Walnut Sets WST for Kids 2016-17 Season

Celebrated for its commitment to encouraging parents (and grandparents) to read and learn with their kids, the Walnut Street Theatre for Kids 2016-2017 Season will feature four great musicals based on popular children's books, along with a family-favorite holiday classic. These hour-long musicals deliver real-life lessons in a welcoming, kid-friendly environment that's both creative and affordable. They're written especially for kids in grades K-6 and their grown-up friends. The Walnut takes pride in bringing families together through reading, learning and the arts.

The 2016-2017 Walnut Street Theatre for Kids Season will feature four spectacular musicals including Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, JR. (September 24 - October 2), GARFIELD: THE MUSICAL WITH CATTITUDE (February 4 - February 5), SKIPPYJON JONES (April 1 - April 2), JUNIE B. JONES, THE MUSICAL (June 3 - June 4) and Philadelphia's favorite holiday tradition, Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL (November 26 - December 22).

The season opens Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, JR. In this classic musical, Belle is a young woman in a provincial town. The Beast is a prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. Time is running out. Audiences will enjoy this timeless tale Saturday, September 24 at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm, and Sunday, October 2 at 11:00am.

Based on the Comic Strip "GARFIELD" by Jim Davis, up next is GARFIELD: THE MUSICAL WITH CATTITUDE. Garfield, that chubby and sarcastic tabby cat, wants to have the best birthday ever. But his friends, Arlene, Odie, Jon and even his nemesis, Nermal, seem to have forgotten. Me-owch! Garfield runs away, but quickly learns that "home is where the heart... and the food is." Garfield and his friends invite audiences to join the fun on Saturday, February 4 at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm, and Sunday, February 5 at 11:00 am.

Taking the stage next is SKIPPYJON JONES, based on the book written by Swarthmore native Judy Schachner. Skippyjon Jones is a little kitten with big ears and even bigger dreams! He longs to be someone different, so he transforms himself into Skippito Friskito, the greatest canine sword fighter in old Mexico. But when Skippyjon is challenged, will he be a 'fraidy-cat or the top dog? Audiences will find out in the charming musical Saturday, April 1 at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm, and Sunday, April 2 at 11:00am.

JUNIE B. JONES, THE MUSICAL will close the 2015-2017 WST for Kids season. Junie B. is one busy first grader. Between new friends, getting glasses and not being allowed to play in the kickball tournament, there's a lot going on! Good thing she's sharing her "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal." Kids will love this funny and colorful musical Saturday, June 3 at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm, and Sunday, June 4 at 11:00am.

WST for Kids Season subscriptions are priced so that any family can attend these enjoyable productions at an affordable cost. A subscription to the four-show series only costs $36 ($9 per show) in the Upper Mezzanine and $42 ($10.50 per show) in the Orchestra or Front Mezzanine. Subscriptions are on sale now. Performance times are Saturdays at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm and Sundays at 11am. Call 215-574-3550, ext. 6 for subscriptions. Single tickets are just $14-$16 and go on sale August 14, 2016. Due to the popularity of the WST for Kids Season, most shows will have additional performances announced in August.

Special Holiday Attraction - Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol

Walnut Street Theatre is proud to present Philadelphia's favorite holiday tradition, Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL at 10:30am on December 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, and 22; and 11am on November 26 and 27, and December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, and 18. This musical adaptation follows the heartwarming journey of the bitter, old Ebenezer Scrooge on one remarkable Christmas Eve. With the help of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, old Ebenezer discovers the spirit of Christmas. Great for kids K-9th, this hour-long adaptation uses original and traditional carols to highlight Dickens' powerful story. Single Tickets are $14-$16 and are on sale in mid-August. For tickets, please call the Walnut Street Theatre at 215-574-3550 or visit www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org for more information.

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