WST for Kids Announces 2011 - 2012 Season, Begins With MADELINE

Celebrated for it's commitment to encouraging parents (and grandparents) to read to their kids, the Walnut Street Theatre for Kids 2011-2012 Season will feature four great musicals based on popular children's books, along with a family-favorite holiday classic. Children first read great books, then watch as the stories come to life on stage. These musical adaptations deliver real-life lessons in a welcoming, kid-friendly environment that's both creative and affordable. They're written especially for kids in grades K-6th and their grown-up friends. The Walnut takes pride in bringing together families through reading and the arts.

The exciting 2011-2012 Walnut Street Theatre for Kids Season includes: MADELINE AND THE BAD HAT (Saturday, September 24, 2011); Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL (December 3-20, 2011); HENRY AND MUDGE (Saturday, February 4, 2012); MISS NELSON IS MISSING (Saturday, March 31, 2012); and SKIPPYJON JONES (Saturday, June 2, 2012).

The season begins with the super-funny original musical, MADELINE AND THE BAD HAT, based on Ludwig Bemelmans's classic Madeline series. Kids love Madeline and Madeline loves everyone, except her new neighbor, the rude and conceited Pepito! Madeline learns that enemies become friends and first impressions aren't everything. ArtsPower's MADELINE AND THE BAD HAT performs September 24, 2011 at 10:30 am, 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm.

The next is a musical about a boy and his canine best friend, HENRY AND MUDGE, based on the best-selling book series by Cynthia Rylant. Henry learns moving from the city to a new house in the country can be tough. Luckily, he has Mudge - a big, slobbery, canine buddy to share adventures with him. But, when Mudge goes missing, Henry must find the courage to find his best friend. TheatreworksUSA's HENRY AND MUDGE arrives on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 10:30 am, 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm.

Walnut Street Theatre presents MISS NELSON IS MISSING in an original production based on Harry Allard's classic children's mystery story. Last season, the WST for Kids' production of The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley was the highest-selling kids show ever, breaking box office records. This season, the Walnut is excited to present to audiences another all-new production of intrigue and fun! Miss Nelson is the nicest teacher ever...or is she? The kids in Room 207 take advantage of her good nature until one day she disappears! When faced with the mysterious substitute, Viola Swamp, they realize just how much they miss Miss Nelson! Can they get her back? Audiences will find out on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 10:30 am, 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm with special additional performances on Saturdays, April 7 and 14 at 11am and on weekdays, March 28, 30 and April 12 and 13, 2012 at 10:30 am.

Finally, closing the WST for Kids 2011-2012 Season is SKIPPYJON JONES, the little kitten with big ears and even bigger dreams. He longs to be someone different, so Skippyjon transforms himself into Skippito Friskito, the greatest canine sword fighter in old Mexico! But when Skippyjon is challenged by a bullying bee, will he be a ‘fraidy cat or the top dog? This charming musical, written by local author Judy Schachner, encourages kids to follow their dreams on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 10:30 am, 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm.

WST for Kids Series tickets are priced so that any family can attend these productions at an affordable cost. A subscription to the four-show series costs $38 ($9.50 per show) in the Orchestra or Lower Mezzanine, or $32 ($8 per show) in the Upper Mezzanine. Subscriptions are on sale now. Performance times are 10:30 am, 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm. Call 215-574-3550, ext. 6 or 215-336-1234 for tickets. Single tickets are just $10-$15 and go on sale in mid-October. Our 2011-2012 Walnut Street Theatre for Kids Media Sponsors are The Courier Post and K12 Inc.
Special Holiday Attraction - The Return of Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Walnut Street Theatre is proud to present its musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL on December 3 and 10, 2011 at 11 am; December 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 20 and 21 at 10:30 am; and December 17, 2011 at 10:30 am, 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm. Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is a bitter old man who undergoes a heartwarming journey on one remarkable Christmas Eve. With the help of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, old Ebenezer endures a change of heart. Great for kids K-9th, this hour-long adaptation uses original and traditional carols to highlight Dickens' power story. Single Tickets are $10-$15 and are on sale in mid-August. For tickets, please call the Walnut Street Theatre at 215-574-3550 or visit www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org for further information.

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