Photos: First Look At LOCOMOTION At Children's Theatre Company

Children's Theatre Company (CTC) has announced the cast and creative team for Jacqueline Woodson's Locomotion, adapted from Ms. Woodson's own book. The production will be directed by Talvin Wilks.

Locomotion takes the audience into the life of 11-year-old Lonnie Motion, as he finds new tools - the result of a school poetry assignment - which help him to process the tumult of life in foster care. As Lonnie discovers the power of poetry, he experiences deeper connections to his new foster mother, his school friend Enrique, his teacher Ms. Marcus, and his beloved younger sister Lili.

Locomotion was a finalist for the National Book Award, and author Jacqueline Woodson has adapted her acclaimed work for the stage. CTC's production is directed by Talvin Wilks, an award-winning playwright, director, and dramaturg.

Locomotion is proudly supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional support from the James B. Linsmayer Foundation and Best Buy.

Locomotion plays from January 24 - March 5, 2023 at CTC's Cargill Stage (2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis MN 55404). Opening Night is Saturday, January 28 at 7pm. Tickets may be purchase online at childrenstheatre.org/locomotion or by calling the ticket office at 612.874.0400. Ticket prices start at $15.

"I am so excited to see Locomotion's story on stage again," says Playwright Jacqueline Woodson. "The story is one that is timely and timeless and speaks to all people, young and old."

"Locomotion is a very important work in our current era of more diverse storytelling," says Director Talvin Wilks. "The opportunity to see a young Black male's journey as a universal story of overcoming hardships and the challenges of adolescence is vital and revelatory. That CTC is making a commitment to diversifying the canon of young protagonists is an important and vibrant investment, not only for youths of color to see themselves and their experiences on stage, but for all youth to begin to broaden their understanding of universality, the act of seeing oneself through the lives of others. This opportunity is a great gift for our new era of awareness, and Jacqueline Woodson has created a story for everyone, a story that I am very excited to realize on stage."

"We are thrilled to bring Jacqueline Woodson's Locomotion to our community," says Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius. "This brilliant book which was a National Book Award Finalist and a Coretta Scott King Honor book was adapted by Jacqueline herself and she has created a play filled with friendship, poetry, and the struggle to hold unto your family. These are characters who you cannot forget and who will absolutely fill you with joy. We are also hugely excited to welcome Talvin Wilks to CTC as the director. Talvin's work has been seen across the nation and here in town at Penumbra and it is a delight to have Jacqueline's words and images being brought to the stage with Talvin's vision and heart."

Tickets to Locomotion may be purchased online at childrenstheatre.org/locomotion or by calling the ticket office at 612.874.0400. Ticket prices start at $15. School groups interested in attending Locomotion can contact schools@childrenstheatre.org for more information.

This production is best enjoyed by everyone age 9 and up. Due to the age recommendation, lap passes will not be available for this production.