John Steptoe's

MUFARO'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS: AN AFRICAN TALE

Adapted for the stage by Karen Abbott
Music and Lyrics by S–Ankh Rasa
Directed by S–Ankh Rasa and Robyn Flatt

September 24 – October 14, 2023

In a spectacular tribute to DCT founder and inaugural show director, Robyn Flatt, the beautiful Zimbabwe-based Cinderella tale returns to open DCT’s 40th season. An African villager named Mufaro has two daughters whom everyone agrees are beautiful. But, they have their differences. Manyara possesses a bad temper and is self–centered (but never in front of Mufaro); Nyasha is kind and considerate to people and to animals. When Mufaro learns that the King is in the process of meeting all of the most worthy and beautiful women in order to choose a wife, he decides that both of his daughters should go. Celebrate goodness, generosity, and love with traditional dancing, rhythmic drumming, and glorious African song. Based on the 1988 Caldecott Honor Award book.

Thanks to a donation from The M.R. & Evelyn Hudson Foundation, as a gift to the community and in honor of Robyn Flatt, all Public Weekend Performance tickets are $5 per person.

Recommended for ages 5 and up

TEEN SCENE PLAYERS present...

THE SECRET LIFE OF GIRLS

By Linda Daugherty
Directed by Nancy Schaeffer

October 6 – 15, 2023

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 and 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.

Content warning: Self-harm (Cutting), Eating Disorders, Intense Bullying

Not suitable for children under 12

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

by Charles M. Schulz
Based on the television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson
Stage Adaptation by Eric Schaeffer
By Special Arrangement with Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson
Directed by K. Doug Miller

November 25 – December 23, 2023

We're fortunate that Christmastime means Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Snoopy, and friends are back at DCT by popular demand! Rediscover the true reason for the season while sharing laughs with the Peanuts Gang along the way. As a live combo fills your heart with music, merriment, and warmth, Charles Schulz's classic special makes you nostalgic for days gone by. Button up your coat, and meet us on the ice as the Baker Theater becomes a most awesome skating rink!

Recommended for ages 5 and up

Mo Willems'

ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S
"WE ARE IN A PLAY!"

Based on the Elephant & Piggie books by Mo Willems
Published by Hyperion Books for Children
Script and Lyrics by Mo Willems
Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
Originally commissioned and produced
By the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Directed by Nancy Schaeffer

January 21 – February 25, 2024

Mo Willems, author and creator of the #1 New York Times bestselling, Caldecott Honor award–winning Elephant & Piggie and Pigeon picture books, is at it again with ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S "WE ARE IN A PLAY!". Get ready for the play to end all plays – led by two best friends – with very different perspectives. The ever–upbeat Piggie is thrilled to be on stage, while Elephant is a bit busy hoping nothing goes "terribly, horribly, best–friendship endingly wrong" during the duration of the performance. He's getting there... Anything can happen in this goofy, heartfelt show that is sure to have audiences laughing hard.

Recommended for ages 3 and up

LIFE DOESN'T FRIGHTEN ME: I AM FEARLESS ROYALTY

By Paige Hernandez with
Music by Kris Funn
Based on "Life Doesn't Frighten Me" by Dr. Maya Angelou
From the book And Still I Rise
Used with permission of Caged Bird Legacy, LLC
Directed by Paige Hernandez

March 16 – 30, 2024

"Shadows on the wall / Noises down the hall / Life doesn't frighten me at all" begins Dr. Maya Angelou's famous poem which serves as the foundation for Paige Hernandez's LIFE DOESN'T FRIGHTEN ME: I AM FEARLESS ROYALTY. This play, co–commissioned by Children's Theatre of Charlotte, Dallas Children's Theater, The Rose Theater of Omaha, and Children's Theater of Madison, stars four heroes as they conquer their fears using heart, soul, body, and mind. With original music from Grammy–nominated Kris Funn and themes inspired by actual students across the country, this show is a moving multicultural performing arts experience that reminds everyone that LIFE DOESN’T FRIGHTEN ME: I AM FEARLESS ROYALTY.

Recommended for ages 5 and up

C.S. Lewis'

THE MAGICIAN’S NEPHEW

Dramatization by Aurand Harris
Adapted from the story by C.S. Lewis
Directed by Artie Olaisen

April 27 – May 25, 2024

In this prequel to C.S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, young Digory wants nothing more than to save his ailing mother. When Digory's eccentric, bumbling magician uncle tricks him and his neighbor Polly into a world between worlds, they accidentally awaken Jadis, an evil queen who sets her sights on their own home of London. Realism and fantasy collide in this classic adventure story of good versus evil. Mythical kingdoms and deep magic await, and Narnia is born!

Recommended for ages 7 and up

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