THE VELVETEEN RABBIT Comes To The Rose Theater 9/11, Runs Thru 9/27

"The Velveteen Rabbit" will be as "real" as ever at The Rose Theater, September 11 through 27. Audiences will be mesmerized by this favorite production about a boy, his stuffed animal and the
power of love as it takes the stage to mark the beginning of the 60th season.

The Omaha Theater Company (The Rose Theater's resident theater company) presented The Velveteen Rabbit in 1986, 1991 and 1998, and will honor one of Omaha's favorites once again,
this season. Although the presentation will be a bit different, director Kevin Ehrhart said, "The heart of the story remains the same: ‘Love comes in many forms and conquers all adversity.'"

In the time-old tale, first published in 1922, a boy has many shiny new toys that fancy themselves to be "real," shunning their fellow, simpler playthings, like the Velveteen Rabbit. But the boy favors the Rabbit and, in turn, the Rabbit becomes even more "real" than the others. The two are separated when the boy becomes ill, but the Velveteen Rabbit only becomes more real as the play unfolds. "The Velveteen Rabbit has been a favorite of our families for many years," said Rose Theater Managing Director Julie Walker. "There is nothing better than the power of love and friendship as seen through a child's eyes. We are excited to set the stage for a great milestone season with this production."

This version of The Velveteen Rabbit is told by a young man looking back on his childhood in the
1950s. The riveting script, colorful costumes, beautiful sets and charming performances promise
to do Margery Williams' story justice. The script written by James Still incorporates an older brother figure that adds to the development and emotional appeal of the show.

The costumes designed by Sherri Geerdes bring color and vibrancy to the production. Using
everything from upholstery foam and sequins, to clown horns and flashlights, her creativity brings all of the toys, especially a boat, train, and the Velveteen Rabbit, to life. Her costumes make vivid the Rabbit's transition from a brand new plush toy, to a well-worn friend, to a real rabbit.

The sets, designed by Marty Marchitto of Iowa Western Community College, also play a big role in
creating a lifelike story. Additionally, Director Ehrhart is incorporating a combination of video and
live-action into the show to make one of the scenes even more true to the book. Each of the artists is adding a unique spin to make this production of The Velveteen Rabbit one of the best in the theater's history.

The Velveteen Rabbit will be presented September 11 through 27 on The Rose main stage, 2001 Farnam Street with performances at 7 p.m. each Friday and at 2 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday. The performance on Saturday, September 19 at 2 p.m. will be interpreted for the hearing-impaired.

Tickets are $16 each and may be purchased at The Rose Box Office, 2001 Farnam Street, by calling (402) 345-4849, or online at www.rosetheater.org. Rose family members receive four free tickets to this show and each of the six remaining regular season shows. Non-members can save $3 per ticket by purchasing discount ticket vouchers at any Omaha/Council Bluffs area Hy-Vee

Food Store customer service counter.
The Velveteen Rabbit was adapted for the stage by James Still and is based on the story by Margery Williams. The production is being produced in special arrangement with Anchorage Press PLAYS, Louisville, Kentucky, and is recommended for children ages 4 to 12. The show runs 55 minutes without intermission.
The Rose's 09/10 season is sponsored by Children's Hospital & Medical Center. Sponsors of
The Velveteen Rabbit include Wells Fargo, Kid Cuisine, The KAT, and the Nebraska Arts Council.

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