Stellaluna
October 14th-22nd, 2023
Directed by Becca Martin
Adapted for the stage by Saskia Janse
Based on the book by Janell Cannon
With music by Guus Ponsioen
Baby bat Stellaluna’s life is knocked off balance when an owl attacks her mother one night. The tiny bat is lucky enough to land in a nest of baby birds, but her whole world has just turned upside down. Literally.
Stellaluna’s adoptive bird mom accepts her into her nest, but only on the condition that Stellaluna will act like a bird, not a bat. She stops hanging by her feet and starts eating (gulp) bugs. But when she finally has an opportunity to show her bird siblings what life as a bat is like, all of them are confounded. Anyone who has ever been asked to be someone they’re not will understand the conflicts and possibilities Stellaluna faces.
Accessible performances: October 21st and 22nd
With ASL interpretation on October 22nd
Open Captions on October 21st (1:00) and 22nd
Audio Description available October 21st and 22nd
Tactile Tours available 30 minutes prior to the start of the show on October 21st and 22nd, or by request October 14th and 15th.
Stellaluna is presented by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences
Stellaluna will be performed at Pilgrim UCC in Tremont
2592 W 14th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
Desvelado
November 11th-19th, 2023
Directed by Carlos Cruz and Carrie Williams
By José Casas
For ages 0-5
A young child named Little One is having trouble sleeping. His family has moved to a new neighborhood, and he is nervous about school and making new friends, and is feeling lost. With the help of la luna, a.k.a. Harvest, Música, and the audience, Little One learns that everything will be alright, and that new experiences can be a good thing. The show is designed to create a truly interactive experience for young audiences.
Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois
A Light in the Night
December 2nd-10th, 2023
Directed by Margi Zitelli
Written by Les and Elana Hunter
In the midst of a storm on the first night of Hanukkah, a child, her brother, and her family take inspiration and bravery from the story of the Maccabees, and rejoice in the miracle, and in their togetherness.
WORLD PREMIERE
School of Fish
February 2024
Devised by Talespinner Children’s Theatre
For ages 0-5
Children and families will join a school of fish and explore the ocean and get to know its creatures in this immersive, interactive play for our youngest audiences.
WORLD PREMIERE
Last Stop on Market Street
March 2024
Directed by Julia Sosa
By Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson
Adapted for the stage by Cheryl L. West
Music and lyrics by Lamont Dozier and Paris Ray Dozier
Digital recording and underscoring by Paris Ray Dozier
Originally co-commissioned and produced by the Chicago Children’s Theatre
and the Children’s Theatre Company
Produced by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences
Six-year-old CJ is (reluctantly) staying with his (extremely over-the-top) Nana, in a world considerably different from the one he’s used to (his phone and tablet). The disagreeable (and let’s just admit it, whiny) CJ is dragged on a bus ride that’s loud and gritty and a Very New Experience. Guided by his veritable force-of-nature Nana, he travels a little closer to his roots and sees that things are not always what they seem. This is one hip-hop, eclectic, heart-thumpin’, toe-tapppin’ joy ride!
The Toothpaste Millionaire
May 2024
Directed by Mariah Burks
By David Hansen
Based on the book by Jean Merrill
Sixth-grader Rufus Mayflower is aghast when he sees that the price of toothpaste has gone up — and he bets he can make a WHOLE GALLON for the same price as one tube from the store! The challenge? He has to solve real-life math problems first! With help from his good friend Kate, and the collective power of a group of determined children, can this group keep up with the high demand for their popular product? Adapted from the beloved children’s book by Jean Merrill, playwright David Hansen weaves a story of perseverance, friendship, ingenuity, and the power in numbers (literally!) for children ages 8+
WORLD PREMIERE!
Past Performances in our 2022-2023 Season
Aponibolinayen in the Sky (a tale of the Philippines) by Elana and Les Hunter
Directed by Carrie Williams
Dates: October 8th-23rd, 2022
Fridays at 7pm
Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm
Join us as Aponibolinayen (also known as Apo) leaves her village, finding herself on an adventure in the sky! Surrounded by a host of fantastical characters, she finds herself not only exploring this new world but also who she is. Created in collaboration with Dr. Zeny Jandi and the Philippine American Society of Ohio (PASO).
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
Originally Produced by Children’s Theatre Company
Produced by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences
Directed By Heather Utsler-Smith
Dates: December 3rd-18th, 2022
The wonder of a fresh snowfall, the delight of whistling for the first time, the awe in finding a special treasure comes to life in The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats. This story celebrates the joy in the small moments of a child’s world.
Hook & Smee by T. Paul Lowry
Directed by Ren Twardzik
Dates: March 11th-26th
In honor of ten years of shows, welcome back a popular TCT show. Captain Hook is a name to send delightful shivers down the spine of anyone who knows the tale of Peter Pan and Tinkerbell. But have you ever wondered just how Hook came to Never Never Land with his merry band of buccaneers? This is the story of how Hook met Smee and came to be the scourge of “the Land of Pan.” Your favorite characters are here, but get ready for some giddy surprises that will make you clap your hands with glee.
The Girl Who Swallowed a Cactus by Eric Coble
Directed by Matt Loehrke
Dates: April 15th & 16th at 3pm
8-year-old Sheila and her pack of pals aren’t going to let the summer heat wear them down. When their fantastical junkyard fort draws the attention of a walking, talking, surprisingly well-dressed coyote, the adventurers suddenly find themselves deep in the desert. A unique twist on traditional storytelling, where a bit of moonlight brings a menagerie of found objects to life, this original play shows the power of memory and imagination and will captivate and inspire audiences of all ages.
Show length approx. 45 minutes
Everything I Feel
Directed by: Mariah Burks
Dates: June 3-11, 2023
Miss Moody is a one-of-a-kind kid who journeys through a very special day. As her morning unfolds, all of her emotions come to life. With movement, music, and puppetry that capture some of our biggest feelings like fear and sadness, Everything I Feel is a new adventure with familiar friends, perfect for audiences aged 0-5 and the grownups they bring with them to the theatre.
