Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre 2015-2016 Season Includes "Puss in Boots," "Schoolhouse Rock" and More
One of our favorite things about autumn? The return of live theater! Here's a little news to get you stoked for the season: The Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre just announced its lineup for 2015-2016, and it's awesome from beginning ("Puss in Boots") to end ("The Adventures of Peter Rabbit").
In addition to the six Main Stage productions, this year's season will also include three Studio Shows. These performances are smaller in size and budget than the Main Stage shows, and intended to showcase new ideas and themes. Kicking off this exciting addition is "The Ugly Duckling," the 2015 recipient of the Jim Henson Foundation Family Grant. The production will feature original music performed live by an ensemble from the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Here's the full season lineup!
MAIN STAGE SHOWS
Puss in Boots, Sept. 18-Oct. 4
Based on Charlie Perrault’s feline fairytale, Puss in Boots is an electric story set in song and dance. The swashbuckling Puss the Cat raises his master, Claude, from a down-and-out miller’s son to the heights of happiness. Enjoy all the madcap fun as Puss brandishes his superior intellect to conquer kings and ogres (and even a few rabbits along the way). Adapted by Keith Smith from the fable by Charles Perrault. Recommended for all ages.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Oct. 23-Nov. 8
Be swept along on this wild midnight ride of a story with the gremlins, ghosts and galloping headless horsemen that haunt this American Halloween classic. Ichabod Crane is the newly-hired schoolmaster of Sleepy Hollow, a superstitious little community in New York’s Hudson Valley, 1790. He persistently professes his disbelief in all things supernatural—until the night of Katrina Van Tassel’s Halloween Frolic, that is. Adapted by Frederick Gaines from the story by Washington Irving. Recommended for students third grade and up.
The Gingerbread Man, Dec. 4-20
Grandma Tic and Grandpa Toc couldn’t be more surprised (or pleased) when the Gingerbread Man springs to life and dances around their little clock shop. He’s a happy little cookie man made of ginger and molasses. But when the sly, hungry Fox comes along, playtime is over and the race is on! By Keith Smith. Recommended for all ages.
The 13 Clocks, Jan. 29-Feb. 14
Enjoy this whimsically impossible fantasy quest from the ever-surprising, always entertaining imagination of James Thurber. Prince Zorn attempts to rescue Princess Saralinda from her uncle, the Duke of Coffin Castle. To do so he must complete an impossible task: He must deliver 1,000 jewels to the Duke just as the 13 castle clocks strike five o’clock. There’s just one problem: the clocks in Coffin Castle haven’t worked in seven years. Adapted by Keith Smith from the book by James Thurber. Recommended for students third grade and up.
Schoolhouse Rock Live!, March 4-25
“Just a Bill,” “Conjunction Junction,” “Zero, My Hero,” “Interplanet Janet,” “Three is a Magic Number,”—and the beat goes on! Every song in this live musical performance of the classic, Emmy Award-winning cartoon series Schoolhouse Rock is sure to please. Packing plenty of giggles, gasps, and outright laughs, this show makes grammar, science, math, history, and citizenship a delight to learn. Originally adapted and produced for the stage by Theatre Bam; from the series created by George Newall and Tom Yohe and based on an idea by David McCall; Book by Scott Ferguson, George Keating and Kyle Hall; Music and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Bob Dorough, Dave Frishberg, Kathy Mandry, George Newall and Tom Yohe. Recommended for all ages.
The Adventures of Peter Rabbit, April 22-May 8
Before sending Mother Rabbit sends Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail and Peter Rabbit off to explore the wide-wide world, she gives a kiss and a pinch and a stern word of warning: “My dears, you may run and play in the fields or by the brook or down the lane, but whatever you do, don’t go into Mr. McGregor’s garden.” And so begins a day of mischief and adventure for one naughty little bunny—Peter Rabbit. Featuring the charming and memorable songs of company composer, Lori Isner, this sweet little musical is a garden feast for eyes and ears of any size! Adapted by Keith Smith from the stories of Beatrix Potter. Recommended for all ages.
STUDIO SHOWS
The Ugly Duckling, Aug. 28-Sept. 6
This re-imagining of the classic fairytale follows a young girl as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal transformation. This shadow play unfolds with three actor-puppeteers, two overhead projectors, more than 60 paper puppets and original music performed live by an ensemble from the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra, directed by Geoffrey Robson. Devised and Directed by Katie Campbell; Music by Jessica Drake Mosher. Recommended for students kindergarten and up.
Apollo: To the Moon, Oct. 9-11
So what does it take to get to the moon? In this history-packed celebration of our American Space Program, young astronaut-hopeful Scott Gibson learns that it takes more than just a rocket and a space helmet: It takes math, science, physical stamina, mental perseverance—and, oh yes, a dream. Originally produced by Smithsonian’s Discovery Theatre. Written by Mary Hall Surface; Directed by John Isner; Music by Lori Isner. Recommended for all ages.
The Odyssey, Feb. 19-28
Homer’s epic poem comes vibrantly alive in a fusion of music, dance, mime, masks, and choral effects. Enduring Poseidon’s wrath, King Odysseus faces witches, sirens and a cyclops as he wends his way—literally through Hell and high water—to his home and the long-suffering love of his queen Penelope. Adapted for the stage by Keith Smith; Music by Lori Isner. Recommended for students third grade and up.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Studio Shows: Show times are 7 p.m. Fri., 2 & 7 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Studio Show tickets: $10 General admission, $8 for Arkansas Arts Center members.
Main Stage shows: Show times are 7 p.m. Fri., 2 p.m. Sat. & Sun. Main Stage tickets: $12.50 General admission, $10 for Arkansas Arts Center members, $10 per person for groups of 10 or more. Children 2 years of age and under are free, however the child must remain in an adult’s lap at all times.
"Pay What You Can" tickets are available for the 7 p.m. Thursday preview performance of each Main Stage production. Tickets must be purchased in person at the Arkansas Arts Center (501 E. 9th St.) from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Stephens Inc. Visitors Center, Atrium Level; or, from 6-6:45 p.m. at the Children's Theatre Box Office, Lower Lobby Level. The minimum ticket price is $1 per ticket, with a maximum ticket purchase of six tickets per person. Additional tickets can always be purchased in person, online or by phone at regular ticket pricing. For more info, click here.
Season Tickets: Several season ticket packages are available for the Main Stage season. Packages include 3-play and 6-play options, as well as Family Flex packs. In addition to ticket discounts, season ticket holders also receive fun benefits such as post-show meet and greet with cast members, invitation to a special holiday party and more. For info, click here.
Field Trips: Special school group performances are available for each Main Stage show. For more info and to make reservations for your classroom, click here.