Imaginary Theatre Company to Present THE VELVETEEN RABBIT, 12/14-23

The Imaginary Theatre Company, the young audiences touring ensemble of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, will present The Velveteen Rabbit this holiday season. Based on Margery Williams' famed literary classic, adapted by playwright Kim Esop Wylie and with music and lyrics by Joe Dreyer, this 45-minute performance, suitable for all ages, is a musical that that celebrates the rewards of loyalty and the wonderful, surprising power of love.

The Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company, supported by a $25,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund, will present The Velveteen Rabbit on Dec. 14, 21, and 23, at 11 a.m., and 3 p.m., and 3 p.m. on Dec. 22, at the Heagney Theatre on the campus of Nerinx Hall High School, 530 East Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves. Tickets are $7.

"The Rep is honored to team up with the Monsanto Fund," said Steve Woolf, artistic director of The Rep. "We are thrilled that we can share our production of The Velveteen Rabbit with more audiences because of receiving this funding."

The Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company series includes three productions performed at schools, libraries and community centers throughout the St. Louis area October through April. The series introduces Live Theatre to children through the use of literature, folk tales, fairy tales and new adaptations of classic works and also includes special public performances.

"Live theater allows children to open their minds and imagine the unimaginable," said Deborah Patterson, president of the Monsanto Fund. "The Monsanto Fund is proud to support The Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company and commend its dedication to making this art form accessible to the young and young at heart."

The cast of The Velveteen Rabbit is Michael Fariss as the Boy and Toy Boat; Katie Hamilton-Meier as the Velveteen Rabbit; Alan Knoll as the Husband, Aunt, Horse, Nana and Wild Rabbit; and Laurie McConnell as Margery.

The creative staff also includes Kat Singleton, director; Larry Pry, orchestrator, Scott Loebl, scenic designer; Dorothy Marshall Englis, costume designer; and Ashley Newman, stage manager.

For more information about The Rep's production of The Velveteen Rabbit, including a guide introducing the characters, plot and background on the play; photos related to the production; and to purchase tickets, visit The Rep's comprehensive public website at http://www.repstl.org or call the Box Office at (314) 968-4925.