Dallas Children's Theater Blog

Astonishing Kids And Families With The Fun of Broadway-Like Plays and A Lot More!

Mowgli makes his way through the jungle, and comes out a star!

Rafael Villegas played Mowgli when DCT produced JUNGALBOOK in 2003. He acted with Douglass Burks and was directed by Artie Olaisen, both of whom are part of the current production.

Rafael watched a performance of the show and answered some questions for us. Read his answers, and then come see this production for yourself!

What do you think of this version of the show?
I loved it! The costumes were great, the set was beautiful, and everyone played their characters well.

What did you learn from playing the role of Mowgli in 2003?
Well, I was 21 when I took that role. It was my first big lead role! So I learned to take charge while still becoming one with the cast. It was important for me to help them out and give them something to work with on stage.

Why is this a good story for people to see?
This show is a story about acceptance and friendship and loyalty. It teaches values and morals, and for all of us to embrace and accept others.

What did your time and work here teach you?
It taught me to focus on my goal. Each year there was a new challenge, and it just taught me to never give up when things got hard. It was a transition from my training into being a professional, so it gave me an opportunity to grow as a professional and develop my work ethic.

What are you working on these days?
I just finished the staged reading of ANDI BOI, and I really hope I get to be part of that on stage. Aside from that, I’ve been working on some film and TV projects. I did some work on Queen of the South and then a project on Netflix where I was lucky enough to work with Richard Dreyfuss and Chevy Chase.

 

Only 2 performances left! Get your tickets now to meet the new Mowgli and learn about jungle life, loyalty, and family. Get tickets at dct.org.

The incredible bond between species…Can you relate?

As we think about our production of JUNGALBOOK, I thought it was also a good time to take a look at the relationship between humans and animals. Of course, I realize that Mowgli’s experience of being raised by wolves and having wild neighbors is very different than the experience of adopting a pet. I think, though, we can all appreciate that pet adoption is a valuable thing you can do for our community; it’s hopefully something that would also bring unimaginable joy to your family.

The Dallas Animal Shelter’s mission is to help Dallas be a safe, compassionate, and healthy place for people and animals. Unfortunately, there are animals that are surrendered by their owners or simply homeless strays that need daily care. While they provide care to these animals every day and search for rescue facilities for animals that are not adopted, there are still animals that are euthanized every month. In July, 2017, over 1,000 animals were euthanized. That’s something no one likes to talk about, but it’s a heartbreaking reality.

I have to admit I never understood the idea of being an “animal parent” until two dogs became part of our household. Now I get it. I get how they become like family. You clean up their dirtiest messes, you make sure they’re tucked in at night, and sometimes you even (accidentally) drink after they’ve had their tongue in your iced tea.

And they’re a huge responsibility. Our two boys have learned a lot about responsibility by taking care of our two dog girls. With our older dog, they’ve learned that if their teeth aren’t healthy, they lose them – which, I admit is a maniacal way to get boys to brush their teeth. They exercise together, and since dogs don’t play with screens (until I’m trying to work and they a;oirenafkd…step on my keyboard) they actually go outside and play with toys and balls and Frisbees.

Older adults often find companionship in caring for a pet. When grandchildren aren’t around, they enjoy watching the animals play with a favorite squeaky toy and then often get a nice snuggle when pets of all shapes and sizes decide that they belong on their lap!

That is what animals do for US! Think about what we are doing for these animals. The Dallas Animal Shelter has a very useful website where you can see statistics on all the animals that have been brought into the shelter. You can see the breed, their health, and how they arrived at the shelter. Many were strays, but it’s sad to see how many are surrendered by their owners, usually due to a move or a divorce. There are animals who know how to love and who are so appreciative to the humans that bring them into their home, regardless of their breed. Check these stories out

Then there are the specially trained animals that have a greater purpose, like service dogs or those who belong to the police department or armed services.  Of course they aren’t available for adoption, but they do show us that animals are smart and capable, and worth our time and effort in caring for them.

As I mentioned, being a pet owner is a great responsibility, so pets don’t belong in every household. The Dallas animal shelter website offers lots of resources for your consideration before bringing any animal home. Whether it’s a dog, cat, lizard, goldfish, or baby duck, remember these are living creatures, not decorations. Make sure your home is one that can accommodate an addition before having your kids fall in love with their cute, eager-to-please faces.

As you watch Mowgli interacting with his animal family, we hope you will consider if adding an animal in need to your family (perhaps NOT a bear) might be beneficial. It’s obvious when we watch the joy that can occur between animals and humans that inter-species relationships are very rewarding! Celebrate all of our animal friends by join us for a JUNGALBOOK performance between now through May 26. For tickets and more information, visit dct.org.

 

Guest Blogger Sherry Ward, shown here with her dog Willow, is a mother, actor, and writer based in D-FW.

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUNGALBOOK
An adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s
The Jungle Book stories
By Edward Mast

NOW thru May 26, 2018
Ages 5 and up

See Kipling’s original 1894 coming of age tale brought to the stage, and join Mowgli in learning the moral lessons of home, betrayal, life and death, and loyalty. Mowgli lives in the jungle surrounded by panthers, bears, wolves, snakes, and tigers. They are his protectors, and he believes he is one of them. When Mowgli comes face to face with a fearsome tiger, he is forced to choose between his bond with the jungle and the reality of his humanness. This classic story of the struggle for survival and a place that feels like home will have audiences on the edge of their seats.

Only 6 performances left!

Saturday, May 19, 1:30 PM
Saturday, May 19, 4:30 PM
Sunday, May 20, 1:30 PM
Sunday, May 20, 4:30 PM
Saturday, May 26, 1:30 PM
Saturday, May 26, 4:30 PM

 

Photos credits: Karen Almond, DCT staff, via care[dot]com, via mikeatfarmers[dot]com, via creativecommons[dot]org / West Midlands Police, via excelatl[dot]com, and courtesy of Sherry Ward.

Note: This play is about the survival of animals in the jungle and therefore contains scenes that some may find disturbing. Please use your own judgment as it relates to the appropriateness for your young people.

If you would like to use one of DCT’s Assistive Listening Devices during the show, or if you have your own device that you would like to plug into DCT’s system, please make every effort to visit us at least 30 minutes in advance before the show.

If you need accessible seating (wheelchair seating, visual impaired, etc.), please enter the information in the notes section of your order and/or call 214-740-0051. Please call if performance time is within the next three days. Thank you.

Mark Your Calendars: DCT’s 18-19 Sensory-Friendly Performances

Come join us! Bring your friends! We want EVERYONE to enjoy the magic of live theater!

Tickets on sale August 1st for TREASURE ISLAND Reimagined! and September 4th for all additional sensory-friendly shows in DCT’s 2018-2019 season. Phone orders only at 214-740-0051. More info at dct.org/sensory.

TREASURE ISLAND Reimagined!
Adapted for the stage by Katy Tye, Jeffrey Colangelo, and Robyn Flatt
Based on the book by Robert Louis Stevenson

Sensory-Friendly Performance: Sat., Oct. 13, 2018 at 1:30 pm

Ages 7 and up

Friendship, betrayal, and adventure are front and center in this bold world premiere! And Jim Hawkins, Ben Gunn, and Long John Silver will do just about anything to be the first to claim the buried treasure. From the moment you enter the theater, you’ll find yourself in the middle of the action. Step into a world of dramatic sword fights, thrilling acrobatics, and magical shadow puppetry as Dallas Children’s Theater, Prism Movement Theatre, Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts, and Lone Star Circus® come together to present a wildly original version of this iconic tale. Grab your costume and come aboard our ship. Your help is needed to decide who gets to take home the gold!

_____________________________________________________

A GHOST TALE FOR MR. DICKENS
Book by Will Osborne and Jenny Laird
Lyrics by Randy Courts and Will Osborne
Music by Randy Courts
Based on Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #16: A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time by Mary Pope Osborne

Sensory-Friendly Performance: Sat., Nov. 17, 2018 at 1:30 pm

Ages 6 and up

Magic Tree House, the #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time, premieres this large-scale, holiday-themed spectacular in Dallas! Be among the first to see brother and sister duo, Jack and Annie, whisked back in time aboard their magical tree ride to the foggy streets of Victorian England. Their mission: to help the famous writer Charles Dickens overcome a terrible bout of writer’s block. With a little help from three ghost friends, Jack and Annie learn how charity and kindness can change the course of history. No “Bah Humbug” here…this musical is a fantasy adventure filled with wonderful songs and dances of the season!

_____________________________________________________

THE SNOWY DAY AND OTHER STORIES BY EZRA JACK KEATS
Adapted for the stage by Jerome Hairston
Based on the books by Ezra Jack Keats
Music by Victor Zupanc
Produced in collaboration with Soul Rep Theatre

Sensory-Friendly Performance: Sat., Jan. 5, 2019 at 1:30 pm

Ages 3 and up

Oh, the magic of childhood! Follow Peter and his friends as they enjoy the excitement of a fresh snowfall, the delight of whistling for the first time, the awe in finding a special treasure, and the feelings of a first crush. Packed with humor and fun, this production combines wonderfully innovative shadow puppetry and live action to showcase Keats’ beautiful appreciation for diversity. In fact, his characters ultimately became an inspiration for Sesame Street! An adaptation of Whistle for Willie, Goggles!, A Letter to Amy, and the groundbreaking Caldecott Winner The Snowy Day, this uplifting story collection encourages us to play and live life to the fullest each day.

_____________________________________________________

ELLA ENCHANTED: THE MUSICAL
By Karen Zacarías
Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
Adapted from the book by Gail Carson Levine
By special arrangement with Miramax

Sensory-Friendly Performance: Sat., Feb. 16, 2019 at 1:30 pm

Ages 6 and up

Ella of Frell is turning the traditional Cinderella story upside down! At birth, she was given the “gift” of obedience which forces her to do anything people command: whether that’s hopping on one foot all day or telling her best friend to just go away! As a teenager, strong-willed Ella chooses to reject this lifestyle as her fate and embarks on a quest to break the curse forever. Along the way, feisty Ella must outwit her evil stepsisters, escape hungry ogres, and save the prince before she can claim her real voice. In this fun and spirited musical extravaganza that stays true to the Newbery Honor book, children will discover the power of words while laughing, singing, and dancing out loud.

_____________________________________________________

TUCK EVERLASTING
Script by Mark J. Frattaroli
Based on the book Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

Sensory-Friendly Performance: Sat., March 23, 2019 at 1:30 pm

Ages 10 and up

What if you could live forever? What if you were asked to keep a shocking secret? Young Winnie Foster suddenly finds herself faced with these dilemmas when she ventures from her routine one single summer morning. What she encounters at the foot of a magnificent tree in the woods on her family’s land brings her face to face with monumental life choices. A romance, a new family, perhaps eternal life? What follows is a whirlwind of events and a life-affirming adventure that The New York Times called “fearsome and beautifully written.” Considered one of the classics of modern children’s literature, this poetic story comes intensely to life on the DCT stage.

_____________________________________________________

THE ISLAND OF THE SKOG
Script by Linda Daugherty
Based on the book The Island of the Skog by Steven Kellogg

Sensory-Friendly Performance: Sat., May 4, 2019 at 1:30 pm

Ages 3 and up

The best laid plans of mice and well, Skog, are upended in this lively musical adventure that navigates land and sea. When Jenny and her mice friends grow weary of ravenous cats, noisy humans, and peril on the streets, they decide a new island paradise is the order of the day. Led by the surly Captain Bouncer, the Rough-riding Rowdies think they’ve hit the jackpot until they discover that a “giant” already has dibs on their newfound home. The Rowdies and Skog each devise a survival of the fittest plan that, in the end, only points out the flaws that come with assuming the worst and refusing to compromise. A delightfully charming and gentle story that brings to life the author’s beloved illustrations and characters.

_____________________________________________________

DCT’s NATIONAL TOURING PRODUCTION
DIARY OF A WORM, A SPIDER & A FLY
Book, Music & Lyrics by Joan Cushing
Based on the three books by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Harry Bliss

Sensory-Friendly Performance: Sat., June 22, 2019 at 1:30 pm

Ages 3 and up

The coolest ever rock-n-roll romp through a bug’s world commands center stage in this hip-hoppin’ musical that promotes eco-consciousness, earth science, and tolerance of others. The popular characters from the bestselling books are not so unusual: Worm eats his homework and has no legs. Fly has 327 siblings and wants to be a superhero. And Spider can’t wait to grow up and molt. When Fly’s Aunt Rita needs help getting out of a tight spot, the squad must combine their talents and work as a team on the rescue mission of a lifetime. While there’s no pop quiz, you might just learn that a bug’s life isn’t that different from your own.

_____________________________________________________
ADDITIONAL CREDITS:
MAGIC TREE HOUSE:  A GHOST TALE FOR MR. DICKENS TYA is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).  All
authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
DIARY OF A WORM, A SPIDER & A FLY – © 2011 Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss. By special arrangement with Pippin Properties, Inc. and Gurman Agency LLC.
_____________________________________________________
IMAGE CREDITS:
THE SNOWY DAY AND OTHER STORIES BY EZRA JACK KEATS – Peter illustration used by permission of the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. THE ISLAND
OF THE SKOG – Illustrations from The Island of the Skog copyright ©1973 by Steven Kellogg. All rights reserved. Used with permission. DIARY OF A
WORM, A SPIDER & A FLY –  Illustrations © 2003, 2005, and 2007 by Harry Bliss. Used with permission of Pippin Properties, Inc. All other images ©
2018, 2019  Dallas Children’s Theater 

A Word About Adoption of Children and JUNGALBOOK…

It’s fascinating to witness how animals often bond better than we humans do.  Watching many of the nature shows, it’s evident that animals instinctively know how to bond: The German Shepherd and the duck; the rabbit and the kitten; the newborn and the pit bull.  I’m thinking about this now as my family and I make plans to go see DCT’s JUNGALBOOK.  It’s a story about how a young boy, Mowgli, finds himself a welcomed member of the animal family after some challenging circumstances.  He is essentially adopted by a bear and a panther, and because of how they care for him, he just assumes he is one of them.  Of course, the story is a classic tale of survival and finding place beautifully written by genius Rudyard Kipling, but it also makes me think about how important our adoptive families are.  For so many children, they set the tone for those young people’s lives.

Currently more than 6,800 children are available for adoption in Texas, many who have been abandoned or removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. There are several adoption options available in Texas. And 87% of adoptive parents say they would make the same choice to adopt knowing what they know about their adoptive children and their overall experience.

We all know there is no longer a “normal” family structure. The idea of the four-character “nuclear family” with a mom, dad, brother and sister is not all there is. And that is great for adults that desire to be parents.  There are many services available to match them with a child. Much of my information came from adoptionchoicesoftexas.org, but there are plenty of other resources out there.  The main point here is that there are children all over the world that need people/parents with the resources to take care of them.  To those who have taken in the many innocent Mowglis in need of love and guidance, we salute you for your dedication and commitment to preserving a life.  You demonstrate the strength and heart of the bear and panther that save Mowgli in JUNGALBOOK.

The play, JUNGALBOOK, is a magical way to celebrate those who make sacrifices to care for the young, innocent and marginalized.  I invite you to check it out while it is running at Dallas Children’s Theater.  You just might find that you have a lot more in common with the animal kingdom than you ever imagined.  JUNGALBOOK runs through May 26.

 

 

 

JUNGALBOOK
An adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book stories
By Edward Mast

NOW through May 26, 2018
Ages 5 and up

See Kipling’s original 1894 coming of age tale brought to the stage, and join Mowgli in learning the moral lessons of home, betrayal, life and death, and loyalty. Mowgli lives in the jungle surrounded by panthers, bears, wolves, snakes, and tigers. They are his protectors, and he believes he is one of them. When Mowgli comes face to face with a fearsome tiger, he is forced to choose between his bond with the jungle and the reality of his humanness. This classic story of the struggle for survival and a place that feels like home will have audiences on the edge of their seats.

If you need accessible seating (wheelchair seating, visual impaired, etc.), please enter the information in the notes section of your order and/or call 214-740-0051. Please call if performance time is within the next three days. Thank you.

Buy tickets now to see JUNGALBOOK.

 

 

Sherry Ward is a mother, actor, and writer based in D-FW.

 

 

 

Note: This play is about the survival of animals in the jungle and therefore contains scenes that some may find disturbing. Please use your own judgment as it relates to the appropriateness for your young people.

Photo credits:
First photo via Pinterest, second photo via cats[dot]ava[dot]com, third photo lifewithdogs[dot]tv.
JUNGALBOOK photos by Karen Almond, final photo courtesy of Sherry Ward.

DCT Celebrates 35th Anniversary Season and a Unique History of Heartfelt Storytelling

Since 1984, more than five million children, students, and families have been inspired and delighted by the live theater performances of Dallas Children’s Theater (DCT). To celebrate 35 years of unmatched service to North Texas and beyond, DCT is announcing a season lineup comprised of large-scale world premieres and timeless throwbacks. The season opens with a new and reimagined telling of Treasure Island on September 23. Produced in collaboration with three other towering Dallas based companies in their respective fields of expertise, the new telling is expected to draw all ages into the popular pirate world.

DCT’s Founder and Executive Artistic Director has always had a personal fondness for Robert Louis Stevenson’s ageless classic and seized the chance three years ago to work with experts in puppetry, circus arts and movement to devise an immersive, fantasy adventure that will be unlike anything ever produced at DCT. The story is deemed “reimagined” because the playwrights have written it from both the perspective of the traditional Jim Hawkins, but also Ben Gunn, who gets equal billing in this version. Audience members will find themselves onboard a ship in the middle of the action from the moment they enter the theater. In the end, it will be the audience that helps decide who takes home the gold.

In general, the 35th season’s slate of productions will take audiences on land and sea adventures and excursions through space and time. Among the season lineup are iconic DCT shows from the archives including THE ISLAND OF THE SKOG, DIARY OF A WORM, A SPIDER & A FLY, and TUCK EVERLASTING. And along with TREASURE ISLAND Reimagined!, the popular A GHOST TALE FOR MR. DICKENS (based on Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #16: A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time) will make their world premiere debuts. DCT is also remounting THE SECRET LIFE OF GIRLS, which launched DCT’s internationally-praised teen issue series. Finally, Lone Star Circus® is back with another end-of-year spectacular called FOREVER that celebrates the birth of the modern circus.

DCT is also honored to be presenting THE SNOWY DAY AND OTHER STORIES BY EZRA JACK KEATS in the winter. Based on award-winning children’s books written and illustrated by Polish Jewish American Ezra Jack Keats, these multiracial characters became an inspiration for Sesame Street. Keats wanted all children to feel included in the celebration of childhood discovery and this production, based on four of his books, illustrates childhood innocence in all four seasons of the year. In January, DCT presents the ultimate story of girl power with ELLA ENCHANTED. Ella of Frell turns the traditional Cinderella story upside down in this super colossal musical extravaganza. Rounding out the season, the DCT Teen Scene Players will bring the recent major motion picture A WRINKLE IN TIME to the stage.

Robyn Flatt, DCT Founder and Executive Artistic Director

“This is the 35th time I’ve had the enormous privilege to announce DCT’s season of plays! What a thrill. And this one sets sail with one of the biggest adventures we’ve ever undertaken. TREASURE ISLAND Reimagined! opens the season with swashbuckling adventure followed by other thrilling productions brand new to our stages including A GHOST TALE FOR MR. DICKENS,” said Robyn Flatt, Executive Artistic Director and Founder of DCT. “And of course, there will be a sprinkling of theatrical treasures from earlier seasons including TUCK EVERLASTING and DIARY OF A WORM, SPIDER, & A FLY, and two of our brilliant Linda Daugherty’s triumphs, THE SECRET LIFE OF GIRLS and an enchanting adaptation of Steven Kellogg’s THE ISLAND OF THE SKOG.”

Flatt reflected, “This marks a significant point in the life of our organization. I am proud to say that DCT is known nationally for its great productions, thought-provoking perspectives, and a host of new scripts developed for the field that are performed around the world.”

As the only major organization in Dallas focusing solely on youth and family theater, DCT builds bridges of understanding between generations and cultures, instilling an early appreciation of literature, art, and the performing arts in tomorrow’s artists and patrons. Over the span of three decades the theater has launched a national touring company that travels to 26 states and 52 cities each year; an Academy for children ages 3-18 that serves 2,500 annually; a Student Matinee Performance Series serving 50,000 children annually from every North Texas county; and sensory-friendly performances and academy classes for the over 100,000 children in North Texas with varying sensory challenges.

Artie Olaisen, Associate Artistic Director

Despite obstacles throughout the years, Artie Olaisen, Associate Artistic Director, said the theater grew and survived by sticking to an artistic point of view that was always child-centric. “We’ve always been committed to telling good, substantive stories; but in the beginning, we didn’t have two sticks to rub together! As we and the field of TYA have grown, our storytelling has become more sophisticated and the canon of good material that was not condescending to our youth audiences has expanded,” said Olaisen. “This theater and the field have certainly matured together.”

Nancy Schaeffer, Associate Artistic Director, Education Director, and staff member since the beginning, has been a driving force behind the expansion of programming. Schaeffer oversees the DCT Academy and the Sensory-Friendly Programming Initiative among other responsibilities. Schaeffer was one of the theater’s first teaching artists in the 1980s and has continually introduced children to live theater through new programs like the sensory-friendly initiative that launched in 2014. “There are lots of options for child- and family-friendly entertainment, but I love the parents who happily choose to make time to see live theater with their family. It’s our passion to help children see themselves, their story, on stage; and to share our love of theater with everyone. It really is like nothing else you can experience, especially as a child.”

Nancy Schaeffer, Associate Artistic Director and Education Director

Flatt, Olaisen and Schaeffer attribute the bulk of their success to the community of artists that they have nurtured and created over the years. Local artists and designers have been the backbone of the theater’s creation, development, and growth through a united commitment to excellence, artistry, and dedication to bringing the best possible quality to the stage and into classrooms. According to Olaisen, DCT may have the longest serving core staff of any arts group in the country. Olaisen explained that DCT provides the opportunity to have a life in the theater and work with artists committed to building a cultural institution that impacts both the Dallas community and the field of TYA. “Here, children have discovered their inner genius and have been inspired to use their gifts to better the world around them. And none of this would be possible were it not for great artists, thought leaders, board members, and advisors who have all been powerful partners in the growth and direction,” said Flatt.

 

TREASURE ISLAND PLAY AND PARTY
DCT is offering an exclusive chance to see TREASURE ISLAND Reimagined! and then go behind the scenes for party fun. The TREASURE ISLAND Play and Party is a chance to be the very first buccaneers to see the world premiere of TREASURE ISLAND Reimagined! and enjoy a swashbuckling time shipwrecked at DCT for an afternoon of shiver me timbers adventure.

On Saturday, September 22nd after the 1:30 PM performance, play and party guests will have the exclusive opportunity to swab the deck, learn songs and dances from the show, and perform them on the DCT mainstage. Bucks will also learn the secrets behind some of the coolest circus acts and get a chance to be crowned #1 sea-dog after acing a lesson in shadow puppetry. All will gather at the end to sing pirate songs and dance a few pirate moves.

Tickets to this exclusive play and party event are limited to 170 attendees and go on sale to the general public June 1, but 2018-2019 subscribers can avoid the wait by getting tickets now. Don eye patches, captain’s hats, bandanas, or whatever buccaneer outfit you choose and join a pirate party for the ages.

The TREASURE ISLAND Play and Party benefits DCT’s sensory-friendly plays and classes that welcome and include children on the autism spectrum and others with developmental disabilities. Amply staffed sensory-friendly acting classes build social-emotional skills and self-confidence. Your support facilitates discounted pricing that, since 2014, has given more than 5,800 children with developmental delays and their family members a unique and rare opportunity to connect with the community.

To learn more about buying a table at TREASURE ISLAND Play and Party or sponsoring the Sensory-Friendly Programming Initiative, contact Michael Gonzales at michael.gonzales@dct.org or 214-978-0110.

 

Season Ticket Pricing
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 seven; the more plays, the greater the savings. Season subscribers may also purchase individual tickets to any show at a discounted rate.

Play Package Pricing (per person)
• 4 Play Section A: $88, Section B: $68 (This deal makes tickets as low as $17 per ticket, compared to $21 per ticket when you purchase single tickets!)
• 5 Play Section A: $110, Section B: $85
• 6 Play Section A: $126, Section B: $96
• 7 Play Section A: $147, Section B: $112

Single tickets for the 18-2019 season will range from $15 to $30 for adults, and $15 to $28 for youth. Tickets for TREASURE ISLAND Reimagined! go on sale August 1, 2018, and tickets for all other shows go on sale September 3, 2018.

 

Announcing the 18-19 Season
Storytelling comes in many different forms. Children think up imaginary friends and situations in the quiet of their rooms. They tell loved ones tall tales from their imagination through pictures and gestures. What’s happening in their brains is incredible. For adults it can be hard to remember the flurry of activity that takes place during the discovery years; how everything was bigger, brighter, and more spectacular. For 35 years, DCT has had the privilege to delight and entertain children, grandchildren and you, for that matter, through the magic of live theater. Join us for another exceptional year of storytelling and lifechanging moments. Shared moments of wonder and surprise begin with DCT’s 35th Anniversary Season.

 

 

TREASURE ISLAND Reimagined!
Adapted for the stage by Katy Tye, Jeffrey Colangelo, and Robyn Flatt
Based on the book by Robert Louis Stevenson

September 23 – October 21, 2018

Recommended for ages 7 and up

Friendship, betrayal, and adventure are front and center in this bold world premiere! And Jim Hawkins, Ben Gunn, and Long John Silver will do just about anything to be the first to claim the buried treasure. From the moment you enter the theater, you’ll find yourself in the middle of the action. Step into a world of dramatic sword fights, thrilling acrobatics, and magical shadow puppetry as Dallas Children’s Theater, Prism Movement Theatre, Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts, and Lone Star Circus® come together to present a wildly original version of this iconic tale. Grab your costume and come aboard our ship. Your help is needed to decide who gets to take home the gold!

 

SEASON SPECIAL
TEEN SCENE PLAYERS PRESENT
A WRINKLE IN TIME
Adapted by John Glore
From the book by Madeleine L’Engle
Produced by special arrangement with Stage Partners

October 19 – October 28, 2018

Recommended for ages 10 and up

It was a dark and stormy night when Meg Murry’s journey began. Mrs. Whatsit, a mind-reading celestial being, arrives to tell Meg about the evil forces that are holding her missing father prisoner on another planet and the existence of a tesseract – a sort of wrinkle in space and time – that will help her save him. Mrs. Whatsit and two of her unconventional friends (Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which) transport Meg along with her super-genius younger brother Charles Wallace, and friend Calvin O’Keefe through the fifth dimension on a quest to rescue her father and free the universe. This groundbreaking sci-fi/fantasy tale captures the classic struggle between good and evil, the power of love, and the value of individuality. Teens can save the world!

 

A GHOST TALE FOR MR. DICKENS
Book by Will Osborne and Jenny Laird
Lyrics by Randy Courts and Will Osborne
Music by Randy Courts
Based on Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #16: A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time
by Mary Pope Osborne

November 16 – December 23, 2018

Recommended for ages 6 and up

Magic Tree House, the #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time, premieres this large-scale, holiday-themed spectacular in Dallas! Be among the first to see brother and sister duo, Jack and Annie, whisked back in time aboard their magical tree ride to the foggy streets of Victorian England. Their mission: to help the famous writer Charles Dickens overcome a terrible bout of writer’s block. With a little help from three ghost friends, Jack and Annie learn how charity and kindness can change the course of history. No “Bah Humbug” here…this musical is a fantasy adventure filled with wonderful songs and dances of the season!

 

THE SNOWY DAY AND OTHER STORIES BY EZRA JACK KEATS
Adapted for the stage by Jerome Hairston
Based on the books by Ezra Jack Keats
Music by Victor Zupanc
Produced in collaboration with Soul Rep Theatre

December 8, 2018 – January 20, 2019

Recommended for ages 3 and up

Oh, the magic of childhood! Follow Peter and his friends as they enjoy the excitement of a fresh snowfall, the delight of whistling for the first time, the awe in finding a special treasure, and the feelings of a first crush. Packed with humor and fun, this production combines wonderfully innovative shadow puppetry and live action to showcase Keats’ beautiful appreciation for diversity. In fact, his characters ultimately became an inspiration for Sesame Street! An adaptation of Whistle for Willie, Goggles!, A Letter to Amy, and the groundbreaking Caldecott Winner The Snowy Day, this uplifting story collection encourages us to play and live life to the fullest each day.

Note: There will be no performances of THE SNOWY DAY AND OTHER STORIES BY EZRA JACK KEATS between December 24, 2018 and January 3, 2019.

 

SEASON SPECIAL
LONE STAR CIRCUS’®
FOREVER

December 28, 2018 – January 1, 2019

Enjoyed by all ages

In a fun and daring tribute to the birth of the modern circus, Dallas’ own Lone Star Circus® brings its unique brand of spectacle back for the holidays in this all-new show! Jugglers, acrobats, clowns, and four-legged performers from around the world come together to create a parade of not-to-be-forgotten moments for the entire family. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls…New Year’s just wouldn’t be the same without their death-defying feats, surprising stage genius, and showstopping special effects. Reserve your seats now to create memories that will last…forever!

 

ELLA ENCHANTED: THE MUSICAL
By Karen Zacarías
Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
Adapted from the book by Gail Carson Levine
By special arrangement with Miramax

January 25 – February 24, 2019

Recommended for ages 6 and up

Ella of Frell is turning the traditional Cinderella story upside down! At birth, she was given the “gift” of obedience which forces her to do anything people command: whether that’s hopping on one foot all day or telling her best friend to just go away! As a teenager, strong-willed Ella chooses to reject this lifestyle as her fate and embarks on a quest to break the curse forever. Along the way, feisty Ella must outwit her evil stepsisters, escape hungry ogres, and save the prince before she can claim her real voice. In this fun and spirited musical extravaganza that stays true to the Newbery Honor book, children will discover the power of words while laughing, singing, and dancing out loud.

 

SEASON SPECIAL
TEEN SCENE PLAYERS PRESENT
THE SECRET LIFE OF GIRLS
By Linda Daugherty

February 15 – February 24, 2019

Not suitable for children under 12

Bullying in every form – from open tactics like gossiping and keeping secrets, to using friendship as a weapon – can become the prelude to dangerous behaviors like depression, cutting, and eating disorders. This show takes an unflinching look into the world of mean girls and exposes the consequences that bullying creates. Because that girl everyone is spreading rumors about…the one who just can’t seem to fit in…chances are, you know who she is. This production by award-winning playwright Linda Daugherty generated massive buzz when it debuted in 2007 and subsequently launched DCT’s internationally-praised teen issue series. In DCT tradition, teens and those who love them are invited to see a performance, and then stay after for a conversation with local experts.

 

TUCK EVERLASTING
Script by Mark J. Frattaroli
Based on the book Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

March 22 – April 7, 2019

Recommended for ages 10 and up

What if you could live forever? What if you were asked to keep a shocking secret? Young Winnie Foster suddenly finds herself faced with these dilemmas when she ventures from her routine one single summer morning. What she encounters at the foot of a magnificent tree in the woods on her family’s land brings her face to face with monumental life choices. A romance, a new family, perhaps eternal life? What follows is a whirlwind of events and a life-affirming adventure that The New York Times called “fearsome and beautifully written.” Considered one of the classics of modern children’s literature, this poetic story comes intensely to life on the DCT stage.

 

THE ISLAND OF THE SKOG
Script by Linda Daugherty
Based on the book The Island of the Skog by Steven Kellogg

May 3 – May 25, 2019

Recommended for ages 3 and up

The best laid plans of mice and well, Skog, are upended in this lively musical adventure that navigates land and sea. When Jenny and her mice friends grow weary of ravenous cats, noisy humans, and peril on the streets, they decide a new island paradise is the order of the day. Led by the surly Captain Bouncer, the Rough-riding Rowdies think they’ve hit the jackpot until they discover that a “giant” already has dibs on their newfound home. The Rowdies and Skog each devise a survival of the fittest plan that, in the end, only points out the flaws that come with assuming the worst and refusing to compromise. A delightfully charming and gentle story that brings to life the author’s beloved illustrations and characters.

 

DCT’s NATIONAL TOURING PRODUCTION
DIARY OF A WORM, A SPIDER & A FLY
Book, Music & Lyrics by Joan Cushing
Based on the three books by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Harry Bliss

June 14 – July 7, 2019

Recommended for ages 3 and up

The coolest ever rock-n-roll romp through a bug’s world commands center stage in this hip-hoppin’ musical that promotes eco-consciousness, earth science, and tolerance of others. The popular characters from the bestselling books are not so unusual: Worm eats his homework and has no legs. Fly has 327 siblings and wants to be a superhero. And Spider can’t wait to grow up and molt. When Fly’s Aunt Rita needs help getting out of a tight spot, the squad must combine their talents and work as a team on the rescue mission of a lifetime. While there’s no pop quiz, you might just learn that a bug’s life isn’t that different from your own.

_________

ADDITIONAL CREDITS:

MAGIC TREE HOUSE:  A GHOST TALE FOR MR. DICKENS TYA is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).  All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

DIARY OF A WORM, A SPIDER & A FLY –  © 2011 Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss. By special arrangement with Pippin Properties, Inc. and Gurman Agency LLC.

IMAGE CREDITS:
THE SNOWY DAY AND OTHER STORIES BY EZRA JACK KEATS – Peter illustration used by permission of the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. 
THE ISLAND OF THE SKOG – Illustrations from The Island of the Skog copyright ©1973 by Steven Kellogg. All rights reserved. Used with permission. 
DIARY OF A WORM, A SPIDER & A FLY –  Illustrations © 2003, 2005, and 2007 by Harry Bliss. Used with permission of Pippin Properties, Inc. 
Circus show imagery courtesy of Lone Star Circus®.  
All other images © 2018, 2019  Dallas Children’s Theater

PHOTO CREDITS:

Karen Almond, Lawrence Jenkins, Melinda Reddehase