For those who take the journey with Dallas Childrens Theater (DCT) this season, they’ll discover the key ingredients that go into the development of the greatest masterpiece. Through fun adventures with Dr. Seuss, Charlie Brown, Jack and the Beanstalk, Junie B. Jones and others, youngsters along with their friends and family will be able to paint their own mental pictures of the trips, the people, and the events that both build their character and their memories of a lifetime. Whether it’s cooking, making volcanoes, building LEGOs, decorating, or something else, Season 2016-2017 represents an awesome exploration into the remarkable making of (insert your name here). That’s why next season’s theme is Me, the Recipe.
When considered altogether, next season is a way for children to understand the elements that go into growing up, and understanding those elements as it relates to them personally. According to Sandra Session-Robertson, DCTs Senior Director of Communications and Philanthropy, when the artistic team revealed the season internally, one common theme among every single play described was the idea of finding oneself and discovering ones place in the world.
Theater moves people out of their ordinary realm and allows us all to step into the worlds, cultures, and shoes of others. Founder and Executive Artistic Director Robyn Flatt explains, ”When kids see live theater, its a special time that triggers all kinds of other learning. Our characters and storylines put children in touch with their own memories, thoughts and ideas in ways nothing else can. Were so proud to play the role we do in the growth of the young people who come to DCT.”
In a recent photo shoot in the DCT prop shop, directors Robyn Flatt, Nancy Schaeffer, Artie Olaisen, and Doug Miller posed with a prop representative of the show they will direct and began to imagine creative elements that will go into making the show special for audiences.
Our shows are produced with a magical eye towards the young and impressionable child, said Session-Robertson, but the reality is that if you love the young one youre bringing, and all of us do, the act of coming to the theater and sharing the moment with them will be more lasting and meaningful than you could ever imagine.
Becoming a season subscriber now gives people a chance to buy tickets to what will eventually be a sold out event, if DCT history repeats itself. Party guests will have the exclusive opportunity to learn a song and dance from Nancy Schaeffer, the director of SEUSSICAL, and perform it on the DCT mainstage. DCT insiders will give tours with behind-the-scenes access to the prop, costume, and paint rooms, and end the night with an exhilarating round of Seussical Chairs, set to the musicals soundtrack. Right now, the only way to get a ticket is via a sponsorship to support the cause or add event tickets to a season ticket package.
The Who? Party benefits DCTs Student Matinee Performance Series (SMPS), an education program that gives as many as 50,000 students the opportunity to access live theater, many for the very first time. Donations help ensure that no child will miss the theater experience due to financial hardship.
To learn more about buying a table or sponsoring the Student Matinee Performance Series, contact michael.gonzales@dct.org or 214-978-0110.
By signing up for a Play Package, patrons generate substantial savings over individual ticket purchases. Play Packages have as few as four plays or as many as eight; the more plays, the greater the savings. Season subscribers may also purchase individual tickets to any show at a discounted rate. Single tickets for the 2016-2017 season will range from $15 to $30 for adults, and $15 to $28 for youth, but will not go on sale until Aug. 1 for SEUSSICAL and September 1 for the remaining shows in the season.
Play Package Pricing
4 Play Section A: $88, Section B: $68
5 Play Section A: $110, Section B: $85
6 Play Section A: $126, Section B: $96
8 Play Section A: $160, Section B: $120
Drumroll, please announcing the 2016-17 Season:
SEUSSICAL
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
Co-Conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, and Eric Idle
Based on the works of Dr. Seuss
September 16 October 23, 2016
Recommended for ages 5 and up
“Oh, the thinks you can think” when Dr. Seuss’ best-loved characters collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper! The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie LaBird, JoJo, and others are your guides in this fantastical, magical exploration of family and friendship through the Jungle of Nool, Circus McGurkus, and the tiny world of Whoville! Discover what it takes for Horton to withstand ridicule and danger to save the day in this cornucopia of adventure that truly offers something for everyone!
SEASON SPECIAL TEEN SCENE PLAYERS PRESENT DRACULA: THE VAMPIRE PLAY
By Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston
From Bram Stokers novel
October 14 October 29, 2016
Recommended for ages 12 and up
Satisfy your cravings for thrill and terror with the original vampire story! Fans of shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Vampire Diaries will want to see how the mania began back when Count Dracula moved to England in his mad quest for fresh blood and a bride. Chilling adventure lurks in the fog just in time for Halloween!
KATHY BURKS THEATRE OF PUPPETRY ARTS: THE NUTCRACKER
Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Adapted for the stage by B. Wolf
November 18 December 21, 2016
Recommended for ages 4 and up
No holiday season is complete without Tchaikovsky’s THE NUTCRACKER! This unique and acclaimed puppet interpretation brings the classic story to life with innovative passion and artistry. According to The Dallas Morning News, this NUTCRACKER “…out-Fantasias Walt Disney’s classic film.” DFW audiences love holiday traditions, and that is why 2016 marks 20 years of this most requested title. Its a perfect introduction to classical music, so make a date to bring your children!
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
by Charles M. Schulz
Based on the television special by Bill Melendez
and Lee Mendelson
Stage Adaptation by Eric Schaeffer
By Special Arrangement with Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson
November 18 December 21, 2016
Recommended for ages 5 and up
Christmas time is here, and were fortunate that it brings Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang to DCT! Charles Schulzs classic animated television special comes to life as youve never seen before. The young and the young at heart will be tapping their toes and oohing and ahhing as the live combo band surrounds the audience in a magical, memorable holiday spectacle. Make sure youre front and center as Charlie Brown and his friends discover the real meaning of Christmas!
SEASON SPECIAL LONE STAR CIRCUS LA FÊTE!
December 27, 2016 January 1, 2017
Recommended for all ages
Thats right Its a Party! Celebrate the tenth anniversary of Dallas very own Lone Star Circus. Be among the first to see this all-new merry circus celebration complete with a joyous, awe-inspiring congregation of extraordinary circus acts from all over the planet including Dallas, Texas! Youll spot breathtaking acrobats, awesome aerialists, amazing equilibrists, unbelievable jugglers, endearing four-legged performers, and of course, hilarious clowns. Its a traditional medley of music and poetry paired with feats of strength, daring, and agility. Come to the party, celebrate 10 years of Lone Star Circus, and be blown away!
JUNIE B. JONES IS NOT A CROOK
by Allison Gregory
based on the books Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook and Junie B. Jones Loves Handsome Warren by Barbara Park
January 20 February 26, 2017
Recommended for ages 5 and up
The worlds funniest kid is back! Junie B. Jones is ecstatic about her new black furry mittens that Grampa Frank Miller bought for her until someone steals them! Those rotten thieves. When she finds a cool pen on the school floor, her own sense of right and wrong is tested. Junie B. stars in this comical tale that promises a good laugh and a great life lesson.
SEASON SPECIAL TEEN SCENE PLAYERS PRESENT EAT (Its Not About Food)
By Linda Daugherty
February 10 February 19, 2017
Recommended for ages 12 and up
EAT (Its Not About Food) dramatizes and decodes the baffling world of eating disorders in boys and girls through a series of scenes ranging from realistic to satirical to humorous. Candidly exploring causes and warning signs, playwright Linda Daugherty takes a hard look at how society and the media influence self-identity. In EAT (Its Not About Food), we see individual stories of young people struggling with this epidemic, and all too often tragic problem. Follow the difficult journey of 14-year-old Amy, whose struggle to recover from an eating disorder leads to hospitalization, affecting her family and friends. Join us and experts from the Dallas community in a post-show discussion about ways to help our young people deal with these very real challenges.
KATHY BURKS THEATRE OF PUPPETRY ARTS: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Adaptation, Original Songs & Lyrics by B. Wolf
March 3 March 26, 2017
Recommended for ages 4 and up
With great music and unexpected humor, Kathy Burks troupe brings to life the age-old fairy tale of a young heros extraordinary climb up a magical beanstalk to seek his fortune and save his family from ruin. Along the way, Jack encounters help from the Man in the Moon, a talking hen, a kindly servant, and a few other surprising characters. When he comes face to face with a fiendish giant, Jack must use his wits to escape the colossal villain’s castle in the clouds. Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum!
TOMÁS AND THE LIBRARY LADY
by Pat Mora
Adapted for the stage by
José Cruz González
March 24 April 2, 2017
Recommended for ages 7 and up
An inspiring true tale of how reading and stories help us all escape. This beautiful bilingual play follows the life of young Tomás and his family, who are migrant workers who move constantly to find new work picking farmers crops. But one summer, Tomás visits a local public library and soon discovers worlds filled with dinosaurs and tigers and a great new friend in the “Library Lady.” While helping Tomás improve his English by reading many new and exciting stories, the librarian fosters his newfound interest in learning and teaches him the importance of a good education.
SEASON SPECIAL: BLUE
By Annie Cusick Wood
April 21 May 7, 2017
Recommended for squirmy toddlers and their families
An all-new show that is perfect for short attention spans and the wee ones! This is a simple story of what happens one day when color comes into your life. Pale Blue and Inky Blue are happy in well, their blueness. When a red sock enters the picture, Pale and Inky AND the audience are surprised by their reaction. If you liked BALLOONACY, youll love this gentle play that introduces the idea of tolerance and understanding in an age-appropriate and soft-hearted theatrical experience. BLUE is filled with lots of fun, humor and whimsy, and at the end of the show, you will be too!
ROALD DAHLS JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH
Adapted by David Wood
May 5 May 27, 2017
Recommended for ages 5 and up
Young James Henry Trotters resilience is tested when he is sent off to live with his mean aunts, Spiker and Sponge, after a chain of unfortunate incidents. Life is no fun at all there until he accidentally spills some tiny green things on a tree, and voilà, a giant peach! When James and his new oversized friends Grasshopper, Centipede, Ladybug, Earthworm, and Spider snip the stem of the peach, the quest for happiness and great adventure lands them in New York City and at the center of attention. Of its premiere one reporter wrote, Move heaven and earth to see this wonderful adaptation!
DCTs NATIONAL TOURING PRODUCTION JOHN STEPTOES MUFAROS BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS: AN AFRICAN TALE
Adapted for the stage by Karen Abbott
Music and Lyrics by S-Ankh Rasa
June 23 July 9, 2017
Recommended for ages 5 and up
The beautiful Zimbabwe-based Cinderella tale returns! An African villager named Mufaro has two daughters whom everyone agrees are beautiful. But, they have their differences. Manyara possesses a bad temper and is self-centered (but never in front of Mufaro); Nyasha is kind and considerate to people and to animals. When Mufaro learns that the King is in the process of meeting all of the most worthy and beautiful women in order to choose a wife, he decides that both of his daughters should go. Celebrate goodness, generosity, and love with traditional dancing, rhythmic drumming, and glorious African song. Based on the 1988 Caldecott Honor Award book.
For tickets and information visit dct.org.
