CHARLOTTE, N.C.: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte has announced the lineup for its 2019-20 season, which includes a Broadway classic, two world premieres, and a new holiday tradition.
The season will open with Peter Pan (Oct. 4-Nov. 3). Based on the play by J.M. Barrie, the musical features lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, music by Morris Charlap, and additional music by Jule Styne, and was originally directed, choreographed and adapted by Jerome Robbins.
Next up will be the world premiere of The Invisible Boy (Nov. 1-24), adapted for the stage by Christopher Parks and composed for the stage by Josh Totora. Originally a book by Trudy Ludwig with illustrations by Patrice Barton, the new musical explores the possibilities that result from a single act of kindness.
The season will continue with the return of Jahnna Beecham and Malcolm Hillgartner’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical (Nov. 29-Dec. 29), which premiered at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte in 2016. Adapted from the book by Barbara Robinson, the musical comedy follows the “worst kids in the history of the world” as they take part in the annual Christmas pageant.
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs (Jan. 4-18, 2020), based on the books by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, will follow. Written by Robert Kauzlaric, Paul Gilvary, and William Rush, this courtroom-farce-meets-musical exposes another perspective of the classic fairy tale.
Next up will be Akeelah and the Bee (Jan. 31-Feb. 16) by Cheryl L. West. Adapted from Doug Atchison’s screenplay, the play is about an 11 year old girl from a tough L.A. neighborhood who is determined to make it to the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
The season will continue with Christopher Parks, Rahsheem Shabazz, and Ron Lee McGill’s GRIMMZ Fairy Tales (Feb. 21-March 15). The world premiere play re-imagines the Grimm brothers as a hip-hop fable story dance-pop sensation, putting a modern spin on classics such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Rapunzel, and Hansel and Gretel.
Following will be Havana Hop (Feb. 29-March 1), a Cuban-inspired one-woman show written and performed by Paige Hernandez that fuses a young girl’s passion with culture and family history.
Ernie Nolan’s Dragons Love Tacos (April 3-May 3) will be next. Based on the book by Adam Rubin with illustrations by Daniel Salmieri, reveals what goes wrong when a dragon eats spicy salsa.
Afflicted: Daughters of Salem (April 17-26) by Laurie Brooks will follow. Set in the time preceding the Salem witch trials, the play explores the circumstances that set off the event from the perspective of five girls coming of age.
The season will close with Barry Kornhauser’s Balloonacy (May 27-June 7), in which a mischievous balloon lifts the spirits of a solitary man.
Founded in 1948, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte aims to provide imaginative theatrical productions and wide-ranging education programs for young people.
