HOPKINS, Minn.: Stages Theatre Company has announced their 2021-22 season, featuring three world premieres. The theatre for young audiences is currently planning to keep audiences at 50 percent capacity to allow for social distancing.
“Crafting a season is certainly a journey,” artistic director Sandy Boren-Barrett said in a statement. “As we were considering the books and stories to bring to life onstage for you, it became obvious that in every show next season, there is a journey of self-discovery for our characters. We are proud to be able to welcome everyone back to the theatre and offer unique opportunities for families to share memory-making experiences that will last beyond the time spent in the theatre.”
The season will begin in November with Elf the Musical, Jr., designed for an all-ages audience. Written by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin with music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, the musical follows Buddy the Elf in New York City and is based on the 2003 Christmas comedy film. The show will run Nov. 19-Dec. 27.
Following will be the world premiere of Jennifer Kirkeby’s The North Star, produced in collaboration with Escalate Dance and Theatre Studio. This dance-inspired adaptation of Peter H. Reynolds’s children’s book charts a meaningful journey through the constellations, featuring music by James Lekatz. The show will run Jan. 14-Feb. 13, 2022.
The season will continue with Tuck Everlasting, March 4-20, 2022. Written by Claudia Shear and Tim Federle from the novel by Natalie Babbitt, the story follows Winnie Foster as she unexpectedly crosses paths with the immortal Tuck family. The show features music by Chris Miller and lyrics by Nathan Tysen.
Next up will be the world premiere of What Do You Do With an Idea? by Cristina Pippa, based on the book by Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Mae Besom. The musical follows a boy whose idea grows and grows. Featuring music and lyrics by Sharon Kenny, the show will run April 8-May 8, 2022.
Following will be the Twin Cities premiere of All American Boys (April 29-May 22, 2022), produced in a special collaboration that will be announced at a later date. Adapted by Jody Drezner Alperin and Vickey Finney Crouch from the book by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely, the story follows two high school boys, one Black and one white, whose lives intersect following an act of police brutality.
The season will continue with Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. (June 24-Aug. 5, 2022), based on the animated Disney film. Adapted by Doug Wright from the Hans Christian Andersen story and the film, the show features music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, with music adapted and arrange for a 60-minute version by David Weinstein.
The season will conclude with the world premiere of Buckets: A Joyful Journey, created by Stages Theatre Company for ages 0-5. This imaginative and immersive experience asks children to join in the discovery that a bucket full of kindness can create. The show will run Aug. 3-21, 2022.
Stages Theatre Company is one of the largest professional theatres for young audiences in the country, and engages young artists with themes that are relevant to their lives with productions featuring young people in meaningful roles.
