Wild Swan Theater Announces 2017-2018 Season

Wild Swan Theater Co-Artistic Directors Hilary Cohen and Sandy Ryder announce the company's 38th season of performances. Nationally regarded as one of the finest theaters for young people in the country, Wild Swan produces artistic, accessible and affordable theater for families. The upcoming season will feature classics including the Little Women, The Wizard of Oz, as well as a beautiful production of A Thousand Cranes, which is based on historical events.

Running from October through May, the season contains seven productions carefully shaped for various ages and interests which are performed by a troupe of professional actors, dancers, musicians, and ASL performers, who are fully integrated into the action of the play. Wild Swan plays are known for innovative staging, music composed and performed live for each production, extraordinary puppets and masks, beautiful period costumes, and creative incorporation of movement and dance. Wild Swan Theater is also known for groundbreaking accessibility measures that make plays available to audience members who have auditory, visual or mobility impairments.

Patrons can purchase tickets online through the company's website at www.wildswantheater.org or by phone at (734) 995-0530. Tickets are on sale now! Discounted group rates are available to parties of 10 or more.

All performances take place at Towsley Auditorium in the Morris Lawrence Building on the campus of Washtenaw Community College. Season productions and performance times are:

Strega Nona and the Magic Pasta Pot (Ages 3-9)

Thu, Oct 19 10:00am

Fri, Oct 20 10:00am and 12:30pm

Sat, Oct 21 11am

Strega Nona is a story that will satisfy your appetite for laughter and fun. Strega Nona has a magical pasta pot which only she can control. Come see what silliness ensues when Big Anthony does not listen to her, causing the streets of their small village to fill with pasta. Nationally renowned artist Chris Roberts-Antieau designed the sets, costumes and props for this not-to-be missed production.

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Little Women (Ages 8+)

Thu, Dec 7 10:00am

Fri, Dec 8 10:00am and 12:30pm

Sat, Dec 9 2:00pm

Sun, Dec 10 2:00pm

Just in time for the holidays, Wild Swan Theater brings this classic novel by Louisa May Alcott to the stage. The March sisters, Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth, are growing up in Civil War-era New England. When their beloved mother Marmee must leave them to visit their ailing father at the front, the sisters must face life together.

Frog and Toad (Ages 3-9)

Thu, Jan 25 10:00am

Fri, Jan 26 10:00am and 12:30pm

Sat, Jan 27 11:00am

Two of Arnold Lobel's most beloved characters, Frog and Toad, show how good friends help each other through thick and thin, cheering each other through the hard times, and celebrating life's joys. Join Frog and Toad as they greet spring, plant a garden, and share a basket of cookies.

Under the African Sky (Ages 3-9)

Thu, Feb 22 10:00am

Fri, Feb 23 10:00am and 12:30pm

Sat, Feb 24 11:00am

A delightful collection of African tales performed through storytelling, acting, dancing, and drumming. Colorful costumes, masks, and traditional music will delight and teach our young fans, with lots of opportunities for audience participation!

A Thousand Cranes (Ages 8+)

Thu, Mar 8 10:00am

Fri, Mar 9 10:00am and 12:30pm

Sat, Mar 10 2:00pm

This very beautiful and moving play tells the touching story of a young Japanese girl's experience after the bombing of Hiroshima. The play recounts her illness from radiation poisoning and how children from all over Japan began to fold paper cranes to help Sadako get well.

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The Tale of the Mischievous Bunny (Ages 3-9)

Wed, Mar 21 10:00am

Thu, Mar 22 10:00am

Fri, Mar 23 10:00am and 12:30pm

Sat, Mar 24 11:00am

When Peter Rabbit ventures into Farmer McGregor's garden, despite his mother's warning, his adventures begin. From the moment Peter loses his little blue coat to Farmer McGregor's scarecrow until he arrives safe and sound at home, this classic tale is brought charmingly to life by Wild Swan's actors and designers.

The Wizard of Oz (Ages 6+)

Wed, May 2 10:00am

Fri, May 4 10:00am and 12:30pm

Sat, May 5 2:00pm

Sun, May 6 2:00pm

Adapted for Wild Swan by our resident playwright Jeff Duncan and with original music by Brian E. Buckner, our version of L. Frank Baum's beloved story is a treat for the whole family. Join Dorothy and her little dog Toto as they set out on the Yellow Brick Road with their new friends the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Cowardly Lion on their way to the fabled land of Oz.

Wild Swan Theater is dedicated to producing professional theater of the highest artistic quality for young people and families that is accessible, diverse and inclusive, through affordable ticket prices and innovative outreach programs.

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