THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS and More Set for Stages Theatre's 2013-14 Season

The 30th anniversary season at Stages Theatre Company (STC) showcases nine productions for children and young adults, which includes three world premiere productions. The 2013-14 season promises to give audiences new experiences unlike ever before. In "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs" audiences will decide the verdict and how the show ends. The last production on the season, "The Dandelion Seed" allows parents and children to participate in the performance with hands-on interaction geared for ages 18 months to three-years-old.

Since 1984, STC has featured 194 productions, 50 off-site productions, 12 Tours and more than 100 world premieres. "Each step along the way represents a cherished memory for someone who was there - youth actors, staff and parents. Yet, while it's wonderful to look back and appreciate the positives of the past 30 years, we cannot stand still. We offer you a 30th anniversary season to remember," says Artistic Director Sandy Boren-Barrett.

2013-14 productions:

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes, TODAY, Sept. 20 - Oct. 20, 2013: Lilly is a youngster who looks at things very simply. She loves everything! Her friends Chester and Wilson share her excitement and wonder at discovering the world around them. In Kevin Kling's wonderful adaptation of the Kevin Henkes book, we get to share the friends' adventures and learn about the mysterious black holes in Swiss cheese as taught by favorite teacher Mr. Slinger. (For all ages)

Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar, Oct. 18 - Nov. 10, 2013: This is much-loved craziness! Oops! The builder made a mistake and turned the plans on their side. That's why Wayside School is thirty stories high with one classroom on each level. You think that's a little strange? Wait until you see what goes on at the school on a daily basis. From the author of "HOLES", a fun-filled romp to weirdness performed in the Hopkins Jaycees Studio. (For all ages)

Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney, Nov. 22 - Dec. 29, 2013: "Llama Llama holidays. Jingle music. Lights ablaze. How long till that special date? Llama Llama has to wait." Everyone's favorite chronicler of llamas, Anna Dewdney, has created another magnificent story around little Llama Llama, who has so much trouble waiting for anything. Stages Theatre Company presents the world premiere of this brand-new musical adaptation for its holiday audience. (For all ages)

The Mitten by Jan Brett, Jan. 17 - Feb. 17, 2014: One of Stages Theatre Company's proudest accomplishments was the creation of the ballet-inspired stage version of "THE MITTEN" by Jan Brett. For our 30th season, we are bringing back this audience favorite. Watch the book come to life in this exciting production as various woodland creatures seek a warm place in the snow-filled forest: a single lost mitten. (For all ages)

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst, March 7 - March 23, 2014: Pity poor Alexander. He went to bed with gum in his mouth and woke up with gum in his hair. And things went downhill from there. Don't miss the hilarious results of a single day in the life of one of our favorite children's book characters. You will relate to this mayhem as you laugh out loud. (For all ages)

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by Robert Kauzlaric, Paul Gilvary and William Rush, April 11 through May 11, 2014: A modern classic comes to the stage. The Big Bad Wolf (Al, to his friends) is on trial for his part in the misadventure of the 3 Little Pigs. Based on the hilarious book of the same name, this musical trial by jury is sure to set your feet tapping and leave your fancy tickled. And you, the audience, will decide the verdict. (For all ages)

Starry River of the Sky by Grace Lin, April 25 - May 18, 2014: The moon is missing from the remote village of Clear Sky, but only a young boy name Rendi seems to notice! Join in the adventure as Stages Theatre Company brings this beautiful Chinese tale to life. Written by Grace Lin, author of Newbery honored "WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON." Collaborating with MU Performing Arts, we are proud to bring this world premiere production to our audience in the intimate Hopkins Jaycees Studio. (For ages 7 and up)

The Wiz - TYA Version by William F. Brown, June 27 through Aug. 3, 2014: Based on the original Tony Award winning Broadway musical, this is the familiar story of Dorothy's tornado-driven adventure in Oz, and the wonderful characters who befriend and protect her: the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. "Ease on Down the Road" with the toe-tapping music of this modern classic, in its Theatre for Young Audiences version. (For all ages)

The Dandelion Seed by Joseph Anthony, Aug. 8 - Aug. 23, 2014: Stages Theatre Company is proud to introduce Theatre for the Very Young, an experiential innovation in theatre. Become a part of the story with your young ones. You and your child will be invited to be a participant in the experience. A world premiere, held in the Hopkins Jaycees Studio. (For ages 18 months to 3 years-old)

Tickets go on sale for the general public April 16. To purchase individual tickets, please visit www.stagestheatre.org or call the Box Office at (952) 979-1111, option four, Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 for adults; $12 for children (ages 4-17) with lap passes available for free (ages 0-2) and $5 (ages 3-4); $12 for seniors (ages 60+). Flex pass, grand gathering (for grandparents and grandchildren only) and season subscriber options are available and go on sale April 2.

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.