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Children's Theatre of Charlotte Announces 2009-2010 Season

Highlights include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, a regional premiere holiday show, and classic favorites

A strong 11-play lineup for the 2009-10 season continues Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s commitment to providing theatre that entertains, challenges and inspires young people and families. In its 62^nd year, the Theatre presents a wide range of shows, including musical spectacular Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, a holiday show that is new to Charlotte audiences and several returning audience favorites. The Theatre will also host an exciting array of guest artists, including professional stepping company Step Afrika! and singer-songwriter Roger Day, both appearing on Children’s Theatre stages for the first time.

The season opens with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, an original staging of one of the most dazzling and magical family musicals of all time. When it first appeared on Broadway, this show was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Since then it has thrilled audiences around the world, and we are proud to bring its well-written songs and beloved characters to our stage for the very first time.

The Tarradiddle Players, Children’s Theatre’s Resident Touring Company, begin their season in the Wachovia Playhouse with New Kid. This favorite show from the Tarradiddle repertoire brings the themes of dealing with feeling “left out” and making new friends to life, as a young boy named Nick adjusts to his new home country of America . The production uses the theatrical device of having the American characters speak an invented phonetic language while Nick and his parents speak English.

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents a fresh new story for the holiday season, with the regional premiere of Laura Joffe Numeroff’s holiday-themed tale If You Take a Mouse to the Movies. With just two characters cavorting through a series of inventively-staged holiday delights, such as making popcorn strings, building snowmen and choosing the perfect Christmas tree, this larger-than-life production will be a visual treat. The Tarradiddle Players celebrate holiday customs and stories from around the world with ’Tis the Season, a holiday tradition for many area families.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, the first production of 2009, follows Peter Hatcher as he tries to deal with all the complications of life as a nine-year-old, particularly his impossible little brother Fudge. This hilarious portrait of family life is based on the best-selling book by author Judy Blume. Next up, the Tarradiddle Players bring long-time children’s favorite Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel to the stage of the Wachovia Playhouse. This musical adaptation of Virginia Lee Burton’s tale of hard work, determination and friendship demonstrates that the newest, biggest or most expensive isn’t necessarily the best.

“All the world’s a stage” in As You Like It, Shakespeare’s wise and witty comedy about love, staged for young adult audiences in an modern setting that moves out of the theatre to use the public spaces of ImaginOn in a creative way. And Robert Louis Stevenson’s swash-buckling adventure story Treasure Island will set sail with a dramatic production in the McColl Family Theatre.

A whimsical adaptation of the family bedtime classic Goodnight Moon brings Margaret Wise Brown’s Great Green Room to life. Although the book was written for the preschool set, all ages will be moonstruck by this joyous production. The Tarradiddle Players take on the most English of classics with The Commedia King Arthur, a hilariously slap-stick addition to their repertoire of Commedia dell’arte favorites. And Children’s Theatre’s high school Ensemble Company presents a bold adaptation of the 1945 Orwell classic Animal Farm in the Wachovia Playhouse, another offering for middle and high school audiences.

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte will not raise ticket prices for the 2009-10 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.

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.). Information will be available on the Children’s Theatre website (www.ctcharlotte.org) by mid-May. For general questions about Children's Theatre of Charlotte or to request our 2009-10 season brochure, call 704-973-2800 (9 am to 5 pm, Mon.-Fri.). Details on all productions follow.

2009-2010 CTC Season

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte ’s production of

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Music by Alan Menken

Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice

Book by Linda Woolverton

Originally Directed by Robert Jess Roth

Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions

Sept. 25-Oct. 25, 2009 ∙ McColl Family Theatre

Front Orchestra $24.00 │ General Section $18.00

"Be our guest, be our guest..." as we kick off our 62^nd season with our original staging of one of the most spectacular family musicals of all time. In 1991, “Beauty and the Beast” became the first animated film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Prompted by the success of the film, Disney developed a stage version with an eye toward Broadway. The resulting show was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and has thrilled audiences around the world. We are proud to bring the beautiful Belle, Monsieur Lumiere the candlestick, Mrs. Potts the housekeeping teapot and the mysterious Beast to our stage for the first time in this classic story of the redeeming power of love. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

For Ages 5+/Grades K+ Best enjoyed by Elementary, Middle and High School ages

New Kid

By Dennis Foon

Oct. 23-Oct. 31, 2009 ∙ Wachovia Playhouse

Front Orchestra $18.00 │ General Seating $14.00

Has someone in your family ever felt different or out of place, maybe a little lonely or left out? How would you treat someone new, someone who might look or sound strange to you? New Kid is a unique, award-winning play that tells the story of a boy named Nick who leaves the fictitious country of Homeland and comes to America with his parents. Through the theatrical device of having the American characters speak an invented phonetic language while Nick and his parents speak English, the audience immediately shares Nick’s isolation and confusion. Eventually Nick gains a sense of belonging, even as he teaches his new friends a lesson about learning to celebrate our differences.

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

If You Take a Mouse to the Movies

Adapted by Larry Snipes

Adapted From “If You Take A Mouse To The Movies” and “Merry Christmas Mouse” Text © 2000, 2007 by Laura Numeroff. Illustrations © 2000, 2007 by Felicia Bond. Used by permission of HarperCollins Publishers. Illustrations © 2000 by Felicia Bond. Used by permission of HarperCollins Publishers.

Dec. 4-Dec. 29, 2009 ∙ McColl Family Theatre

Front Orchestra $24.00 │ General Section $18.00

Drop your cookies – or pancakes or muffins, for the Pigs and Moose out there – and join us for the regional premiere of Laura Joffe Numeroff's holiday-themed tale. This larger-than-life production combines the title story with Numeroff’s other seasonal book, “Merry Christmas, Mouse!” It’s Christmas Eve and our famously bossy Mouse protagonist simply cannot wait to go to the movies! But if you take a mouse to the movies, well, who knows what will happen next? Will there be popcorn strings? Yes. Christmas trees? Of course. And snowmen? All this and so much more! A delightful visual treat – and a fresh new story to brighten your family’s holidays.

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

’Tis the Season

Compiled by the Tarradiddle Players

Dec. 11-23, 2009 ∙ Wachovia Playhouse

Front Orchestra $18.00 │ General Seating $14.00

Don’t miss this joyful holiday play that whisks you through seasonal celebrations from around the world. Creep softly with the Tomten, who guards the farm in his native Sweden and outfoxes the Fox one cold, snowy night. Travel southward with the sun, who keeps her promise to the trees to return in this haunting Cherokee solstice story. And climb into the sleigh with Mrs. Claus, who thinks Christmas needs a little shaking up. This year we have also added a favorite Hanukkah story! There are plenty of opportunities to sing along, including everyone’s favorite version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Make ’Tis the Season a part of your family’s favorite holiday traditions.

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

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

Based on the book by Judy Blume

Adapted for the stage by Bruce Mason

Jan 22-Feb. 14, 2010 ∙ McColl Family Theatre

Front Orchestra $24.00 │ General Section $18.00

Based on the book by Judy Blume

Oh brother! Sibling mischief, birthday parties gone wild, best pal escapades … Peter Hatcher’s life sure seems complicated for a nine-year-old. One of his biggest problems is dealing with his impossible little brother Fudge, especially keeping his beloved pet turtle Dribble out of Fudge’s hands … or worse! Based on the best-selling book by perennial favorite author Judy Blume, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is a hilarious portrait of family life guaranteed to entertain moms, dads, brothers, sisters and pet turtles alike. Well, maybe not the turtles…

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

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel

Book, Music and Lyrics by Eric Lane Barnes

Feb 12-28, 2010 ∙ Wachovia Playhouse

Front Orchestra $18.00 │ General Seating $14.00

Mike Mulligan and his beloved Steam Shovel, Mary Ann, have been together for many years. They’ve dug holes for famous canals, railroads, highways, airports and skyscrapers. But times have changed and newer, fancier shovels have become fashionable, leaving Mike and Mary Ann out of work and down to their last dime. Their final hope could be the little town of Poppersville , which needs a foundation dug for its new City Hall. Mike and Mary Ann are determined to get the job, but first they have to outbid the Diesel Shovel, the Electric Shovel and even the state-of-the-art, cappuccino-making Nucleonic Diggatron! Virginia Lee Burton’s 1939 classic tale of hard work, determination and friendship comes to life in Eric Lane Barnes’ delightful musical, in which we learn that the newest, biggest or most expensive isn’t necessarily the best.

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

As You Like It

By William Shakespeare

Feb. 19-27, 2010 ∙ ImaginOn

All seats $10

“All the world’s a stage” in Shakespeare’s wise and witty comedy about love, staged for young adult audiences in a modern setting that moves out of the theatre to use the public spaces of ImaginOn in a creative way. Charming, beautiful Rosaline, disguised as a boy for safety, flees the intrigue and persecution of her uncle’s court for the Forest of Arden , where her exiled father lives with a band of supporters. There she encounters her true love Orlando , also exiled from court. But can she win his heart, disguised as she is? Rich with Shakespeare’s eloquent language, this playful story about mixed-up identity highlights the transformative power of love.

For Ages 12+/Grades 8+ Best enjoyed by Upper Middle and High School ages

Treasure Island

By Ken Ludwig

Adapted from the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson

Mar 12-28, 2010 ∙ McColl Family Theatre

Front Orchestra $24.00 │ General Section $18.00

The year is 1775, and 14-year-old Jim Hawkins has already experienced more of life's hardships than have many adults. Losing his beloved father and running the Admiral Benbow Inn alone with his mother is challenge enough, but then the secretive pirate Billy Bones shows up at the Inn , entrusting Jim with a mysterious map that will lead him on the high seas adventure of a lifetime. Featuring all Robert Louis Stevenson's unforgettable characters – including the peg-legged Long John Silver and his garrulous parrot – Ken Ludwig's creative stage version captures the swashbuckling excitement of this classic story, while highlighting Jim's growth from boy to man. Trust, trickery, swordfights, betrayal and redemption abound in this spectacular adaptation of one of literature’s greatest coming-of-age adventure tales.

For Ages 9+/Grades 4+ Best enjoyed by Upper Elementary, Middle and High School ages

Goodnight Moon

Adapted from “Goodnight Moon” © Harper & Row. Text © renewed 1975 by Roberta Brown Rauch. Illustrations © renewed 1975 by Edith Hurd, Clement Hurd, John Thacher and George Hellyer, as trustees of the Edith and Clement Hurd 1982 Trust. Used by permission of HarperCollins Publishers. Adaptation by Chad Henry © 2006.

Apr 16-May 9, 2010 ∙ McColl Family Theatre

Front Orchestra $24.00 │ General Section $18.00

We believe Margaret Wise Brown herself would applaud this whimsical and wise adaptation of her family bedtime classic “Goodnight Moon.” While she penned a gentle lullaby that has lulled countless children safely into dreamland, the stage version takes us into the imagination of the child who quite simply is not interested in falling asleep! Imbued with theatre magic, the Great Green Room comes to life before our eyes. The kittens, the mittens ... the red balloon and the cow jumping over the moon ... the bowl full of mush and the old lady whispering "Hush" are all there ... tucked in with a few surprises. Although the book was written for the preschool set, ages 3 to 103 will be moonstruck by this joyous, gently mystical bedtime treat.

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

The Commedia King Arthur

By Lane Riosley

April 23-May 2, 2010 ∙ Wachovia Playhouse

Front Orchestra $18.00 │ General Seating $14.00

The Tarradiddle Players are back with another Commedia tale, and this time they dare to take on an English classic: the Tales of King Arthur. Our Players have never been so audacious (or quite so silly) as when trying to pull this one off. Bedraggled young squire Arthur forgets his master's sword and has to find a substitute, fast, or risk losing his job. What’s a young squire to do? Grab the nearest sword he can find, of course, never mind that it’s sticking out of a big rock. And the rest, as they say, is history. Or at least legend. This fast-moving production features a sprinkling of well known Arthurian stories, making it a perfect introduction to Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Sir Lancelot and the Ogre, and King Arthur and the most adorable little dragon you have ever seen. What? No adorable dragons in the Tales of King Arthur? Are you sure about that? See for yourself!

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

Animal Farm

Adapted by Nelson Bond

From the novel by George Orwell

May 12-15, 2010 ∙ Wachovia Playhouse

All seats $10

Children’s Theatre’s high school Ensemble Company presents a bold adaptation of the 1945 Orwell classic Animal Farm. When mistreated animals take over a farm from their human owners, they set out to create a paradise of progress, justice and equality. Power corrupts however, and the animals at the top of the social and political chain begin to manipulate this noble ideology for their own purposes. Seen as a critique against Stalinist Russian when first published, the biting satire of Animal Farm continues to shed light on the importance of freedom and the dangers of totalitarianism today.

For Ages 12+/Grades 8+ Best enjoyed by Upper Middle and High School ages

2009-2010 Special Events

Step Afrika!

Nov. 6-7, 2009 ∙ McColl Family Theatre

Front Orchestra $14.00 │ General Seating $12.00

Rhythmic. Engaging. Electrifying. Experience Step Afrika!, the world’s first professional company dedicated to stepping, a unique art form born at African American fraternities and based in African traditions. The dancers use their bodies as instruments, and their intricate kicks, stomps and rhythms mixed with spoken word pound the floor and fill the air. Don’t miss a show that the Washington Post called “a virtuosic performance to make the venerable Alvin Ailey dancers sigh.”

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

Roger Day

Nov. 13-15 2009 ∙ Wachovia Playhouse

Front Orchestra $14.00 │ General Seating $12.00

Encouraging kids to sing loud, jump high, and dream big, two-time Parents Choice Award-winner Roger Day entertains over 100,000 children and adults each year. His energetic live performances incorporate his trademark wit, whimsy, and wordplay, all grounded in the joy of a powerful love and respect for children. Roger urges kids to reach their potential by using body and brain, mind and muscle, in a show that the Dallas Morning News called “joyful and empowering.”

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

Mouse Tails

Tarradiddle Players Preschool Show

By Joanna Gerdy

Nov. 21-22, 2009 ∙ Wachovia Playhouse

Front Orchestra $12.00 │ General Seating $10.00

Designed especially for preschool children, Mouse Tails explores the furry, sometimes magical world of mice in a show that emphasizes story-telling and audience participation. When a mysterious stranger tries to steal poor Myron Mouse’s favorite song, he begins a rollicksome chase in and out of favorite stories that include “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse” and “The Lion and the Mouse.” Ultimately a little “hickory, dickory dock” magic brings about a surprise ending.

For Ages 3-5
Best enjoyed by Preschool ages

Black Light Magic

Performed by the Omimeo Mime Theatre

Jan. 15-17, 2010 ∙ Wachovia Playhouse

Front Orchestra $14.00 │ General Seating $12.00

Back by popular demand, Omimeo returns with an electrifying reprisal of “Black Light Magic”. Charlotte ’s premier mime ensemble and special guest artists present an amazing display of visual artistry, dazzling lighting and special effects. Included in this year’s performance is their award-winning “Ping Pong Matrix” plus a few extra surprises. Omimeo creates a one-of-a-kind theatrical event, weaving the techniques of black light illusions with the comedy and mystery of mime. Get your tickets early for this astounding magical adventure!

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

The Emperor’s New Clothes

Performed by the Grey Seal Puppets

Jan. 29-31, 2010 ∙ Wachovia Playhouse

Front Orchestra $14.00 │ General Seating $12.00

This Grey Seal Puppets production uses playful puppetry and a cast of animal characters to give a whole new dimension to Hans Christian Andersen’s classic story. The Emperor just happens to be a pig; the crafty tailors are foxes; the prime minister a near-sighted camel; and the councilor, a befuddled old walrus. Even the audience takes part, as animals, of course! Don’t miss this fanciful take on a beloved fable, where we learn the dangers of vanity and the rewards of being brave and honest.

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

Tarradiddle Travels

Tarradiddle Players Preschool Show

By Flora Atkin

March 27-28, 2010 ∙ Wachovia Playhouse

Front Orchestra $12.00 │ General Seating $10.00

Tarradiddle Travels explores four simple folk tales from four different countries. The stories include classics like “Caps for Sale ” (a Sudanese story) and less familiar stories like “Mouse Marriage” (from Japan ). Three actors tell the tales in a playful storytelling style that makes clever use of colorful prop pieces and involves audience interaction. A great introduction to live theatre for our youngest audiences.

For Ages 3-5
Best enjoyed by Preschool ages