Children’s Theatre Co Begins 45th Season With Dr. Seuss 9/17

Since 1979, Children's Theatre Company (CTC) has been the only theatre in the country to produce children's book author Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss)'s The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins on stage. Beginning Sept. 17, CTC will kick off its 45th Anniversary Season with this celebrated production.

"Ted Geisel knew how to make us laugh, how to make us think and question conventional wisdom"
It was in 1957 that Dr. Seuss revolutionized children's literature-introducing The Cat in the Hat. In 236 words, Geisel's prodigious imagination freed children from the world of Dick and Jane, allowing them to construct new words, rhymes and ways of telling tales. Today, launching its 45th Anniversary season, CTC will celebrate the work of Seuss in a way that only CTC can.

"Ted Geisel knew how to make us laugh, how to make us think and question conventional wisdom," says Peter C. Brosius, artistic director for CTC and director of Bartholomew Cubbins. "He gave us fables that endure. They are witty, wise and come from the heart."

In his whimsical depiction, Seuss wrote of the Kingdom of Didd, where royalty and children alike are plagued by the fact "nothing much happens to happen" to them. In this land, protocol requires all who encounter King Derwin (Ivey Award-winner Bradley Greenwald) to remove their hats and drama unfolds when young Bartholomew Cubbins-played by CTC newcomer Braxton Baker-magically discovers a new hat each time he removes the previous.

Baker, from Duluth, Minn., is well-versed in Seuss. This summer, he played The Cat in the Hat in CTC's Theatre Arts Training production of Seussical-the Musical. Baker's previous credits include the roles of Charlie Brown and Simba at the Duluth Children's Theatre. He has performed with the Minnesota Ballet's The Nutcracker and with Jon Ferguson Theater. This will be Baker's first main stage production at CTC.

A treat typically reserved for CTC's holiday show, this production will feature original music from the 1979 World Premiere, presented by a live orchestra. Equally as enchanting are original costume designs by Judith Cooper and scenic design adaptation by Joseph Stanley (Romeo & Juliet and most recently, Disney's Mulan, Jr.)

The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins opens Sept. 17, and runs through Oct. 30. Tickets are $26-$40 for adults and $16-$20 for children (17 & under), students and seniors and are available by calling (612) 874-0400 or by visiting www.childrenstheatre.org.