MINNEAPOLIS: Children’s Theatre Company has announced its 2017-18 season, including two Dr. Seuss stage adaptations.
“Next season will be truly remarkable for many reasons,” said artistic director Peter C. Brosius in a statement. “It is exciting to introduce our audience to works created in partnership with extraordinary theatres such as the Civilians, Penumbra Theatre, and the Old Vic. It is important that we are continuing our dedication to early childhood works for the stage with Balloonacy and to bringing back audience favorites like The Grinch. ”
The season will begin with the world premiere of Steve Cosson’s The Abominables (Sept. 12-Oct. 15), produced in association with the Civilians. The musical, featuring music and lyrics by Michael Friedman, follows Mitch as he navigates hockey tryout season and hopes to stay on the A team. Cosson will direct.
Next up will be Balloonacy (Oct. 3-Nov. 12), by Barry Kornhauser, an original CTC production for preschoolers, about how a single balloon changes one person’s life forever. Brosius will direct, and Joe Chvala will choreograph.
Just in time for the holidays will be the return of Dr. Suess’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Nov. 7, 2017-Jan.8, 2018), with book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin, about a grouchy creature who tries to ruin Christmas for the town of Whoville. Reed Sigmund will star, Linda Talcott Lee will choreograph, and Brosius will direct.
Following will be The Wiz (Jan. 23-March 18, 2018), presented in partnership with Penumbra Theatre, adapted by William F. Brown from L. Frank Baum with music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls. The musical features a mix of rock, gospel, and soul music in the land of Oz. Patdro Harris will choreograph, and Lou Bellamy will direct.
Next up will be the world premiere of Corduroy (March 6-May 13, 2018), adapted by Barry Kornhauser from Don Freeman, about a bear who searches every section of a department store in search of his missing button. Brosius will direct.
Following will be Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax (April 17-June 10, 2018), presented in partnership with the Old Vic, adapted by David Greig from Dr. Seuss. With music and lyrics by Charlie Fink, the environmental tale tells the story of the endangered forest in Thneedville after all the Truffula trees have been cut down.
Children’s Theatre Company, founded in 1975, creates theatre experiences that educate, engage, and entertain audiences of all ages.
