In our 18th season we clarify our ongoing commitment to audiences of all ages, celebrate our past by revisiting stories, and explore new territory – all through the lens of celebrating our diverse world with an ongoing theme of inclusivity. Plus TWO full musical productions! Ambitious and fun with a big heart, season 18 is truly a season for all!
THE HOUSE AT POOH CORNER
September 27 - October 13
Based on the beloved works by: A.A. Milne
Adapted by: Bettye Knapp
Join Christopher Robin and his friends – Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, and more – in this heartwarming adventure through the hundred-acre-wood. Faced with the looming possibility of being sent away to school, Christopher Robin contemplates running away to the North or South Pole with his friends. As they embark on this whimsical journey, they grapple with the fear of the unknown and the strength of their friendship. Will Chrisopher Robin decide to leave, or will he find a way to stay with the friends that mean so much to him?
HONK! THE MUSICAL
November 29 - December 22
Book and Lyrics by: Anthony Drewe
Music by: George Stiles
Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out that being different is not a bad thing to be. Experience this joyful musical celebrating the beauty of diversity and the power of inclusivity.
THE GIVER
January 24 - February 9
Based on the Award-winning book by: Lois Lowry
Adapted by: Eric Coble
Jonas’ world is perfect. Everything is under control and safe. There is no war or fear or pain. There are also no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. But when Jonas turns 12, he is chosen for special training from The Giver—to receive and keep the memories of the community. The Giver is the only person who holds the memories of real pain and real joy. Now Jonas will learn the truth about life—and the hypocrisy of his utopian world. Through this astonishing and moving adaptation, discover what it means to grow up, to grow wise, and to take control of your own destiny.
WILD FIRE AND THE BIRD SCOUTS
March 14 - 30
Written by: Kristin Idaszak
The fledglings of Bird Scout Troop #7 are on their first ever annual migration when they find themselves lost in a forest that’s been ravaged by fire. On their quest to rejoin their flock, the scouts must overcome encounters with a desperate predator, an ancient oak tree, and Wildfire herself. Wildfire and the Bird Scouts is a story about the way we ask the next generation to solve the problems that we have created. It’s about ingenuity and resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. And it’s about the way our environment is changing irrevocably.
THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
May 16 - June 8
Book by: Rachel Sheinkin
Music & Lyrics by: William Finn
Conceived by: Rebecca Feldman
Additional Material by: Jay Reiss
An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box. Don’t miss the side-splittingly hilarious Tony Award-winning musical!
