When Pigs Talk! Arden Theatre Company Announces 2018-19 Children's Theatre Season

Philadelphians don't have to look far to find quality and thoughtful entertainment that will appeal to their entire family. The Arden Theatre Company's 2018-19 Children's Theatre season includes two shows that will delight kids of all ages, and the kid-at-heart in all of us.

"We are thrilled to be bringing two brilliant stories to life for Arden Children's
Theatre next season," said Artistic Director Terry Nolen. "We are committed to bringing the same resources and commitment to excellence these productions as we do to the rest of our season. Our kids deserve our very best, and we strive to make theatre that will inspire, delight and, hopefully, remember for many years to come."

The season begins with the heart-warming story of a special friendship between a lovable pig and everyone's favorite spider. CHARLOTTE'S WEB, adapted from E.B. White's beloved book by Joseph Robinette, comes to the F. Otto Haas Stage in perfect time for the holidays, from November 28, 2018 through January 27, 2019. Directed by Whit MacLaughlin, the production is a wonderful tribute to one of the greatest stories for children ever written. Casting will be announced at a later date.

In the spring, Robert Louis Stevenson's swashbuckling adventure TREASURE ISLAND comes sailing into the Arden's Arcadia Stage from April 3, 2019 through June 2, 2019. Adapted for the stage by Toby Hulse, this seafaring coming-of-age tale features plenty of pirates, hidden treasure, and the infamous Long John Silver. The production will be directed by Arden Children's Theatre favorite Doug Hara. Casting will be announced at a later date.

Subscribers can save up to 40% by purchasing both shows at once for the 2018-19 Children's Theatre Season at the Arden. The company offers parking and dining discounts for subscribers, plus quick and easy exchanges up to 24 hours before the performance to accommodate busy family schedules. Single tickets to both CHARLOTTE'S WEB and TREASURE ISLAND go on sale later in Fall 2018.

For more information, or to purchase a subscription, visit ardentheatre.org.

Founded in 1988, Arden Theatre Company is dedicated to bringing to life great stories by great storytellers-on the stage, in the classroom, and in the community. Seven productions are staged each season as part of the Mainstage series and two productions through Arden Children's Theatre, the city's first resident professional children's theatre program. New work is produced through the Independence Foundation New Play Showcase. The Arden's Education Department includes: Arden for All (AFA), a theatre access and education program for underserved young people; Arden Drama School, the after-school, Saturday, and summer camp classes for students in grades pre-K-12; Teen Arden, an immersive after-school access program for Philadelphia-area based teenagers; and the Arden Professional Apprentice Program, a nationally renowned comprehensive theatre management training program. The Hamilton Family Arts Center is the new facility dedicated to education programs and new play development. The Arden has received numerous honors including 70 awards and 367 nominations from the Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre. The Arden is a winner of four "Theatre Company of the Year" designations (Philadelphia Inquirer), six Philadelphia Magazine "Best of Philly" awards and three "Best of Philly Kids" awards, the City Paper's Reader's Choice Award and the prestigious "Great Friend to Kids Award" from the Please Touch Museum for Arden Children's Theatre work. For accessibility efforts, the Arden was named a "Keystone of Accessibility" by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Arden Theatre Company is a professional, nonprofit 501(c)(3) theatre company and a member of the Theatre Communications Group, the League of Resident Theatres, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Old City Arts Association. The Arden also participates in The Barrymore Awards, a program of Theatre Philadelphia.