CINDERELLA, SHREK, Dr. Seuss' THE CAT IN THE HAT and More Set for Children's Theatre Company's 2013-14 Season

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites

Produced by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia Adapted, directed, and designed by Jim Morrow Music by Steven Naylor
Narrated by Gordon Pinsent

UnitedHealth Group Stage January 14 - February 23 Grades Preschool +

The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Little Cloud and The Mixed-up Chameleon by award-winning children's book illustrator and writer, Eric Carle, will be on stage in black light with colorful puppets pulled straight from the pages of the beloved books. Follow the brave journeys of three of Eric Carle's most treasured stories retold on stage by Nova Scotia's Mermaid Theatre, whose unique adaptations of children's literature have delighted millions of young people spanning four continents. As part of CTC's Community Access program, performances in multiple languages will be scheduled.

The Scarecrow and His Servant

By Jeffrey Hatcher
Based on the book by Philip Pullman Directed by Peter C. Brosius UnitedHealth Group Stage
March 11 - April 6
Grades 3+

The internationally celebrated Philip Pullman's timely book is presented on stage for the first time in this madcap world premiere that is as provocative as it is funny. When a lightning strike suddenly brings the Scarecrow to life, he sets out on an elaborate quest for fame, valor, and romance (with a fickle broom). The scarecrow is joined by a sharp-witted peasant boy as they fight hunger, the greedy Buffalonis and their poison factory, and theatre owners who don't recognize the importance of a prop as they make their way back home to Spring Valley. The contrary Scarecrow may argue with stubborn road signs along the way, but he would give his servant boy the coat off his back with his back still attached.

Shrek the Musical

Music by Jeanine Tesori
Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire
Based on the Dreamworks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig Directed by Peter Rothstein
UnitedHealth Group Stage
April 22 - June 8
Recommended for all ages

In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a donkey who won't shut up, a bad guy with a short temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand...and his name is Shrek. From the imaginations of Pulitzer Prize- winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire and Tony Award nominee Jeanine Tesori, Shrek the Musical, is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and irreverent fun for everyone!

Balloonacy

By Barry Kornhauser Directed by Peter C. Brosius Cargill Stage
March 25 - May 4
Grades Preschool +

A solitary old man is steadfast in his silent routine until a balloon finds him and insists on becoming his friend. Through all the ups and downs of a new relationship, the Balloon teaches the man to play again. This sweet, often silly world premiere will lift your spirit and draw a big smile on your face. This play was the winner of the American Association of Theatre in Education Distinguished Play Award, and audiences will see it first at CTC.

Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat

Based on the book The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
Play originally produced by The National Theatre of Great Britain Adapted and originally directed by Katie Mitchell
Directed by Jason Ballweber
Cargill Stage

May 22 - July 20 Grades Pre-K+

Back by Popular Demand!

From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that the Cat in the Hat is the most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he is certainly fun to play with-and he can turn a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. But, when the Cat releases Thing One and Thing Two from his box of tricks, havoc ensues, leaving the children to wonder whatever to do! The previous run at CTC sold out with an extended run, so we are bringing it back just for you.

Following a wildly successful 12/13 season with record-breaking attendance and ticket sales, Children's Theatre Company is delighted to announce another outstanding collection of plays headed to our stages. In order to ensure the most flexible scheduling and greatest value CTC encourages patrons to purchase subscriptions. Subscription packages for up to six plays go on sale February 28 at 10:00 a.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact CTC's box office at 612.874.0400 or visit our newly renovated web site www.childrenstheatre.org.

Children's Theatre Company (CTC) is the first theatre for young people to win the coveted Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theater (2003). Founded in 1965, CTC serves nearly 250,000 people annually and is one of the 20 largest theater companies in the nation. The company is noted for defining worldwide standards for youth theatre with an innovative mix of classic tales, celebrated international productions and challenging new work.