Stages Theatre Company Announces Show Lineup for 2011-12 Season

Stages Theatre Company (STC) has published the 2011-12 season for children and young adults, with the selected titles representing a journey. The 27th season includes five original Stages Theatre Company commissions, two plays based on books with Newbery recognition, as well as four world premiere productions.

"Here at Stages Theatre Company we believe in the journey of each and every young person who is seeking that place they ‘ought to be' in this world. Your journey with us begins with a story and doesn't end with your ride home, but with the conversations you share after spending time together in the theatre," says Sandy Boren-Barrett, Artistic Director for STC.

2011-12 productions:
· Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard and James Marshall, Sept. 23 - Oct. 23, 2011: "Where is Miss Nelson?" ask the students of Room 207. "Never mind that! Open those arithmetic books!" Their new teacher was Miss Viola Swamp, and the kids could see she was a real witch. They had never missed a teacher like they now missed Miss Nelson. Will Miss Nelson ever return? This musical adaptation by Joan Cushing has been produced across the country. Don't miss the Stages Theatre Company's treatment of this smash hit. This production is suitable for all ages and is in the Mainstage Theater.

· Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson, Oct. 14 - Nov. 6, 2011: Jesse doesn't fit in. He likes to draw and use his imagination, unlike his family and schoolmates. Enter Leslie, a new girl and potential rival. To his surprise, they become friends, and together they create Terabithia, a magical kingdom where they may exercise their imaginations free from the pressure of family and peers. When the unexpected occurs, Jesse must use his newfound strength and confidence to move forward in his life. Based on the Newbery award-winning novel, this production is held in the Hopkins Jaycees Studio with limited seating. This production is suitable for ages 8 and up.

· A Silent Night for Peef by Tom Hegg, Nov. 18 - Dec. 26, 2011: Peef the Christmas Bear was created from scraps of material provided by Santa's elves. After a wonderful beginning to his life at the North Pole, Santa asked Peef to become a special gift to a lonely child. Peef, of course, said yes. Now Santa visits Peef to see how things are going for his creation. What he finds is not what he expects: a torn, dirty toy who has lost his voice. What is Santa to do now? The answer may surprise you in this world premiere musical production from Stages Theatre Company which is suitable for all ages and is in the Mainstage Theater.

· Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney, Jan. 13 - Feb. 12, 2012: When Baby Llama faces bedtime, concerns arise. Is Mama still here? Will she come back if Llama calls? If Llama calls and she doesn't return, what then? Can this crisis be averted? Based on the first of the extremely popular Llama Llama series written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney, children and their families are sure to enjoy this remarkable adaptation, a world premiere musical production from Stages Theatre Company. This production is suitable for all ages and is in the Mainstage Theater.

· The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, March 2 - March 18, 2012: Orphan Mary Lennox has just arrived at the home of her uncle. Her first friends are chambermaid Martha and her brother Dickon. Mary also discovers she has a mysterious cousin, Colin, who has secluded himself from the world. Mary earns Colin's trust and together they share the secret of an old hidden garden on the grounds of the estate. This musical adaptation was created for Stages Theatre Company and is for ages 6 and up, and is in the Mainstage Theater.

· Giggle, Giggle, Quack by Doreen Cronin, April 13 through May 13, 2012: When Farmer Brown takes a vacation, his brother Bob comes in to watch The Farm. "I wrote everything down for you. Just follow my instructions," he is told. Now, if you remember "Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type", you will remember a certain very literate (and mischievous) Duck. Guess who finds a pencil and begins writing his own notes for brother Bob to find and follow? (Notes like "Tuesday night is pizza night. The hens prefer anchovies"). The laughs ensue in this magical world premiere adaptation, the latest from Stages Theatre Company. This production is suitable for all ages and is in the Mainstage Theater.

· Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, April 27 - May 20, 2012: Young Minli lives with her parents near Fruitless Mountain, surviving on the meager fare they can produce. Inspired by the rich tales her father tells (and by magicAl Goldfish), Minli determines she will find the Old Man of the Moon who, it is said, knows the secret of good fortune. On her quest she encounters royalty, dragons, and several more stories, from which she learns what true good fortune really is. Based on the 2010 Newbery Honors book, this "fantasy crossed with Chinese folklore", a world premiere from Stages Theatre Company, is presented in the Hopkins Jaycees Studio with limited seating. This production is suitable for ages 8 and up.

· Seussical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, June 29 through Aug. 5, 2012: Horton the Elephant has a dilemma or two. First, how is he to protect the people of Whoville, who live on a speck of dust (Only Horton, with his hyper-sensitive ears, can hear them)? Second, how is he to guard Mayzie La Bird's egg, while facing constant ridicule, kidnapping, and a kangaroo court trial? It seems loyal Gertrude McFuzz is in his corner. Seussical features unforgettable music and a stirring lesson about loyalty and the power of community. This production is suitable for all ages and is in the Mainstage Theater.

Tickets go on sale for the general public March 15. To purchase individual tickets, please visit www.stagestheatre.org or call the Box Office at (952) 979-1111, Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 for adults; $12 for children (ages 4-17) with lap passes available for free (ages 0-2) and $5 (ages 3-4); $12 for seniors (ages 60+). Flex pass, grand gathering (for grandparents and grandchildren only) and season subscriber options are available.

Stages Theatre Company was founded in 1984 and since then has grown to become one of the largest professional theatres for young audiences in the country. Through theatrical productions, workshops, conservatory classes and other outreach programs, Stages Theatre Company annually serves more than 125,000 young people and their families.