PlayhouseSquare to debut first created, self-produced children’s show, “Velveteen,” on Oct. 26

PlayhouseSquare to debut first created, self-produced children’s show, “Velveteen,” on Oct. 26

Playhouse Square will debut its first self-created and self-produced show for young audiences to kick off its annual Children’s Series on Oct. 26.

“Velveteen, A New Musical” is one of four shows in this year’s series, and is inspired by Margery Williams’ classic 1922 children’s book, The Velveteen Rabbit. The story follows the journey of Lulu and her beloved toy rabbit, and the show features and original score composed by Cleveland native Molly Andrews-Hinders, who is Playhouse Square’s Education Content Creation Coordinator.

The show also will showcase the work of a creative team composed entirely of Clevelanders, led by director Joanna May Cullinan (Artistic Director, Cain Park).

Tickets for the show, which are $15, go on sale Sept. 23. It will take place in the Mimi Ohio Theatre, and a sign language interpreter will be at specific shows in the series.

“I am proud to open our 2024-25 Children’s Theater Series with a show we have produced right here in Cleveland,” said Daniel Hahn, Playhouse Square Vice President of Education. “Our goal is for this to be the first production of many that Playhouse Square launches. There is a wealth of talent right here in our community, and it is so exciting to feature their good work on one of Playhouse Square’s legendary stages. By taking the step of producing theater for young audiences, we are able to further our impact by bringing new works to life and supporting Cleveland artists while advancing the industry.”

The series, apart from “Velveteen” – a sensory-friendly performance of which will take place on Oct. 22 — includes:

  • Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny (Jan. 25-26): Goodnight Moonis a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while The Runaway Bunny’s pretend tale of leaving home evokes reassuring responses from his loving mum. Both feature endearing rabbit characters, and the soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dream-like imagery never fail to infuse young readers with a reassuring sense of security. Mermaid’s staged adaptation brings a new sense of appreciation to stories that have delighted several generations.
  • The Gruffalo’s Child (March 8-9): Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the night. She follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures – but the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he? Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone aged 3 to 103.
  • Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! (April 12-13): Whatever you do, don’t let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), TheaterWorksUSA‘s Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party! It’s not easy being the Pigeon-you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping.

 

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