Number One Bestselling Chapter Book Series Brings Holiday Cheer to TYA

Magic Tree House, the #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time comes to life in a brand new spectacular just perfect for the season. This premiere of Magic Tree House's Holiday Musical: A GHOST TALE FOR MR. DICKENS features a large-scale cast donned in festive attire and celebrating the joy of giving. It also marks the first time it will be produced by any professional TYA (Theater for Young Audiences) company in the country. Dallas audiences will be the first to see brother and sister duo, Jack and Annie, whisked back in time aboard their magical tree house to the foggy streets of Victorian England to help Charles Dickens write what will ultimately become a treasured tale. Holiday magic is in the air at DCT this season as Magic Tree House's Holiday Musical: A GHOST TALE FOR MR. DICKENS runs from November 16 - December 23, 2018 at the Rosewood Center for Family Arts.

Jack and Annie, the leading duo from the Magic Tree House book series, are on a mission to help the famous writer Charles Dickens overcome a terrible bout of writer's block. With a little help from three ghost friends, Jack and Annie learn how charity and kindness can change the course of history. As they explore Victorian England, they are thrown in jail, but Mr. Dickens saves the day by bailing them out. Along the way, Jack and Annie help Mr. Dickens process the sad memories that haunt him and ultimately inspire him to write one of the greatest holiday stories of all time - A Christmas Carol.

"I, along with the amazing cast, crew, and design team are all so excited to get to work on our upcoming holiday musical spectacular - Magic Tree House's Holiday Musical: A GHOST TALE FOR MR. DICKENS. We have been wanting to present one of the Magic Tree House stories for years, and I'm just so happy that now the opportunity is here and just in time for the holidays," said Nancy Schaeffer, the show's director and DCT's Education Director and Associate Artistic Director. "The story will be brought to life by a very talented cast; the audience will truly enjoy some of the finest singers and actors in the DFW area."

Local legends Bob Hess, Deborah Brown, David Lugo, and Wendy Welch return to the DCT stage for this premiere, alongside other favorites like Randy Pearlman and Olivia Grace Murphy. "We also have some wonderful youth actors to play the iconic Jack and Annie," says Schaeffer, who has cast a number of additional youth actors in order to create an extravagant and joyous onstage ensemble.

Magic Tree House's Holiday Musical: A GHOST TALE FOR MR. DICKENS is an adaptation of book #16 from Mary Pope Osborne's award-winning fantasy adventure book series, which has sold more than 100 million copies and is available in more than 100 countries around the world.

OPENING/RUN ACTIVITIES

During the first two weekends of performances, Santa Claus and his friends will peruse the lobby looking for girls, boys, and their family who are on the Nice List. A larger-than-life book photo op will commemorate both DCT's 35th Anniversary storytelling theme and the Victorian England spirit of the show. Lots of fun and lots of surprises as always at DCT!

MAGIC TREE HOUSE: A GHOST TALE FOR MR. DICKENS TYA is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

November 16 - December 23, 2018

Recommended for ages 6 and up

$17-$30 for single tickets. Prices subject to change. Group rates available for parties of 10 or more. Phone reservations required for Sensory-Friendly performances. Call the Box Office for details, 214-740-0051. General tickets are available online at dct.org

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.