HANA'S SUITCASE to Open YPT's 50th Anniversary Season

The powerful story of Hana's Suitcase will open the 50th Anniversary Season at Young People's Theatre (YPT) on October 8.This new production, directed by Allen MacInnis, is based on the internationally-acclaimed book by Karen Levine and adapted for the stage by Emil Sher. Premiering in 2005 and remounted in 2007 and 2010 due to overwhelming audience demand, this incredible true story has the power to move both children and adults alike.

Presented on the Mainstage from October 5 to 30, it is particularly fitting that Hana's Suitcase returns this year as its important message of hope is closely aligned with YPT's season theme.

"The theme of our anniversary season is inspired by the words of YPT's founder, Susan Rubes: Only the best is good enough for children. For me that means empowering them to handle the small and large challenges of existence, teaching them genuine respect for others, and giving them freedom to make their own choices. Our 50th anniversary programming - and the hope the children of Japan bring to the story in Hana's Suitcase - highlight that the best for children is what gives them the optimal chance to thrive... now and into their futures." - Allen MacInnis, Artistic Director

When a child's suitcase arrives at the tiny Children's Holocaust Centre in Tokyo, the curator embarks on an extraordinary journey to uncover the story of Hana and her fate at the hands of the Nazis. This true story, originally a radio documentary and then an international best-selling book, premiered at YPT in 2005 with two of its real-life protagonists in attendance: George Brady and Fumiko Ishioka. YPT's production will go on tour after the Toronto run, visiting Geordie Productions in Montreal and premiering at the Seattle Children's Theater.

The Toronto Star called Hana's Suitcase, "one of the most astonishing success stories in the annals of Canadian children'spublishing" while The Globe and Mail described the play as "a delicate and moving introduction to Holocaust themes for children."

Directed by Allen MacInnis. Featuring Tracey Ferencz, Thomas Hauff Jeff Ho, Jeff Miller Noah Spitzer, Lisa Truong, Annie Tuma and Jennifer Villaverde.

Set & Costume Designer: Teresa Przybylski; Sound Designer: John Gzowski; Lighting Designer: Andrea Lundy; Production Dramaturg: Nancy Guertin; Script Dramaturg: Stephen Colella; Projection Coordinator: Daniele Guevara; Stage Manager: Kate Sandeson.

Hana's Suitcase

Adapted by Emil Sher | Based on the book by Karen Levine | Originallypublished by Second Story Press

Directed by Allen MacInnis

MAINSTAGE | October 5 to 30, 2015 | Recommended for ages 10 & up

50th Anniversary Season Opening: Thursday, October 8 at 7 PM

Previews: Oct. 5 & 6 at 10:15 AM | Oct. 7 & 8 at 1 PM

Weekend matinees: Oct. 10 & 25 at 2:30 PM | Oct. 18 at 11 AM & 2:30 PM

School Matinees(open to the public): Mon. at 1PM | Tues.-Thurs. at 10:15 AM & 1 PM (1 pm only Oct. 13)

Fri. at 10:15 AM | VIEW PERFORMANCE CALENDAR

Young People's Theatre | 165 Front Street East, Toronto

Tickets: $10-$34 + HST & service charges | Online: youngpeoplestheatre.ca | Prices subject to change without notice

Box Office: 416.862.2222 | For more information visit youngpeoplestheatre.ca

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