STC Announces I LIKE ME, ROALD DAHL'S WILLY WONKA & More, Begins 9/25

Stages Theatre Company (STC) announces an exciting lineup of plays for children and young adults for the 2009-10 season where the page comes to the stage. The season begins Sept. 25, 2009 with Nancy Carlson's "I Like Me" and concludes Aug. 1, 2010 with "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka."

Eight classic children's books come to the stage during the 2009-10 season, including five world premieres. "Stages Theatre Company has a history of creating and producing amazing shows that come from children's literature, both classic and contemporary. With that in mind, our 2009-10 season may truly be called "A season of Classics," says Artistic Director Sandy Boren-Barrett.

Kicking off the season is "I Like Me" by Nancy Carlson, which runs Sept. 25 through Oct. 25. For more than 25 years, this book has been entertaining young people and teaching lessons in humanity. Watch Louanne Pig and all her friends as they discover self-esteem and the power of being true to oneself. Michael Erickson returns as playwright and composer, bringing joy and hilarity to these beloved characters. This world premiere is perfect for all ages.

The world premiere of "Alice in Wonderland" will take audiences (ages 6 and up) on a journey down the rabbit-hole with Alice and the White Rabbit. The Caterpillar, Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter, March Hare, Red Queen, and the rest of this incredible cast of characters will entertain us all starting Oct. 23 through Nov. 8 in the Hopkins Jaycees Studio. This Lewis Carroll masterpiece is presented in unique STC fashion.

The holiday classic "‘Twas the Night Before Christmas" enchants audiences Nov. 20 through Dec. 28. This world premiere production is inspired by the classic Clement C. Moore poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas." Children of all ages will be amazed as this book comes to life before their eyes. Jennifer Kirkeby and Shirley Mier, the creators of numerous STC musical hits, join forces once again.

"The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats" follows young Peter as he explores his familiar surroundings, now magically changed by a rare, crystalline blanket of snow. A production perfect for all ages, the show combines the world of inner-city life with the power of nature's beauty. This book received the Caldecott Award in 1963, being named most distinguished picture book for children. This is a world premiere production that begins Jan. 15 and runs through Feb. 14. Playwright Mark Rosenwinkel and composer Michael Mahler join forces to create this new adaptation.

The popular Judy Blume book "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" tells the story of Peter Hatcher who is in fourth grade and dealing with some big problems, which include his little brother Fudge. He gets into Peter's stuff, he's disgustingly cute, but the worst thing of all is...well, you'll just have to see it to believe it. This amusing show is for ages 6 and up, and will run for a limited time March 5 through March 21.

"Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type" by Doreen Cronin is a hilarious story about a farmer who must learn to deal with his cows on a more than casual basis, especially when their typing becomes a list of demands. Jennifer Kirkeby and Jake Rowan join forces to bring this world premiere, which is perfect for all ages, to the stage starting April 16 through May 16.

The classic S.E. Hinton story of the Socs and the Greasers comes to life on stage in "The Outsiders." Ponyboy believes that Socs (socials) always have money and can get away with anything, while Greasers are outsiders and always need a friend to watch their backs. A powerful drama of young people coming to terms with the world as it is. This production is performed in the Hopkins Jaycees Studio from April 30 through May 23 and is for ages 12 and up.

Concluding the season is the popular "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka," which delights audiences from June 25 through Aug. 1 and is perfect for all ages. With the music from the original 1971 movie, follow impoverished youngster Charlie Bucket as he finds the golden ticket, winning a tour through the fabulous chocolate factory. The eccentric owner and tour guide is Willy Wonka and anything can happen when he is in charge.

To purchase individual tickets, please visit www.stagestheatre.org or call the box office at (952) 979-1111, 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 and season subscriber options are available.

In July 2009, as part of a unique cultural theatre exchange, a select cast from Stages Theatre Company will travel to Bath, England and perform on the egg's stage. In August, the egg will send a troupe to Stages Theatre Company to perform Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book" on the main stage. This special performance is Aug. 26 at 7 p.m.; Aug. 27 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.

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. Through theatrical productions, workshops, conservatory classes and other outreach programs, Stages Theatre Company annually serves more than 120,000 young people and their families.