Children's Theatre Company Celebrates 50 Years with a 2015-2016 Anniversary Season

Including Five Premieres and Grand-Scale Events

MINNEAPOLIS Childrens Theatre Company (CTC) celebrates 50 years as the flagship theatre for multigenerational audiences in North America with a mix of celebratory events and a continued commitment to creating new work for young audiences with a theatrical season that includes five premieres. Hailed by Time Magazine as the number one theatre for families in the nation, CTC celebrates 50 years of creating exciting new works for young audiences that have been in Beijing, Moscow, Tokyo, Canada, Scotland, most of the United States and Broadway; of being the largest and most honored theatre for multigenerational audiences in North America; and the being only theatre for young audiences to receive a Tony® Award for sustained excellence.

We see it as our challenge, our responsibility, and truly, our joy to create innovative theatre experiences for young audiences on our stages, in our classrooms, and in our community. Over the last five decades, Childrens Theatre Company has been dedicated to defining a new standard of excellence. Not only does this include creating over 200 new plays for young audiences, but also sustaining a full-time Acting Company, and developing the next generation of performers through our Performing Apprentice program, stated CTC Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius.

He continues, Our ground-breaking and highly-regarded Neighborhood Bridges program has expanded to over a dozen communities across the country and has been replicated internationally. A leader in early childhood education and the arts, CTCs dedication to early learning permeates the organization with theatrical performances designed for preschoolers and the Early Bridges program for ages 2-5. Our 50th Anniversary celebrates all of these extraordinary accomplishments while calling us to forge an ever stronger, more vibrant future.

An Innovative 2015 2016 50th Anniversary Season Including Five Premieres

The 2015- 2016 Anniversary Season encompasses a blend of reimagined classic stories and inspiring new works. Adapted from the critically-lauded film, Akeelah and the Bee has Broadway director Charles Randolph-Wright making his CTC debut in this tale about a young girl harnessing her talent for spelling in order to overcome adversity in a tough neighborhood. Followed by a new Jungle Book brought to stunning life through director Greg Banks unique style which emphasizes the sheer virtuosity of the actors. Next, experience the power of finding your place in the world with the return of the much-celebrated and critically-acclaimed Wizard of Oz. Direct from New York, multimedia, music and a classic tale with a modern twist collide in The Frog Bride, an enthralling performance by award-winning master storyteller David Gonzalez. The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats captures the epic struggles and profound victories of a childs life in vivid color and shadow through the unparalleled design of Italys puppetry master Fabrizio Montecchi. Animal Dance engages preschoolers in their own language, one of gesture and movement, all conceived and performed by nationally-acclaimed dancer and performance artist Ann Carlson. Finishing the season is the highly-anticipated musical adaptation of Jeff Kinneys beloved series Diary of a Wimpy Kid, from acclaimed Chicago director Rachel Rockwell.

Peter C. Brosius continues, This season, we bring nationally and internationally celebrated artists to the theatre, some of whom have never made work for this audience, to lend their creativity and passion. Whether its through the directors vision, the actors craft, or redefining the language of theatre through dance or puppetry, we shaped this season to be alive, powerful, contemporary, and filled with theatrical surprises.

Akeelah and the Bee - Premiere

Adapted for the Stage by Cheryl L. West

Based on the Original Screenplay by Doug Atchison

Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright

September 1 October 11, 2015

UnitedHealth Group Stage

Akeelah has a crazy passion for words: the more abstruse and labyrinthine, the better. But this gift is almost overwhelmed by the challenge of her daily life in a tough, dangerous Chicago neighborhood, and by Akeelahs yearning for a different life. The first theatrical adaptation of the critically-acclaimed film is directed by Charles Randolph-Wright and captures all the hope and spirit of the original story in an inspiring tale of a community united behind one little girls dream. Akeelah and the Bee will also be featured in La Jolla Playhouses DNA New Work Series and will travel to a major regional theatre following its run at CTC.

I am thrilled to be directing Akeelah and the Bee for CTCs 50th Anniversary Season - it is a compelling, lively, and important story that resonates right now. I love this play, I love this theatre, and I am excited for Minneapolis to take Akeelahs journey. Charles Randolph-Wright

The Jungle Book - Premiere

Based on the Book by Rudyard Kipling

Adapted and directed by Greg Banks

September 29 December 6, 2015

Cargill Stage

Mowgli is rambunctious and curious, scrappy and silly. Sound like a kid you know? This new adaptation of the beloved Rudyard Kipling story finds a child lost in the Indian jungle, where he is adopted by Baloo the Bear, Bagheera the panther, and all the beasts who call the mysterious wilderness home. Our fast-paced retelling keeps you perched on the edge of your seat as young Mowgli comes face-to-face with sneaky monkeys, noisy vultures and his mortal enemy: the tiger, Shere Kahn.

I couldnt be more excited to be working on The Jungle Book at CTC and especially as part of the 50th Anniversary Season. Ive had the privilege of working with CTC on some of my favorite projects and I cant wait to see what we can do with this timeless story about finding out where you truly belong. Greg Banks

The Wizard of Oz

By L. Frank Baum

With Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg

Background Music by Herbert Stothart

Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard

Orchestration by Larry Wilcox

Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company

Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co.

and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.

Directed by Peter C. Brosius

November 3, 2015 January 3, 2016

UnitedHealth Group Stage

And were off! The songs, the costumes, the wonder of it all together again in a holiday extravaganza that nobody can resist. Our production pulls out all the stops to take the beloved L. Frank Baum story to dizzying heights, with a cast of munchkins, monkeys and four friends in the pursuit of courage, a brain, a heart and a home. Take the whole family on a fairytale musical trip over the rainbow and yes, Toto too.

This is a piece that touches all of our hearts as it dives so deeply into what the idea of home truly means. I love this powerful story of a young Dorothy as she faces extraordinary obstacles, makes incredible allies and finds new strengths along the way. This is my first time directing this show and I simply cant wait to get started.

Peter C. Brosius

The Frog Bride

Written, Conceived, and Performed by David Gonzalez

Directed by Lenard Petit

Music by Sergei Prokofiev and Daniel Kelly

Video Design by Matyas Keleman

Lighting Design by David Lander

January 12 February 28, 2016

Cargill Stage

When a king sends his three sons to find their brides, two return with fair ladies but the youngest returns withA FROG?! Acclaimed storyteller David Gonzalez masterfully weaves this classic Russian folk tale with a rich, multimedia experience using video projections, live musicians and an original jazz-funk score. The Frog Bride has everything you need for a rousing tale a royal ball, a curse, a broken heart and the search for true love performed with an energetic and skillful modern twist in what The New York Times calls absorbing, funny and suspenseful, it is, in the great tradition of storytelling, enchanting.

I am thrilled to be included in Childrens Theatre Companys 50th Anniversary Season. The Frog Bride has everything I love in stories; great characters and settings, a truly troublesome problem, a quest, and the unearthing of wisdom. I feel is a perfect fit for CTC audiences. David Gonzalez

The Snowy Day

And Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats Premiere

By Jerome Hairston

Based on the Books by Ezra Jack Keats

Directed by Peter C. Brosius

February 9 March 20, 2016

UnitedHealth Group Stage

The wonder of a fresh snowfall, the delight of that first successful whistle, the awe in finding a special treasure: Ezra Jack Keats had a gift for capturing the rapturous joy in a childs day-to-day life. In this new staging of Keats beloved works with puppet design by Italys renowned Teatro Gioco Vita, director Peter C. Brosius brings the little boy in the red coat to enthralling life. Revisit Keats treasured stories in this wholly original theatrical adaptation.

Ezra Jack Keats was a master at capturing the tiny details of a childs life, the epic struggles and the glorious little victories that mean so much. He made the urban landscape of his childhood a vibrant and enchanting world as only a child could see it. His brilliant images remind us all what it is like to be a child with open eyes and huge hearts. Peter C. Brosius

Animal Dance Premiere

Choreographed and Directed by Ann Carlson with Peter C. Brosius

March 22 May 1, 2016

Cargill Stage

What do kids (baby goats) and kids (not-so-baby people) have in common? World-renowned choreographer and performance artist Ann Carlson will dance her way to the answer with the help of some curious goats and their animal buddies in this brand-new piece developed specifically with preschoolers interests and attention spans in mind. Its a story of the similarities we share with our animal friends in the quest for self-expression and ultimately, understanding. So stomp your hooves, clap your paws and expect the unexpected.

I'm so honored to be working with CTC during their 50th Anniversary Season to develop this work for our most important audiences. This piece aims to look inside that wonderful connection of humans to the animal world. Its sure to surprise! Ann Carlson

Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical Premiere

Based on the book by Jeff Kinney

Music and Lyrics by Joe Iconis

Book by Joe Tracz

Directed by Rachel Rockwell

Produced by special arrangement with Fox Stage Productions and Kevin McCollum

April 12 June 5, 2016

UnitedHealth Group Stage

Greg Heffley is in survival mode. All. The. Time. From bullies to his big brother to his height-challenged stature, hes the wimpy kid we can all relate to. The beloved series hits the stage in a brand-new musical with Rowley, Manny, and of course, Rodrick joining in the mayhem. A ridiculous amount of fun for anyone who has survived, is surviving, or hopes to survive middle school, inspired by the award-winning and bestselling book series.

I am thrilled to be collaborating with Childrens Theatre Company on a musical stage adaptation of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. To see my stories and characters come to life and set to music is exciting and I cant wait to see Greg Heffley and his family take the stage. Jeff Kinney

The 50th Anniversary Season is sponsored by 3M, Ameriprise Financial, Target, KNOCK, inc. and United Health Foundation.

Three Key Celebratory Events Planned Throughout the Anniversary Season to Celebrate the Community

Three key events associated with the Anniversary Season have been planned to honor and celebrate the community that has supported and sustained CTC over the last 50 years. Peter C. Brosius adds, Our 50th Anniversary Season is an opportunity to give back to our community. We wanted to ensure that the events within this landmark season also provided a time for reflection and a renewed dedication to serving and engaging our community.

Free Season Opener at Target Field on August 9, 2015

50th Anniversary themed Curtain Call Ball and Backstage Bash on September 12, 2015

Free Open House at CTC on February 15, 2016

The 50th Anniversary Season Opener will commence with a free grand-slam event at Target Field on August 9, 2015. This commemorative event will feature a jumbotron screening of the filmed theatrical production of A Year with Frog and Toad, based on the Arnold Lobel stories with the original Broadway cast in high definition.

A perennial audience favorite, A Year with Frog and Toad, produced by Bob Boyette, premiered at CTC in 2002, played on Broadway in 2003 and was nominated for three Tony® Awards including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. Additional programing surrounding the event and special guest appearances will be announced at a later date. Further information on obtaining tickets can be found on CTCs website. This event is sponsored by Target and made possible through a partnership with the Minnesota Twins Baseball Club.

Tickets to the event at Target Field are complimentary and will be guaranteed to all 2015-2016 classic 6 PLAY Subscribers and current donors of $250 or more. A lottery system will be used to distribute all remaining tickets to the event. The lottery sign up period will be Tuesday, June 2 - Tuesday, June 30 at 5PM. All lottery winners will be contacted by Monday, July 13.

The celebrations continue over the course of the season, including a 50th themed Curtain Call Ball and Backstage Bash on September 12, 2015 and a free Open House at Childrens Theatre Company on February 15, 2016. The Open House will be an opportunity for the public to experience exclusive, behind-the-scenes activities on how theatre is made, as well as further connect with the artists and staff of CTC.

Additional details on the 50th Anniversary Season and events, including information on obtaining tickets to the Season Opener, can be found at childrenstheatre.org/50.