's Theatre Company, Minneapolis and by special arrangement with Plays for Young Audiences, a partnership of Seattle Children's Theatre and Children's Theatre Company of Minneapolis.

Robin Hood will be presented Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 5 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. On Saturday, Oct. 19th, the 2 pm show will be interpreted for the hearing impaired and the 5 pm show will be autism friendly.

Big Nate
November 8-24, 2013

This show brings to life the popular comic strip and books by Lincoln Peirce, Big Nate. Could the kid with the highest detention record at P.S. 38 be "Destined to be Great"? Nate Wright, the clever and creative hero insists he's just unlucky and still has a shot at redemption. Will his band "Enslave the Mollusk" triumph in the upcoming Battle of the Bands? Will he win the girl of his dreams? Big Nate aims to find out!

Big Nate is directed by Justin Perez, a New York based director, choreographer and actor who has worked with the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Lyric Opera of Boston, and Parallel 45. Perez is a proud member of the ensemble dance company Dance Cartel whose inventive and heartfelt staging sensibility will bring this hit comedy to the stage with all of its humor and emotional truth intact.

Children ages six to 13 will love this 60-minute musical adventure with themes of friendship, overcoming obstacles and using your wits. Big Nate features a witty book, lyrics and music by Jason Loewith and Chris Youstra.

Big Nate will be presented Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 5 pm, and Sundays at
2 pm. Interpretation for the hearing impaired will be offered at the 2 pm show on Saturday, Nov. 16th.

Narnia
December 6-29, 2013

The Rose's first premium event of the season is the magical musical, Narnia, based on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Families with children ages six to 13 will relish the journey through an enchanted wardrobe into another world! Four children are whisked away from a troubled time in England to fulfill their destinies in the enchanted land of Narnia. With a book by Jules Tasca, lyrics by Ted Drachman, and music by Thomas Tierney, this two-hour production with intermission explores the epic battle between good and evil. Its memorable characters, spectacular settings and daring adventures teach about vision, courage and sacrifice. Produced by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing, Woodstock, IL.

Regarding the director of Narnia, Gutshick says, "Jesse Jou has one of the most inventive eyes for design that I have ever seen from a director. He will bring us into a Narnia unlike anything we have ever seen, and I'm sure we'll all be better for the journey." Jou is one of New York's most up-and-coming directors who just completed a Director's League Fellowship, the most prestigious early career honor for a professional theater director.

Narnia will be presented Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. Interpretation for the hearing impaired will be offered at the 2 pm show on Saturday, Dec. 21st.

World Premiere!
The Grocer's Goblin & The Little Mermaid
January 31 - February 16, 2014

Two classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales, The Grocer's Goblin and the traditional telling of The Little Mermaid, come to life in this inventive world premiere adaptation by Rose Playwright-in-Residence Brian Guehring and Rose Director of Youth Productions Stephanie Jacobson. A mesmerizing and dazzling production, it combines original puppetry and projections to explore intertwined tales of loving, longing, and growing up. Best for children ages five to 11, this unique show emphasizes sacrifice, reading and imagination. Experience a rare visual delight and The Rose's spectacular storytelling at its very best. Jacobson directs and brings her work with Jim Henson Studios to The Rose. Gifted visual artist Eric Novak brings his expertise in puppet construction to the production. Visit http://www.ericnovakpuppets.com to view some of his amazing work.

The Grocer's Goblin & The Little Mermaid will be presented Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at
2 and 5 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. Interpretation for the hearing impaired will be offered at the 2 pm show on Saturday, Feb. 8th.

Jackie & Me
February 28 - March 16, 2014

A challenging class assignment leads a boy who loves baseball back in time. Using
a special magical ability and a vintage baseball card, Joey Stoshack travels to 1947.
There he meets the great Jackie Robinson-the first African-American player in the major leagues-and learns powerful lessons that will forever change his view of history
and his definition of courage. Jackie & Me, based on the book by Dan Gutman, is a historical drama best for ages six to 13. The stage adaptation by Steven Dietz brings to life the excitement of baseball and the inequality of racial intolerance.

Director John Hardy returns to stage Jackie & Me having recently directed The Borrowers for The Rose's 2012-13 season. Hardy brings an emotional honesty and uncompromising attention to detail into his work with actors and designers. "Since Jackie & Me is fundamentally a magical story about what happens when we have to face the fact that we must take responsibility for our behavior, John is the right man for the job," said Gutschick. "He's also the biggest baseball fan I know, so a play about Jackie Robinson is the right fit for him on many, many levels."

Jackie & Me will be presented Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 5 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. Interpretation for the hearing impaired will be offered at the 2 pm show on Saturday, March 8th.

World Premiere!
Leo Lionni's Frederick
March 28 - April 13, 2014

Frederick is not like the other field mice in his family. While they spend their summer preparing for the harsh winter ahead, Frederick seems to dream away his days. Will he be able to help his family survive the snowy season? This gentle musical adapted by SuzAnne Miller, with songs by Sarah Durkee and Paul Jacobs, is based on Leo Lionni's award- winning book. Best for ages three to eight, this charming 60-minute tale addresses respect, feeding the soul, and how a family learns the value of each of its members. Rose Theater Teaching Artist/Literary Manager Michael Miller was originally a scenic designer who, as director of Frederick, is diligently translating the 2-D, torn-paper world of Frederick in the book to a 3-D stage production that is true to the heart of the story.

Frederick will be presented Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 5 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. On Saturday, April 5th, the 2 pm show will be interpreted for the hearing impaired and the 5 pm show will be autism friendly.

Ramona Quimby
April 25 - May 11, 2014

Beverly Cleary's irrepressible young heroine will capture your heart in this dramatic comedy by Len Jenkin. As Ramona struggles to survive school and her older sister, others in the Quimby family face challenges: Dad's out of work, Mom's role in the family is changing, and Aunt Bea might move away. Growing up-and keeping her family together-may be the toughest thing Ramona will ever do! Children ages five to 11 will find this 60-minute show about family communication, facing hardship and adapting to change a great way

to encounter challenging topics. Director Matt Gutschick guides one of the most popular female protagonists in youth literature in a show that reflects love, laughter and empathy. Produced by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing, Woodstock, IL

Ramona Quimby will be presented Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 5 pm, and Sun- days at 2 pm. Interpretation for the hearing impaired will be offered at the 2 pm show on Saturday, May 3rd.

The Rose's Production of Tarzan
Based on the Disney Film
June 6-22, 2014

The Rose's second premium event show finds Tarzan orphaned after a storm. Alone in
the jungle, he is adopted by a caring family of apes. As he grows, he realizes he is not like them-a fact his gorilla father never lets him forget. When humans arrive in the jungle, Tarzan is suddenly caught between two worlds in this beautiful adaptation of the Disney film with a book by David Henry Hwang and music and lyrics by Phil Collins. This two-hour musical with intermission is based on Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs and is best for families with children ages four to 11.

Tarzan director Kit McKay's body of work includes productions for the American Dance Institute in Washington D.C., the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre and her own Parallel45 company. Bridging cultures and understanding are themes that McKay will draw out of the production.

Tarzan will be presented Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. Interpretation for the hearing impaired will be offered at the 2 pm show on Saturday, June 14th.