HCT Announces 2010-2011 Family Main Stage Series Pure Imagination

HARTFORD CHILDREN'S THEATRE is pleased to announce its 2010-2011 Family Main Stage Series, "Pure Imagination." With stories as diverse as a world-famous candy man's quest for an heir, a plucky orphan's tale of hope and optimism and a 13 year old boy's struggle to fit in, "Pure Imagination" is sure to delight and entertain the entire family. HCT's 21st Family Main Stage Series, or "Pure Imagination," will feature a delicious new production of Roald Dahl's WILLY WONKA, followed by the classic family favorite ANNIE and 13, a new musical coming of age story by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown.

In addition to HCT's Main Stage Series, the organization will launch a new touring division entitled HCT on the Road. The new program will tour productions directly to schools within Greater Hartford and beyond, furthering HCT's mission of providing access and exposure to high quality theatre to young audiences. HCT on the Road will begin in November 2010 with a touring production of School House Rock Live! based on the 1970's educational animated series by ABC TV. March 2011 will see the premiere of Class Clown, a new play commissioned by HCT from children's author Johanna Hurwitz. With over 60 published children's novels to her name, HCT is pleased to bring one of Ms. Hurwitz's most popular to life on our stage.

HCT Artistic Director Ryan Ratelle says, "Children and adults alike will all find something to enjoy and experience within our Main Stage Series. 2010-2011 promises to be an exceptional year featuring a pop-culture and literary classic, a family favorite and an energetic example of modern Broadway. With the addition of HCT on the Road, we hope to share the transformational and educational power of theatre with many more children throughout the state."

Executive Director Dulcie Giadone comments "At HCT, we want children to have every opportunity to experience live theatre because it enriches their lives and engages their imagination in a way no other medium can. We look forward to continuing the momentum created during our 20th Anniversary season by reaching an expanded number of young people and their families next season."

Following are full details on Hartford Children's Theatre's 2010-2011 Family Main Stage Series:

Roald Dahl'S WILLY WONKA
September 24 through October 3, 2010

Based on the book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl
Lyrics and Music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley
Adapted for the stage by Tim McDonald and Leslie Bricusse

Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life on the Hartford Children's Theatre stage in this delicious new musical adaptation of "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory." WILLY WONKA features the songs from the classic 1971 film including, "Pure Imagination," "I've Got a Golden Ticket" and "The Candy Man."

Performed at the Bruyette Athenaeum's Hoffman Auditorium on the campus of Saint Joseph College (1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford)

ANNIE
January 7 through January 16, 2011

Based on the Tribune Media Service Comic Strip "Little Orphan Annie"
Book by Thomas Meehan with Music by Charles Strouse and Lyrics by Martin Charnin

The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is back, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. Boasting one of Broadway's most beloved scores, including "It's the Hard-Knock Life," "Easy Street," "N.Y.C." and the ever optimistic "Tomorrow," ANNIE is a delightful theatrical experience for the entire family.

Performed at the Bruyette Athenaeum's Hoffman Auditorium on the campus of Saint Joseph College (1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford)

13
April 29 through May 15, 2011

Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn

When his parents get divorced and he's forced to move from New York to a small town in Indiana, Evan Goldman just wants to make friends and survive the school year. That's easier said than done. The star quarterback is threatening to ruin his life, his only friend won't talk to him, the school freak sees an opportunity for blackmail and someone is spreading the nastiest rumors. With an unforgettable rock score from Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, 13 is a hilarious, high-energy musical for all ages about discovering that cool is where you find it and sometimes where you least expect it.

Performed at Hartford Children's Theatre's Carriage House Theatre (360 Farmington Avenue, Hartford)

Hartford Children's Theatre offers subscription tickets for all three shows at a discounted rate: Adults $50 each, Seniors & Children 17 and under $36 each, and Students currently enrolled in HCT programs $30 each. HCT will also make Flex Passes available this year allowing patrons to subscribe to two shows of their choice at a discounted rate: Adults $32 each, Seniors & Children 17 & under $22 each and HCT Students $20 each. The HCT box office will begin processing new and renewing subscriptions immediately. To order your subscription to the 2010-2011 Family Main Stage Series, please call the box office at 860-249-7970, ext. 12.

Individual tickets are also available for each show: Adults: $18 each, Seniors & Children 17 and under $13 each and HCT Students $10 each. Tickets for Willy Wonka will be available at www.hartfordchildrenstheatre.org beginning August 2, 2010. School / Group tickets may also be booked at a discounted rate for each production by calling 860.249.7970 ext. 13.

The mission of Hartford Children's Theatre is to enrich the lives of the children of Greater Hartford and surrounding communities by providing access and exposure to high quality theatre for young audiences and related educational opportunities. Executive Director Dulcie Giadone helms HCT's staff which also includes Artistic Director Ryan Ratelle and Education Director Lisa Foss.

For more information, please call 860.249.7970 or visit us online at:
www.hartfordchildrenstheatre.org.