Orlando Repertory Theatre Announces 09-10 Season

The Orlando Repertory Theatre (REP) invites audiences to free their imaginations and join them for their 2009-2010 season. This season, the REP brings to life famous characters from classic and contemporary literature with a season that includes Charlotte's Web, How I Became a Pirate, Dear Santa, The Giver, Berenstain Bears On Stage and Ramona Quimby. Continuing its' commitment to producing the finest in family theatre, the REP proudly offers an affordable family experience that will enlighten and entertain children of all ages.

"Next season includes something for everyone, from The Berenstain Bears for our youngest audience members to The Giver, for our older children and adults; everything in between serves our broader audience. The other shows, sure to delight, are Charlotte's Web, How I Became A Pirate, Dear Santa, and Ramona Quimby. Our family and young audiences are presented with timeless tales and new adventures filled with an abundance of solid, life lessons," says Jeffrey Revels, Artistic Director at the REP. "With the current cuts to arts education in schools, The REP is proudly able to continue to provide theatrical experiences that harmoniously exist with school state standards. Our children need these stories, as we are a storytelling species, and we are committed to bringing the very best to our community."

The Orlando Repertory Theatre's 2008-2009 season was one of their strongest to date; led by the success of Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business that became the REP's highest attended show to date and had over 12,000 people attend the production. Below is the full line up of the Orlando Repertory Theatre's 2009-2010 main stage season:

Charlotte's Web
Book by E.B. White • Adapted by Joseph Robinette
September 12 - October 11, 2009
Charlotte the spider and her magical weavings come to the aid of her newfound friend, Wilbur the pig, in E.B. White's timeless story of friendship. Join Fern Arable and the animals of Zuckerman's farm as they all marvel at "Some Pig." Charlotte's brave plan to save Wilbur's life carries them, along with Templeton the rat, all the way to the county fair. It is at the fair that we discover the fate of Wilbur and Charlotte.
Show times: Saturdays at 11am & 4pm and Sundays at 2pm & 5pm
Sonny's Family Night - September 26th at 5:30 pm

How I Became A Pirate
October 10 - November 8, 2009
A musical by Alyn Cardarelli and Steve Goers
Have you ever thought of becoming a pirate? Jeremy Jacobs has and he gets that chance when he is recruited by Captain Braid Beard for his exceptional digging skills, necessary for proper treasure burying, of course! Jeremy thinks the pirate life is great, until he thinks of home and realizes that pirates do not get tucked in at night and do not play a good game of soccer. This musical adventure sends you home laughing and growling "Arrrrrr, Matey!"
Show times: Saturdays at 2pm & 5pm and Sundays at 11am & 4pm
Sonny's Family Night - October 17th at 5:30 pm

Dear Santa
By Norm Foster
November 20 - December 20, 2009
It is the time of year to peek into the magical and timeless world of the North Pole- bustling workshops, cheerful elves and the jolly old leader himself, Santa Claus. Santa's efficient, yet frenzied Chief of Staff, the dizzy housekeeper with a secret crush, the high-pressure sleigh salesman and the workshop foreman who does not quite command the English language all combine to keep the place running like clockwork, minus a few mishaps. Then, a request from one child's letter throws everything off course and the answer lies in rediscovering the Christmas spirit.
Show times: Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm & 7pm and Sundays at 2pm
Sonny's Family Night - December 12th at 5:30 pm

The Giver (A Sideways Series Production)
Book by Lois Lowry • Adapted by Eric Coble
January 29 - February 28, 2010
Imagine a perfect world with no poverty, no crime, no sickness, no unemployment and no unhappiness. What would you trade to live in that idyllic society? Lois Lowry's Newbery Medal-winning book, The Giver, examines the idea that people might freely choose to give up their sense of humanity in order to create a more stable civilization. In this compelling drama, 12-year-old Jonas learns just how costly this ordered and pain-free society can be, and boldly decides he cannot pay the price. This play is recommended for sixth grade and above.
Show times: Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm & 7pm and Sundays at 2pm
Sonny's Family Night - February 6th at 5:30 pm

Berenstain Bears On Stage: A Bear Country Musical
Book and Lyrics by Stan and Jan Berenstain • Music by Elliot Lawrence and Jamie Broza
February 27 - March 28, 2010
Join Papa, Mama, Brother, and Sister Bear as classic Berenstain Bears stories are presented and commented on by guitar-strumming Cowboy Joe, the world's foremost expert on the famous residents of Bear Country. Mama Bear is at her wit's end with the cubs' messy room and Papa Bear helps the cubs' understand that honesty is the best policy. Brother Bear learns of the dangers of bad influences like neighborhood bullies, and Sister Bear has the last laugh when dealing with stage fright in the school play. Take a stroll through Bear Country and you'll come out humming the tunes of life's gentle lessons..
Show times: Saturdays at 11am & 4pm and Sundays at 2pm & 5pm
Sonny's Family Night - March 20th at 5:30 pm
Sonny's Family Night - March 20th at 5:30 pm

Ramona Quimby
By Len Jenkin From the novels of Beverly Cleary
April 17 - May 23, 2010
Before there was Junie B. Jones, there was Ramona Quimby!
The exasperating but lovable third-grader, sometimes known as Ramona the Pest, is facing many issues that touch the lives of families today. Ramona and her teacher do not see eye to eye, her Dad has lost his job, and her older sister Beezus gets on her nerves-Ramona's life seems a mess! But with the help of her patient family and friends, Ramona meets these challenges head on. Laugh and cheer as this classic heroine of children's literature jumps from the pages of Beverly Cleary's books to the stage.
Show times: Saturdays at 11am & 4pm and Sundays at 2pm & 5pm
Sonny's Family Night - May 1st at 5:30 pm

The Orlando Repertory Theatre would like to thank University of Central Florida, United Arts of Central Florida, Target, Orange County Arts and Cultural Affairs, Orlando Utilities Commission, and Florida Arts and Culture for their continued support and for making this season possible!

Season subscriptions for the 2009-2010 season are available now. Single adult tickets for the 2009- 2010 season may be purchased at $17, youth (17 and under) at $11 and new this season, seniors (55+) and students may purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $15. For more information on individual tickets or season subscriptions call the box office at 407-896-7365 ext. 1 or visit www.orlandorep.com.

The Orlando Repertory Theatre is a non-profit organization and is supported in part by United Arts of Central Florida, State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment of the Arts. The Orlando Repertory Theatre would like to thank University of Central Florida, United Arts of Central Florida, Orlando Utilities Commission, and Target for their continued support and for making this season possible! Season subscriptions for the 2009-2010 season are available now. New subscriptions and individual tickets can be purchased www.orlandorep.com. The Orlando Repertory Theatre is a non-profit organization and is supported in part by United Arts of Central Florida, State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment of the Arts.