Children's Theatre announces 2010-11 season

From a Children's Theatre of Charlotte press release that just popped into our inbox:

A strong lineup of productions for the 2010-11 season continues Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s commitment to providing theatre that entertains, challenges and inspires young people and families. In its 63^rd year, the Theatre presents a wide range of shows, including musical spectacular Disney’s Aladdin, the return of popular holiday production Scrooge! and several storybook adaptations that are new to area audiences.

A diverse roster of guest artists, including returning favorites Djembe Fire! and Billy Jonas, rounds out this year’s offerings. Although the season begins at the end of September with Disney’s Aladdin, the Theatre has expanded its calendar by offering special event programming in August 2010 and a Tarradiddle Players production in June 2011.

Building on the success of past production Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the season opens with an original staging of Disney’s Aladdin, a theatrical magic carpet ride for the whole family. The beloved characters and Academy Award-winning songs from the hit animated film make this musical a dazzling journey of discovery and adventure.

For the holidays, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is delighted to bring back Scrooge!, Leslie Bricusse’s musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. Last performed by the Theatre in 2003, this upbeat, richly detailed production tells a heart-warming story of redemption and forgiveness. The Tarradiddle Players celebrate the season of giving with The Littlest Angel, a charming family favorite.

The new year brings two fresh page-to-stage adaptations of popular picture books. Based on the award-winning book by South Carolina native Melinda Long, How I Became a Pirate is a fun family musical that offers high seas adventure for ages 5 and up. The Tarradiddle Players’ production of If You Take a Mouse to School is sure to please fans of Laura Numeroff’s wildly popular series.

And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank is a heart-wrenching look at the Holocaust through the eyes of young people who grew up during this period of history. The play weaves videotaped interviews with live acting to tell the stories of Anne Frank and Holocaust survivors Ed Silverberg and Eva Schloss.

Kevin Kling’s toe-tapping, finger-snapping adaptation of Lyle the Crocodile brings the world’s most loveable reptile to vibrant, joyful life onstage. Tomás and the Library Lady, performed by the Tarradiddle Players, tells the true story of Tomás Rivera, the child of migrant farm workers who became an award-winning novelist and nationally-recognized educator. This touching play celebrates the power of learning and the difference one person can make in the lives of others.

Children’s Theatre’s high school Ensemble Company presents a bold adaptation of modern classic Lord of the Flies in the Wachovia Playhouse, an offering especially for teen audiences. And the Tarradiddle Players finish their season in the Wachovia Playhouse with June performances of The Commedia Princess and the Pea, part of their repertoire of Commedia dell’arte favorites.

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte will not raise ticket prices for the 2010-11 season, and offers several ways for families to save on tickets. In addition to the Early Bird Discount (order by September 1 and save $1 per ticket), the Theatre offers a season-long program through which families can save $2 per ticket by ordering tickets for three or more productions at one time. In addition, tickets to select Friday night performances throughout the year will be half-price as part of the Target Family Time Series sponsored by Target. Tickets for the season will go on sale May 17.

Performances will be in the McColl Family Theatre or Wachovia Playhouse at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7^th Street. For more information call the Box Office at 704-973-2828 (10 am to 5 pm, Mon.-Fri.). Details on all productions follow.

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte 2010-2011 Season

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents

Disney’s Aladdin

Music by Alan Menken

Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice

Music Adapted, Arranged and Orchestrated by Bryan Louiselle

Book by Jim Luigs

Based on the 1992 Disney film “Aladdin”

Sept. 24-Oct. 24, 2010 • McColl Family Theatre

Front Orchestra $24 / General Section $18

Crown Experience

Join us for a theatrical magic carpet ride, as we kick off our 63^rd season with this exuberant family musical. In the heart of an enchanted city, poor but charming Aladdin meets free-spirited Princess Jasmine, whose royal status places her beyond his reach. His whole life changes with one rub of a lamp, as a fun-loving, fast-talking Genie appears and grants him three wishes. Beloved characters and Academy Award-winning songs like “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me” make Disney’s Aladdin an incredible journey of discovery and adventure.

For Ages 6+/Grades 1+ Best enjoyed by Elementary, Middle and High School ages

Scrooge!

By Leslie Bricusse

Based on “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens

Dec. 3-23, 2010 • McColl Family Theatre

Front Orchestra $24 / General Section $18

Crown Experience

With upbeat songs and unforgettable characters, this musical version of Dickens’ classic is a holiday treat for young and old alike. Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge’s “Bah!, Humbug!” opinion of Christmas grates on everyone around him. But when Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former partner and three Christmas spirits, he realizes that he needs to change his curmudgeonly ways – just in time for Christmas Day!

For Ages 7+/Grades 2+ Best enjoyed by Elementary, Middle and High School ages

The Littlest Angel

Dramatized by Patricia Gray

Based on the story by Charles Tazewell

Dec. 3-23, 2010 • Wachovia Playhouse

Front Orchestra $18 / General Section $14

Tarradiddle Experience

“No swinging on the pearly gates.” “Don’t be late for the rehearsal of the Heavenly Choir.” The Littlest Angel has just arrived in Heaven and simply cannot adjust to all the new rules. When the Understanding Angel brings him a wooden box full of childhood treasures from his life on earth, he finally begins to feel a bit more at home. As the Littlest Angel gets used to life in Heaven, he changes his irresponsible ways, but it isn’t until he gives a heartfelt gift to the newborn child that he becomes truly angelic. This simple, charming story is a holiday favorite for families. Performed by the Tarradiddle Players.

For ages 3+/ Grades PreK+ Best enjoyed by Preschool and Early Elementary ages

How I Became a Pirate

A Musical by Alyn Cardarelli and Steve Goers

Based on the book by Melinda Long

Illustrated by David Shannon

Jan. 21-Feb. 6, 2011 • McColl Family Theatre

Front Orchestra $24 / General Section $18

Crown Experience

ARRR! Jump on board for a swashbuckling musical based on the hilarious and award-winning book by Carolina native Melinda Long. Young Jeremy Jacob joins Captain Braid Beard’s scurvy crew for some high seas adventure, but soon learns that the truly important things in life are worth much more than buried treasure. This fun family show is sure to leave you and your mateys singing and dancing in the aisles!

For Ages 5+/Grades K+ Best enjoyed by Elementary ages

If You Take a Mouse to School

Based on the book by Laura Numeroff

Illustrated by Felicia Bond

Adapted by Ernie Nolan

Feb. 4-20, 2011 • Wachovia Playhouse

Front Orchestra $18 / General Section $14

Tarradiddle Experience

In this rollicking romp, Laura Numeroff’s beloved Mouse protagonist heads into the classroom for a day of school like no other! Because if you take a Mouse to school, first he’ll ask you for your lunchbox - and then he’ll want to get his paws on everything, from spelling and math to a messy science experiment. Adapted from the wildly popular picture book, and full of physical comedy and visual delights, this production is a hilarious treat for young audiences. Performed by the Tarradiddle Players.

For ages 3+/ Grades PreK+ Best enjoyed by Preschool and Early Elementary ages

And Then They Came For Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank

By James Still

Mar. 4-13, 2011 • Wachovia Playhouse

Front Orchestra $18 / General Section $14

Crown Experience

And Then They Came for Me is a unique theatrical experience that tells the real stories of Anne Frank and Holocaust survivors Ed Silverberg and Eva Schloss. The intersecting family histories of these three young people paint a vivid picture of life before and during World War II. Ed appears in Anne’s famous diary as her first boyfriend, while Eva and Anne were the same age and grew up in the same apartment building. Like the Franks, Eva and her family went into hiding and were eventually betrayed to the Nazis. Weaving videotaped interviews of Ed and Eva with scenes in which actors recreate their lives, And Then They Came for Me has been acclaimed by audiences and critics in productions across the United States.

For ages 10+/ Grades 6+ Best enjoyed by Middle and High School ages

Lyle the Crocodile

Based on the books by Bernard Waber

Adapted by Kevin Kling

Apr. 1-17, 2011 • McColl Family Theatre

Front Orchestra $24 / General Section $18

Crown Experience

When the Primm family moves into their new apartment, they are very surprised to find Lyle the Crocodile living in the bathtub. Lyle, however, is no ordinary crocodile. He eats only Turkish caviar, can play the saxophone and has impeccable manners. Mr. and Mrs. Primm and their son Joshua quickly learn to love Lyle, but will crotchety next-door neighbor Mr. Grumps insist on sending this new member of their family off to the zoo? With toe-tapping, finger-snapping tunes, this adaptation of the picture book classic brings the world’s most loveable reptile to vibrant, joyful life onstage.

For Ages 5+/Grades K+ Best enjoyed by Elementary ages

Tomás and the Library Lady

Based on the book by Pat Mora

Adapted for the stage by José Cruz González

Apr. 29-May 8, 2011 • Wachovia Playhouse

Front Orchestra $18 / General Section $14

Tarradiddle Experience

Tomás and his family travel north from their home in Texas for a summer of farm work. Tomás loves being with his parents and listening to his Papá Grande’s stories, but traveling around so much makes it hard to learn English and do well in school. He finds refuge at the local library, where a friendly librarian introduces him to the exciting world of books, and fosters a lifelong love of reading and learning. Adapted from Pat Mora’s book about Tomás Rivera, the child of migrant farm workers who became an award-winning novelist and nationally-recognized educator, this warm and touching play reminds us of the difference one person can make in the lives of others. Performed by the Tarradiddle Players.

For Ages 7+/Grades 2+ Best enjoyed by Elementary and Middle School ages

Lord of the Flies

Adapted for the stage by Nigel Williams

Based on the novel by William Golding

May 11-14, 2011 • Wachovia Playhouse

All seats $10

Young Adult Experience

A plane crashes on a deserted island, leaving a group of schoolboys behind as the only survivors. At first the stranded boys cooperate, selecting a leader and organizing food, shelter and a signal fire, but many find that they would rather swim, play and hunt the island’s population of wild pigs. Before long, the well-behaved group has turned into a bloodthirsty tribe. Exploring the boundary between human reason and animal instinct, William Golding’s classic is just as chilling and relevant today as when it was first published in 1954. Performed by our high school Ensemble Company.

For Ages 12+/Grades 7+ Best enjoyed by Middle and High School ages

The Commedia Princess and the Pea

By Lane Riosley and Rebecca L. Byars

June 17-26, 2011 • Wachovia Playhouse

Front Orchestra $18 / General Section $14

Tarradiddle Experience

How can you tell if someone is really, truly a princess? In this funny, fast-paced show, the Tarradiddle Players put a slapstick spin on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale. The lonely Prince wants to find someone to marry, but potential princesses must first get past his mother the Queen and her long list of tests. Will any of them be royal enough to turn a cartwheel, sing “Happy Birthday” while hopping up and down on one leg, and feel a teeny, tiny pea under a big stack of mattresses? With its roots in the humorous, physical acting style of Italian Commedia dell’arte, this production is pure fun.

For Ages 5+/Grades K+ Best enjoyed by Elementary School ages

2010-2011 Special Events

Salsa Cinderella
Written and performed by the Grey Seal Puppets

Aug. 21-22, 2010 • Wachovia Playhouse

Front Orchestra $14 • General Section $12

Visiting Artist Experience

Grey Seal Puppets brings their whimsical approach to storytelling and exquisite puppet design to Salsa Cinderella. This production takes a fresh look at the story of Cinderella, a classic tale of love and footwear retold with a spicy twist. With an original musical score by Charlotte composer John Alexander, Salsa Cinderella will have you fighting the urge to mambo in the aisles!

For ages 3+/ Grades PreK+ Best enjoyed by Preschool and Early Elementary ages

Teeny Tiny Tales

Tarradiddle Players Preschool Show

Compiled and performed by the Tarradiddle Players

Nov. 6-7, 2010 • Wachovia Playhouse

Front Orchestra $12 / General Section $10

Preschool Experience

Designed especially for preschoolers, Teeny Tiny Tales introduces children to the world of live theatre with an engaging, interactive experience. Young audiences will love watching nursery rhyme favorites, like “Little Miss Muffett” and “Hey Diddle Diddle” come to life, and will sing and dance along to songs like “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and “The Hokey Pokey.”

For Ages 3-5 Best enjoyed by Preschool ages

Billy Jonas

Nov. 20-21, 2010 • McColl Family Theatre

Front Orchestra $14 • General Section $12

Visiting Artist Experience

Back for his 11^th visit to the CTC stage is composer, songsmith, and multi-instrumentalist Billy Jonas. Billy performs his original songs, stories, and improvisations with voice, guitar, and “Industrial Re-percussion” – a collection of instruments he made from found, foraged, and recycled objects. The audience joins in with singing, dancing, and banging-a-long! Don’t miss a show that makes the body move, the heart open, and community spirit fill every corner of the theatre! Order early – this one will sell-out.

For Ages 5+/Grades K+ Best enjoyed by Elementary School ages

Djembe Fire! African Drum and Dance Ensemble

Feb. 25-26, 2011 • McColl Family Theatre

Front Orchestra $14 • General Section $12

Visiting Artist Experience

Feel your body move and your spirit soar as the master drummers and dancers of Djembe Fire! take you on a rhythmic journey across Africa. Authentic instruments, costumes, stories and songs come together in this unique performance that will delight young and old alike. Audiences join in the show, adding their energy to that of the talented performers and making each Djembe Fire! performance a truly unique experience.

For ages 3+/ Grades PreK+ Best enjoyed by Preschool, Elementary and Middle School ages

Under the Rainbow

Tarradiddle Players Preschool Show

Compiled and performed by the Tarradiddle Players

Mar. 26-27, 2011 • Wachovia Playhouse

Front Orchestra $12 / General Section $10

Preschool Experience

Under the Rainbow weaves together simple folktales, including “The Fisherman and His Wife,” “There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly” and “Bear Hunt,” into a fun and colorful performance. This introduction to live theatre for our youngest audiences emphasizes storytelling and audience participation.

For Ages 3-5 Best enjoyed by Preschool ages