MTC to Present Theater Series for Younger Audiences, Aug. 2013-May 2014

Marin Theatre Company's artistic director Jasson Minadakis and managing director Michael Barker announced today that the company is launching its first theater series for young audiences during its upcoming 2013/14 season. Featuring five productions in MTC's 99-seat Lieberman Theatre and 231-seat Boyer Theatre, the season includes four Bay Area Children's Theatre productions - The Cat in the Hat, A Year with Frog and Toad, Mercy Watson to the Rescue and Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy, the Musical - and an MTC production of Rapunzel. Based in Mill Valley, MTC is a 47-year old professional nonprofit theater that is a destination for exhilarating performances, inspired new American plays and powerful theatrical experiences.

In August, MTC presents BACT's The Cat in the Hat, based on the book by Dr. Seuss. Originally produced by The National Theatre of Great Britain, this new stage version was adapted and originally directed by Katie Mitchell. Director Erin Merritt brings this whimsical, fast-paced story about a brother and sister and their unexpected visitor to life right before your eyes.

In November, MTC produces Rapunzel by Mike Kenny, a clever, playful update of the Grimm fairy tale that focuses on taking risks and overcoming fear rather than the petty grudges of witches and daring deeds of princes. Directed by MTC's Director of Education Daunielle Rasmussen, this production will then tour Bay Area elementary schools and libraries from January 13 to February 7, 2014, through MTC's School Tour program, now in its seventh year.

In January, MTC presents BACT's A Year with Frog and Toad, musical based on the books by Arnold Lobel, with music by Robert Reale and book and lyrics by Willie Reale. Lynda Bachman directs this adaptation about two adventurous, amphibious friends, which was nominated for three 2003 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

In March, MTC presents BACT's Mercy Watson to the Rescue, based on the children's book series by Kate DiCamillo. Written by Victoria Stewart and directed by Emily Morrison, this hilarious play follows what happens when the Watsons' new neighbor calls Animal Control on their pet pig!

BACT's world premiere production of Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy, the Musical closes MTC's first annual theater series for young audiences in May. Adapted by Julia Norton
from the books by David Soman and Jacky Davis, this musical will buzz into your heart, as Lulu, Sam and their playground friends explore the power of imagination.

Five-show, full-series packages to MTC's theater series for young audiences are available now - $75 for children and $100 for adults. Tickets for individual performances go on sale July 2. Tickets are $15 for children under the age of 14, $20 for adults and $17for seniors over 64. For more information about tickets, visit marintheatre.org or contact MTC's Box Office, (415) 388-5208. Tickets for MTC's theater series for young audiences are only available through MTC's Box Office - BACT's four-show Flex Passes are not applicable for MTC performances.

Previously, during the 2012/13 season, MTC partnered with BACT to present seven sold out performances of BACT's Ivy + Bean, the Musical, which was also performed at Freight and Salvage Coffee House in Berkeley and Front Row Theater in San Ramon.

In addition to its theater series for young audiences, MTC previously announced that its 2013/14 mainstage season includes five plays that are appropriate for youth and teens. Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol (November 21 - December 15, 2013) and Failure: A Love Story (June 5 - June 29, 2014) are recommended for ages 6 and up; I and You (October 10 - November 3, 2013) for ages 11 and up; and Good People (August 22 - September 15, 2013) and Fences (April 10 - May 4, 2014) for ages 13 and up.

CALENDAR
All performances at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on each scheduled day.

August 10, 11, 17 & 18, 2013
The Cat in the Hat
Bay Area Children's Theatre production
Adapted by Katie Mitchell | Based on the book by Dr. Seuss
Directed by Erin Merritt

November 2, 3, 9 & 10, 2013
Rapunzel
Marin Theatre Company production
By Mike Kenny
Directed by Daunielle Rasmussen

January 11, 12, 18 & 19, 2014
A Year with Frog & Toad
Bay Area Children's Theatre production
Music by Robert Reale | Book and lyrics by Willie Reale | Based on the books by Arnold Lobel
Directed by Lynda Bachman

March 8, 9, 15 & 16, 2014
Mercy Watson to the Rescue
Bay Area Children's Theatre production
Written by Victoria Stewart | Based on the book by Kate DiCamillo
Directed by Emily Morrison

May 24, 25, 31 and June 1, 2014
Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy, the Musical | World Premiere
Bay Area Children's Theatre production
Book, Music and Lyrics by Julia Norton | Adapted from the books by David Soman and Jacky Davis
Director TBA

All productions performed at Marin Theatre Company, 397 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley.

To post a comment, you must register and login.