ODC/Dance's THE VELVETEEN RABBIT Lifts Up the Curtain

ODC/Dance is pleased to announce the 31st season of The Velveteen Rabbit, KT Nelson's now classic dance theater interpretation of Margery Williams' beloved children's book. Performances take place at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts November 25 -December 10, 2017.

This season ODC/Dance brings something a little extra to each production when it lifts up the curtain and invites its audiences, both young and less young, into the creative process. Every 11amperformance features a "7th Inning Artistic Stretch," a guided intermission in which Nelson talks about her artistic practice, teaches a few basic dance moves, and answers questions from the audience. Every weekend performance features an "Open Curtain," in which a company member will reveal some of the behind-the-scenes secrets of how this complex production comes to life. The Milk & Cookies Party on Sunday, November 26 offers a chance to meet the dancers and characters (while indulging in mountains of sweet treats). And a week prior to opening, on Friday, November 17, ODC focuses its signature sneak-peek series, ODC/Dance unplugged, on The Velveteen Rabbit(this event also features a post-performance discussion with the artists and audience).

About The Velveteen Rabbit

Now in its 31st year, this full-scale production has played to nearly 200,000 people around the country. Intended to encourage children to engage, create and imagine, the show is suitable for children ages 3 and up, and for the child in every adult. The Velveteen Rabbit features energetic dancing by the ODC dancers, recorded narration by Geoff Hoyle, costumes by Brian Wildsmith, visuals by Dave Robertson and Sara Horner, and a musical score by Benjamin Britten with songs by Gina Leishman and Bob Franke sung by Rinde Eckert. The story centers on the enduring relationship between a boy and his stuffed rabbit. Told from the perspective of the rabbit that yearns to become real, the story explores the deep bond that the boy and rabbit develop over time in spite of the rabbit's increasing shabbiness. The Velveteen Rabbit's message is timeless.

Known for their athleticism and passion, the ODC dancers seamlessly navigate the many roles that bring the story to life. They embody characters as unusual as a crocodile, a pack of real rabbits, and a 10-foot tall Nana (including Nana's hard working, unseen lower half dubbed "The Nana Bottom.") The multi-generational cast features ten young dancers from ODC's youth programs, who audition for the chance to perform alongside the company's professional dancers.

ODC's Buddies for Bunnies program, now in its twelfth year, embraces the holiday spirit and dedicates two performances and over 1000 tickets to underserved public schools. More than 15 Bay Area public schools will benefit this year.

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT, choreographed and directed by KT Nelson

Featuring dancing by ODC/Dance world-class dancers, recorded narration by legendary actor Geoff Hoyle, costumes and sets by world-renowned children's illustrator Brian Wildsmith, and musical score by composer Benjamin Britten. The Velveteen Rabbit is suitable for ages 3 and up. Running time is 65 minutes plus one intermission (Act I - 45 min.; Intermission; Act II - 20 min.)

November 25 - December 10, 2017

Saturday, November 25, 4:00pm

Sunday, November 26, 2:00pm (followed by Milk & Cookies Party in the Forum (additional ticket required)

Thursday, November 30, 11:00am

Friday, December 1, 11:00am

Saturday, December 2, 1:00pm & 4:00pm

Sunday, December 3, 2:00pm

Thursday, December 7, 11:00am

Friday, December 8, 11:00am

Saturday, December 9, 1:00pm & 4:00pm

Sunday, December 10, 2:00 pm

*All weekend performances feature an "Open Curtain" at Intermission, all 11am performance feature the "7th Inning Stretch"

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater

700 Howard at Third Street, San Francisco

TICKETS:

$15-$75

For groups of 10 or more to weekday matiness, contact ODC/Dance Group Sales at groupsales@odcdance.org. For groups of 10 or more to weekend performance, please call the YBCA box office at 415.978.2787

Milk & Cookies Party: $14 per person (sold separately)

Tickets available at 415.978.2787 or odc.dance/velveteenrabbit

PHOTO: The Velveteen Rabbit, photo by Margo Moritz

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