Stages Theatre Company Announces 35th Anniversary Season, "The Most Magnificent Season"
By: Stephi Wild Feb. 28, 2018
Stages Theatre Company (STC) has announced its 35th Anniversary Season! Looking around our world, it seems so much has changed since 1984. On the other hand, much has remained constant. The Stages Theatre Company mission of enrichment and education of children and youth in a professional theatre environment that stimulates artistic excellence and personal growth is unchanged, and our MAGNIFICENT ANNIVERSARY SEASON reflects that and MORE.
In 1984 when Stages Theatre Company was founded, the first Apple Macintosh went on sale, and now we cannot survive a day without our laptops, iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches. The most popular movies were Ghostbusters and The Karate Kid. Didn't we just see those again? It seems Hollywood can't stop rebooting old successes. We will bring back some favorites, too. Kids were challenged by the Rubix Cube and introduced to Transformers-we have those same toys in our house today. Kids also read books-lots and lots of books. Thankfully, that has not changed; children still love a great story! And 35 years later, Stages Theatre Company is still transforming wonderful children's books into entertaining live theatre performed by youth, for youth.
"Our 2018-2019 Season is truly MAGNIFICENT- it is built with young people, families and classrooms in mind, and is based on beautiful, imaginative and inspiring books and stories. There is much to celebrate, learn from and enjoy this season," says Artistic Director Sandy Boren-Barrett. "From acclaimed authors like Jan Brett and Roald Dahl, to new authors that write books allowing kids who learn and play differently to see themselves in the stories. The tales on our stage will inspire young people to dream big, invent big, invest in curiosity and learn that changing history is something they can do. We have it all this season and are proud of the stories we tell!"
There is much to commemorate, and YOU are why we celebrate! Stages Theatre Company has grown from serving 6000 people in 1984 to over 145,000 people today. We are committed to being a radically welcoming theatre serving young audiences. We offer a space where diverse opinions, courageous dialogue, and local, national, and international community engagement is not only valued, but vital to our shared artistic and educational success. We make this pledge in the hope of curating a welcome home for all. Come celebrate the magnificence with us, all season long.
The 2018- 2019 Season:
CHARLOTTE'S WEB
AN AUDIENCE FAVORITE RETURNS
SEPTEMBER 21 - OCTOBER 21, 2018
ALL AGES
Based on the story by E.B. White
Dramatized by Joseph Robinette
"It's not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer." We kick off the celebration of our 35th anniversary season with an all-time audience favorite. The classic story of friendship, based on the book by E.B. White, will warm hearts young and old as it charms its way onto our main stage this fall. Down on the Zuckerman Farm, Wilbur, an irresistible young pig is determined to avoid the butcher. With the help of his friends (especially the magnificent spider, Charlotte) Wilbur is not only safe, but learns that true friends live in our hearts forever. This 60-minute adaptation of the novel, named one of the best American children's books of the past two hundred years, will enchant audiences of all ages.
Produced by special arrangement with DRAMATIC PUBLISHING, Woodstock, Illinois.
FISH IN A TREE
World Premiere
GREAT MINDS DON'T ALWAYS THINK ALIKE
OCTOBER 5 - 28, 2018
AGES 7 and Up
FISH IN A TREE By Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Published by Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Group LLC.
"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." - Albert Einstein. Sixth-grader, Ally, has been clever in covering up her inability to read. She feels her problem is hopeless because how can you cure dumb? Her newest teacher, Mr. Daniels, however, sees the bright and creative kid she hides and helps Ally see that her dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. This emotionally-charged and uplifting story highlights that everyone is more than a label and great minds don't always think alike. Our world premiere adaptation is brought to life in our JC Studio this fall.
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is produced with the permission of the author.
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's
MARY POPPINS JR
It's a JOLLY HOLIDAY with Mary!
NOVEMBER 16-DECEMBER 27, 2018
ALL AGES
Original Music and lyrics by Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman
Book by Julian Fellowes
New Songs and Additional Music and Lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe
Co-Created by Cameron Mackintosh
A Musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film
Join us this holiday season for a practically perfect experience for the entire family! "It's a jolly holiday with Mary" in this Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious adventure based on the award-winning Broadway musical and classic Walt Disney film. Step in Time with everyone's favorite nanny and share the magical transformation of the Banks family with your family this holiday.
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
THREE SNOW BEARS
World Premiere
A DELIGHTFUL TWIST ON A CLASSIC FAIRY TALE
JANUARY 18 - FEBRUARY 18, 2019
ALL AGES
Based on the book THREE SNOW BEARS by Jan Brett.
Copyright © 2007 by Jan Brett. All right reserved.
"She came to the biggest igloo she'd ever seen. 'Who lives here?' she wondered, and she went inside." Ride along with us this winter through the magnificent Arctic landscape of award-winning author Jan Brett's delightful twist on the Goldilocks tale. A search for her missing sled dogs leads Aloo-ki to an igloo she can't resist exploring.... Yet, while she is making herself at home, the Three Snow Bears are out walking, waiting for their breakfast to cool off...An endearing snow bear family and a curious Inuit girl meet center stage in our world premiere musical adaptation of the picture book by the best-selling author/illustrator of The Mitten and Hedgie's Surprise.
Produced by arrangement with G.P. Putnam's Sons, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group, division of Penguin Random House, LLC.
OWL MOON
OUR ORIGINAL DANCE COLLABORATION RETURNS
MARCH 8 - MARCH 24, 2019
ALL AGES
Based on the book by Jane Yolen
Illustrated by John Schoenherr
"When you go owling you don't need words or warm or anything but hope." In celebration of our 35th anniversary, we are bringing back the magical production that started our continuing collaboration with Escalate Dance. Journey with us into the magnificent wintery woods, where a father and child venture out hoping to spot an owl. Surprises abound behind every tree in this ballet-inspired story adapted from the Caldecott Medal book by Jane Yolen and illustrated by John Schoenherr.
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. Used by permission of Curtis Brown, Ltd. Copyright © 1987 All Rights Reserved.
THE MOST MAGNIFICENT THING
World Premiere
THE DESIGN PROCESS COMES ALIVE...A STEM-INSPIRED STORY!
APRIL 12 - MAY 12, 2019
ALL AGES
Based on the book written and illustrated by Ashley Spires.
The design process comes alive on our main stage this spring! A young girl has a wonderful idea. "She
is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing! She knows just how it will look. She knows just how it will work. All she has to do is make it, and she makes things all the time. Easy-peasy!" But as the girl
tries and fails, repeatedly, she finds invention is anything but easy. Working through her anger and frustration she "smoothes and wrenches and fiddles," and she "twists and tweaks and fastens," until
she manages to get it just right. Our world premiere musical adaptation shows that it's okay to make mistakes as we create, tinker, and achieve.
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires. Published by Kids Can Press.
HIDDEN HEROES
The Black Women of NASA
World Premiere
A HIDDEN HISTORY COMES TO LIFE
APRIL 26 - MAY 19, 2019
AGES 7 & UP
HIDDEN HEROES is based on the book Hidden Human Computers: The Black Women of NASA. By Sue Bradford Edwards and Duchess Harris. Published by ABDO Publishing, Minneapolis, MN. Copyright © 2017
"It doesn't matter what you look like, what your size is, what your color is. You can be anything you want to, but you do have to work at it," says Annie Easley's mother to her young daughter. In the 1950's and 60's the black women of NASA fought against racial and gender discrimination for a place on the leading edge of math, science and technology. Be inspired this spring, as we tell the stories of how these women were influenced as young girls to eventually make critical contributions that launched US astronauts into space and returned them safely back to Earth.
Hidden Human Computers by Sue Bradford Edwards and Duchess Harris is produced with the permission of the publisher, ABDO Publishing, Minneapolis, MN
Roald Dahl's
WILLY WONKA - TYA
A GOLDEN TICKET TO A MAGNIFICENT SUMMER EXPERIENCE
JUNE 28 - AUGUST 4, 2019
ALL AGES
Music and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newly
Adapted for the Stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald
Based on the Book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl
Hop on a magnificent fantasy ride through the land of pure imagination with Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka. The scrumdidilyumptious adventures of Charlie Bucket touring the enigmatic Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory enlivens our stage this summer. This enchanting adaptation, featuring memorable songs from the 1971 film, will be a delicious experience for everyone to savor!
Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka TYA is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
Leo Lionni's
INCH BY INCH - Theatre for the Very Young
World Premiere
OUR LITTLEST GUESTS ENGAGE IN MEASURING A SONG
AUGUST 7 - AUGUST 25, 2019
AGES 0-5
INCH BY INCH by Leo Lionni. © 1969, © renewed 1995
"Can a song be measured?" Our Theatre for the Very Young Series continues in August with our world premiere of Leo Lionni's Caldecott winning book, Inch By Inch. Our youngest theatre goers will be immersed in the whimsical and sweet story that dares to ask, "Can a song be measured?" Our littlest patrons will meet up with our winsome inchworm who can measure anything under the sun. They will then help him cleverly solve the dilemma of how to measure the song of the hungry nightingale.
INCH BY INCH by Leo Lionni, is produced with permission of Ann Lionni.
2018/2019 ON SALE DATES
MARCH 6: School Group tickets go on sale at 12 Noon.
MARCH 15: Season tickets go on sale at 12 Noon.
MARCH 20: Individual tickets go on sale at 12 Noon.
To purchase season tickets and individual tickets, please go online to www.stagestheatre.org or call the Box Office at (952) 979-1111, option 4, Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6:00 pm.
Group pricing is available for groups of 10 or more to all productions. Reservations are available by calling our Group Sales Manager at (952) 979-1119.
Ticket pricing: Ticket prices for the 2018-2019 season are: $16 for adults; $14 for children/students (ages 4-17) and seniors (60+); with lap passes available for free (ages 0-2) and $5 (ages 3-4).
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's MARY POPPINS JR. pricing: $25 for adults; $21 for seniors (60+); $18 for children/students (ages 2-17). Lap passes are available in lieu of a designated seat for $5 (ages
3-4) and free (ages 0-2).
INCH BY INCH pricing: All tickets are $10 for ages 1 and up, with free lap passes available for ages 0-1.
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, STC annually serves more than 145,000 young people and their families. In 2017 Stages Theatre Company was awarded the Harold Oaks National TYA Award for innovative contributions advancing the field of theatre for young audiences.
Statement of Inclusivity: Stages Theatre Company is dedicated to creating a space where diverse opinions, courageous dialogue, and local, national, and international community engagement is not only valued, but vital to our shared artistic and educational success. We make this pledge in hope of curating a welcome home for all.
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