'GRINCH,' BUSYTOWN, HUCK FINN & More Set for Children's Theatre Company's 2014-15 Season

2014-2015 at Children's Theatre Company is a season of dreams fulfilled. There are stories of transformational beauty, three fabulous musicals and an interactive, on-your-feet adventure through the undiscovered depths of the theatre. CTC will also present renowned artists and some of the most tender and poetic characters to ever tread our stages. Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius describes his excitement about each show, and the thrill of merging theatrical splendor with the body, blood and soul of some of the Twin Cities' best artists. Brosius says, "This is a season of surprising worlds and actors who will touch your heart and create characters you will never forget. It is a journey into lands you've never been to and lives you will never forget."

Busytown the Musical
A Play Adapted by Kevin Kling
Based on the Books of Richard Scarry Music by Michael Koerner
Lyrics by Kevin Kling and Michael Koerner Directed by Sean Graney
UnitedHealth Group Stage September 16 - October 26, 2014 Recommended for grades K-4

"I have wanted to have Minnesota's Kevin Kling's remarkable wit and unique sensibility back on our stage. With his wonderfully inventive collaboration with composer Michael Koerner, in Busytown we have a musical that brings Richard Scarry's books to wild life," says Brosius.

Millions love Lowly Worm, Mayor Fox and the delightful characters who spring out of every corner of Busytown. Brosius continues, "I am also thrilled to have Chicago's hugely celebrated director Sean Graney bring his inventive theatricality to this production."

Seedfolks
Based on the book by Paul Fleischman Adapted for the stage by Paul Fleischman Directed by Peter C. Brosius
Cargill Stage
September 30 - November 9, 2014 Recommended for grades 3-8

"I have been working for many years to bring Paul Fleischman's touching, funny and insightful book Seedfolks to the stage. With heralded actor Sonja Parks playing every character, we will create an entire urban neighborhood and its transformation of a garbage strewn vacant lot into a vibrant community garden. It is theatre of hope, of amazing characters and how we can truly connect with our neighbors," says Brosius.

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Based on the book How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss Book and Lyrics by Timothy Mason
Music by Mel Marvin
Directed by Peter C. Brosius
UnitedHealth Group Stage November 11, 2014 - January 4, 2015 Recommended for all ages

Snowflake
By Gale LaJoye
UnitedHealth Group Stage January 13 - February 22, 2015 Recommended for grades K-4

By transforming everyday objects into things of wonder, Snowflake takes audiences on a tender journey. Brosius says, "Years ago I got to see Gale LaJoye, one America's great comic performers in his moving, deeply funny production of Snowflake. This piece has toured the world but never been on our stage, and next year our audiences will get to experience this character as he animates every object he touches and finds humor in the simplest of things."

You would have thought the Grinch had learned his lesson after he became a smash hit success, but he's back for another round of trouble with CTC's full-blown musical spectacular, returning for the holiday season by overwhelming popular demand. Will the Grinch's heart grow three sizes bigger? See for yourself, and be ready to make some noise, noise, noise, NOISE! Brosius quips, "I can't wait!"

Huck Finn
By Mark Twain
Adapted for the stage by Greg Banks Directed by Greg Banks
UnitedHealth Group Stage March 3 - April 4, 2015 Recommended for grades 3-8

Board a handmade raft with Huck and his fugitive friend Jim as they encounter scoundrels, feuding families, money-making schemers and lumbering steamboats in this unforgettable adventure.

"Writer/director Greg Banks brings his signature style to this hilarious and powerful adaptation of Mark Twain's Mississippi River classic Huck Finn. This story surprises us with its muscularity, depth and transformational brilliance," says Brosius.

The Biggest Little House in the Forest
Adapted by Rosanna Staffa
Based on the Book by Djemma Bider Directed by Peter C. Brosius
Cargill Stage
February 3 - March 15, 2015 Recommended for ages 2-5

Brosius smiles as he says, "I love to watch the faces of our preschool audience as they become completely entranced by this show." The Biggest Little House in the Forest tells the story of Bernice the Butterfly who transforms an abandoned house into a bright, cheery home for herself. What happens when Millie the Mouse, Fred the Frog, Bartholomew the Bear and the rest of the woodland gang come to the door to snuggle up in the tiny house? There are feathers, bubbles and one surprise after another, so bring your preschool buddies and your favorite dancing shoes!

Peter Pan the Musical
Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh
Music by Morris "Moose" Charlap
Additional Lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green Additional Music by Jule Styne
Based on the play by Sir James M. Barrie
Directed by Peter Rothstein
UnitedHealth Group Stage April 21 - Jun 21, 2015 Recommended for All Ages

Based on J.M. Barrie's classic tale of a precocious boy who won't grow up, Peter Pan is one of the most beloved and frequently performed shows of all time. Brosius recalls, "Many moons ago I had the great pleasure of being one of the Lost Boys in a production of Peter Pan with Ruta Lee and Billy Barty. I have never stopped loving this show and its powerful exploration of youth, memory, and longing. I am thrilled to finally bring this musical to our stage for the first time!"

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Created and Conceived by Ryan Underbakke and Nick Ryan Based on the novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
By Jules Verne Directed by Ryan Underbakke
?July 7 - August 16, 2015 Recommended for grades 3-8

"Minnesota director Ryan Underbakke will create a theatrical experience unlike anything CTC has ever done before in this fully participatory action adventure ride through the backstage and corridors of CTC in a brand new version of Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. It's truly like being inside a video game," says Brosius. This adaptation of the science fiction masterpiece enlists its audience to become adventurers who comb the depths, break codes and ultimately choose a side.