BLUE Teaches Acceptance, Dealing With Change To The Very Youngest Audiences

Dallas Children's Theater (DCT) is proud to be part of the national effort to use the power of visual creativity to introduce more toddler-friendly theater experiences that teach valuable lessons. BLUE, is a beautiful story of what happens when new and different colors enters one's life. This all-new show introduces young audience members to themes of acceptance and dealing with change in a humorous, whimsical way. BLUE runs at DCT's Rosewood Center for Family Arts from April 21 - May 6, 2018.

BLUE introduces the ideas of tolerance and diversity in an age-appropriate theatrical experience. This is a simple story about Pale Blue and Inky Blue, who are happy in, well...their blueness. When a red sock enters the picture one day Inky is very intrigued, but Pale is more resistant to this visitor. However, Pale and Inky AND the audience are surprised by their reactions to this colorful new world. For audiences who liked BALLOONACY, this gentle play will reiterate the idea that being open to new people, things, and places isn't as alarming as it seems.

"At DCT we have a responsibility to share the marvelous messages of acceptance and inclusion in our stage productions and with all of our community. The littlest audience members are the ones who are most ready to take in these joyous meanings. BLUE is fun and funny, and at the end of the show everyone will leave with love in their hearts," said Nancy Schaeffer, Education Director and Associate Artistic Director at DCT.

During the 2014-2015 season, DCT introduced programming created specifically for preschoolers with BALLOONACY. Dick Monday, director, and Karl Schaeffer, actor, will reunite onstage to create a blue world through physical comedy. A growing body of research speaks to the benefits of theater for the very young. According to Monday, "Saying that physical comedy is just for kids is like saying that adults don't know how to play. They try to act mature and logical until they get sucked into the wonderfully ridiculous world of the theater. The problem is giving yourself permission to drop your armor and dive in. Kids don't seem to have that problem. Adults often do. 'I can't take the chance of looking silly. What would people think?' Can you imagine a kid saying that? Physical comedy is for everyone. It is storytelling for everyone, using the face and body, the heart and soul, with no words to get in the way."

"Blue is beautiful, but so is red. So are pink and purple. We are all beautiful and valuable and special. And we're very excited to share that message again with our youngest audiences," Schaeffer said.

At each performance, all are welcome to participate in age-appropriate activities. Wear you brightest blue, and be ready for unexpected surprises. Actors Tiffany Riley and Karl Schaeffer will join the audience after each performance, so all can delight in their multi-colored glory!

Join us for our Opening Morning Breakfast with BLUE event!

Moms, Dads, Grandparents, and Squirmy Toddlers will all want to make a date for the very first 2018 performance of BLUE at 10:30 am on Saturday, April 21. In addition to delicious blueberry muffins, families will be treated to a rainbow of yummy fruit...just in time for spring! There'll be a host of fun games AND the Bubble Lady will be here to delight all of the young ones with bubbles of all sizes and colors!

SEASON SPECIAL
BLUE
By Annie Cusick Wood

April 21 - May 6, 2018

Recommended for squirmy toddlers and their families

Cast
Inky - Tiffany Riley
Pale - Karl Schaeffer*

Production Team
Director - Dick Monday
Scenic, Video, and Props Designer - H. Bart McGeehon
Lighting Designer - Jason Monmaney
Sound Designers - Marco Salinas & Dick Monday
Costume Designer - Lyle Huchton
Stage Manager - Seth Johnson*

*Denotes member of Actors Equity Association.

Performance Dates and Times:

- Saturday, April 21, 10:30 AM - Opening

- Saturday, April 21, 1:30 PM

- Sunday, April 22, 1:30 PM

- Sunday, April 22, 4:30 PM

- Saturday, April 28, 1:30 PM

- Sunday, April 29, 1:30 PM

- Sunday, April 29, 4:30 PM (ASL)

- Saturday, May 5, 1:30 PM (Sensory-Friendly)

- Saturday, May 5, 4:30 PM

- Sunday, May 6, 1:30 PM

- Sunday, May 6, 4:30 PM

Ticket Prices:

$16 for single tickets. Prices subject to change. Group rates available for parties of 10 or more. Call the Box Office for details, 214-740-0051 or visit dct.org

There is also a special performance available for children and families with sensory-sensitivities. Tickets for this performance on Saturday, March 24 at 1:30PM are $5 and are only available by calling 214-740-0051.

Weekday Student Matinee shows also available Tuesdays through Fridays. Call Dallas Children's Theater at 214-978-0120 or visit dct.org/fieldtrips

Photo credit Karen Almond.

2017-18 Season Sponsors are: Texas Instruments, City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, TACA, Anonymous Family, The Shubert Foundation, and The Carlson Foundation. General Sponsors Include: The Rosewood Corporation, Melinda & Jim Johnson, The Eugene McDermott Foundation, The Theodore and Beulah Beasley Foundation, Inc., Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation, March Family Foundation, Maintenance, Inc./Maintenance, Inc. of America. Additional Support is Provided By: Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, Legacy Texas Bank, Frost Bank, Orien Levy Woolf & Dr. Jack Woolf Charitable Trust, The Graham & Carolyn Holloway Foundation, Stephen M. Seay Foundation, TXU Energy, Karen & Jim Wiley, Green Mountain Energy, DCT's official renewable energy partner. Sensory-Friendly Sponsors Include: The Crystal Charity Ball, Bank of America, Anonymous Foundation, The Aileen and Jack Pratt Foundation, W.P. & Bulah Luse Foundation. DCT's National Touring Sponsor is Neiman Marcus.

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