MINNEAPOLIS: Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) has announced its 2019-20 season, featuring seven productions.
“We are thrilled to bring you a season of work from around the world that will delight, surprise, and excite you in so many amazing ways,” said artistic director Peter C. Brosius in a statement. “We love developing new plays and musicals for you, and also scouring the world for artists who have created truly inspiring work to bring here to Minnesota.”
The season will begin with Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams (Sept. 17-Oct. 20), by Cal McCrystal, an acrobatic spectacle featuring tricks, hula-hooping, juggling, all set to the movement of East Africa. The piece was co-created and produced by Mehari “Bibi” Tesfamariam, co-created and directed by Binyam “Bichu” Tesfamariam, and choreographed by Kate Smyth.
Next up will be Snow White (Sept. 29-Dec. 8), written and directed by Greg Banks. This CTC commission turns the classic fairy tale into a comic two-hander, with one actor portraying all seven dwarves. The play will feature original music by Victor Zupanc.
Following will be CTC’s production of Cinderella (Nov. 3-Jan. 5, 2020), adapted by John B. Davidson in an immersive and contemporary retelling of the classic fairy tale featuring original music by Zupanc and choreography by Linda Talcott Lee. Janson Hansen will provide music direction, and Brosius will direct.
The season will continue with Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds (Jan. 19-March 1, 2020), adapted for the stage by Michael J. Bobbitt. Based on a story by Cedella Marley, the musical follows a worry wart afraid to leave his home who gets some encouragement from his feathered friends. Nataki Garrett will direct.
Next will be the world premiere of Spamtown, USA (Feb. 16-April 5, 2020), by Philip Dawkins, about the 1985 Hormel strike in Austin, Minn., and the families it divided and ethical questions it posed. Will Davis will direct.
Following will be The Rainbow Fish (March 10-April 5, 2020), based on the book written and illustrated by Marcus Pfister. This original stage adaptation uses puppetry, scenic effects, and original music by Steven Naylor to take audiences on a journey through the deep sea with the Rainbow Fish. Jim Morrow will design and direct.
The season will close out with Annie (April 19-June 21, 2020), with book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Martin Charnin. The musical follows a mischievous orphan in the Great Depression who takes on the world with kindness and love. Zupanc will provide music direction, and Peter Rothstein will direct.
Children’s Theatre Company, founded in 1975, creates theatre experiences that educate, engage, and entertain audiences of all ages.
