JUNIE B. JONES, THE SNOW QUEEN and More Set for Stages Theatre Company's 2015-16 Season

As Stages Theatre Company (STC) unveils our 32nd season, we continue our commitment providing high-quality, accessible theatre for young audiences.

This season, (STC) showcases nine productions for children and young adults, which include FOUR WORLD PREMIERE productions and a HOLIDAY SHOW celebrating 50 years as an acclaimed holiday special! The 2015-16 season promises to give audiences a reason to dream...A Season of Believing!

On the heels of our biggest season ever, we welcome a season that promises a chance for our amazing loyal audience to dream...to hope...to persevere...to believe. From a production about a hilarious little girl entering first grade and the qualms that come with a new school year, to a production about a little boy being bullied, that will hit our stage during National Bullying Prevention Month in October, we hope to provide our guests with the tools to use their imagination and dream. Bring the page to the stage and believe in the magic to come!

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2015-16 Productions:

September 18 - October 18, 2015

Junie B. Jones, The Musical

Book and Lyrics by Marcy Heisler

Music by Zina Goldrich

Based on the book series by Barbara Park

All Ages

Come sneak a peek into the "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal" of the sassy and lovable Junie B. Jones! This delightful, fun-filled musical kicks off our season just as school kicks off this fall. Join Junie B. as she takes on best pal problems, new kids on the bus, trouble reading the blackboard, a friendly cafeteria lady and a kickball tournament. Based on four of Barbara Park's best-selling books, this charming musical will capture your heart just as the book series has captivated readers for over two decades!

October 9 - November 1, 2015

There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom

Written by Louis Sachar, based on his novel

Ages 8 and up.

Newberry and National Book Award winner, and author of Wayside Stories from Sideways School and Holes, Louis Sachar's misfit, Bradley Chalkers will be given a close-up this spring in our Hopkins Jaycees Studio. All the kids think Bradley's a "monster," and Bradley seems to agree until the new school counselor sees the likable kid beneath the bully. But, just as Bradley's self-confidence starts to emerge the school board decides to replace his much-liked counselor with a...computer. Our humorous and poignant production will show if the "monster" or the "likable kid" wins the day.

November 20 - December 29, 2015

50th Anniversary of the acclaimed holiday special

A Charlie Brown Christmas

By Charles M. Schultz

Based on the television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson

Stage Adaptation by Eric Schaeffer

By Special Arrangement with Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson

All Ages

Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang as they grapple with the real meaning of Christmas. If you loved Rudolph, than you will adore celebrating the 50th Anniversary of this classic animated television special as it rings to life on our main stage. With the music you love and remember come experience the warmth of the season in this cherished production.

January 22 - February 15, 2016

Bear Snores On - World Premiere

Adapted from the book by Karma Wilson

Warm-up this winter as Bear and all his friends cozy up in our imaginative new musical! On a cold, stormy winter night, one by one, a whole host of animals venture into Bear's cave to warm up. But even after the tea has been brewed and the corn has been popped, Bear just snores on! Come see what happens when he finally wakes up and finds them having a party without him!

March 4 - 20, 2016

The Snow Queen - World Premiere

Adapted from the story by Hans Christian Anderson

The magical fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson that inspired Disney's Frozen springs to life in this World Premiere ballet! When Gerda's best friend Kai disappears she sets off on an epic journey to save his life. But can Gerda break the Snow Queen's enchantment before it's too late? This timeless story of love and friendship is told through the art of dance and continues our popular performance collaboration with Escalate Dance that brought you Owl Moon, The Mitten and Twelve Dancing Princesses.

April 15 - May 15, 2016

I Love You, Stinky Face - World Premiere

Adapted from the book by Lisa McCourt and illustrated by Cyd Moore

This heart-warming new musical will have you hugging your loved ones a little tighter and laughing with glee as the imaginative child snuggles onto our main stage this spring! Before drifting off to dream land, the ever-inventive child has a few outrageous questions, but the devoted mother replies to each and every one with wit and love. Come follow this delightful tale through the heart of imagination. It will have you believing in Green Aliens from Mars, Super Stinky Skunks and even a Droopy-Eyed Cyclops.

April 29 - May 22, 2016

Number the Stars

Based on the book by Lois Lowry.

Adapted by Dr. Douglas W. Larche with Susan Elliott Larche

Ages 8 and up

All the drama, pathos, adventure, terror and humor of Lois Lowry's Newbery Award winning book come to life in our intimate Hopkins Jaycees Studio this fall. Annemarie Johansen and Ellen Rosen play carefree games in the streets of 1943 Copenhagen, until the Nazi occupation of their city becomes increasingly more perilous. Experience Annemarie's dangerous mission to save her best friend's life as her courage, faith, ingenuity and even fledgling acting skills are all tested in this engaging production.

June 24 - July 31, 2016

Annie Jr.

Music by Charles Strouse

Lyrics by Martin Charnin

Book by Thomas Meehan

Base on Little Orphan Annie by permission of The Media Tribune Services, Inc.

All ages

One of the world's best loved musicals bounds onto the STC stage this summer as plucky and positive Annie charms her way into your heart. Join her fun-filled adventure as she finds a new home with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his secretary Grace and a loveable mutt named Sandy. It may be a "Hard Knock Life" but Annie will never stop believing in "Tomorrow."

August 5 - 20, 2016

Theatre for the Very Young is back:

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star - World Premiere

Ages 18 months - 4 years

What comes out at night? In this magical experience, our youngest audience members will discover all the joy and wonder of night time sounds and creatures, fireflies and flashlights, blankies and teddy bears and of course, stars. If you enjoyed The Dandelion Seed, this charming nighttime adventure is a must see.

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Season subscriber ticketing options including flex passes, and grand gatherings (for grandparents and grandchildren only,) ARE NOW ON SALE. To purchase season tickets options, call the Box Office at (952) 979-1111, option 4, Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6:00 pm.

Individual tickets ARE NOW ON SALE. To purchase individual tickets, visit www.stagestheatre.org or call the Box Office at (952) 979-1111, option 4, Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6 pm.

Group pricing is available for groups of 10 or more to all productions. Reservations are being taken now by calling our Group Sales Manager at (952) 979-1119.

Ticket prices for the 2015-2016 season are $16 for adults; $14 for seniors (60+); $12 for children (ages 4-17) with lap passes available for free (ages 0-2) and $5 (ages 3-4).

A Charlie Brown Christmas pricing: $23 for adults, $20 for seniors (60+); $16 for children (ages 4-17) with lap passes available for free (ages 0-2) and $5 (ages 3-4).

Stages Theatre Company was founded in 1984 and since then has grown to become one of the largest professional theatres for young audiences in the country. We engage young artists with themes relevant to their lives and involve them in creating magical works featuring young people in meaningful roles. Through theatrical productions, workshops, conservatory classes and other outreach programs, Stages Theatre Company annually serves more than 130,000 young people and their families.