(Seattle, Wash.) Seattle Children’s Theatre (SCT) is proud to open its 45th season with the World Premiere of Black Beauty.
Adapted from the beloved novel by Anna Sewell, this spirited tale of bravery and perseverance kicks off the theatre’s 2019-2020 season with a powerful stride. Directed by SCT Artistic Director Courtney Sale and written by James Still, the production runs in SCT’s Charlotte Martin Theater from September 27 through October 27, 2019.
For SCT, adapting Black Beauty has long been in the works. When Courtney Sale first interviewed for the Artistic Director role in 2016, she presented her ideal season to SCT’s Board of Trustees with Black Beauty as the centerpiece. “This story reminds us kindness is the best platform for growth. We cheer for Beauty when he receives kindness and our hearts ache when it is withheld. This evocation, alongside the extraordinary artistry of the SCT team, will make for a dynamic experience for children and their families.” After three years of hard work, this passion project has finally come to life for its World Premiere at SCT.
First published in 1877, Black Beauty has become one of the best-selling books of all time. Originally intended by author Anna Sewell to "induce kindness, sympathy, and an understanding treatment of horses", SCT’s production continues Sewell’s work with the help of live music, a multi-generational cast, and innovative large-scale puppetry.
“Our connections to horses run deep”, says Annett Mateo, Master Puppet Artisan on the production. “Bringing that idea of our personal connection to them, each of the horses are made out of different materials and styles; each has its own personality and look”.
Audiences can watch as the performance takes Black Beauty from a carefree, optimistic colt in country pastures to a workhorse in the busy streets of London where he meets a colorful group of characters along the way. Brimming with compassion, this SCT commission and World Premiere invites us to seek kindness in the face of adversity.
Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased online or by calling the Ticket Office at 206.441.3322. As Black Beauty deals with themes of loss, tribulation and adversity, it is recommended for patrons aged six and older.
The Details
What: Black Beauty
Where: Seattle Children’s Theatre, 201 Thomas Street
Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased online or by calling the Ticket Office at 206.441.3322.
Dates & Times: September 27–October 27, 2019. Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., & Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The show runs approximately 1 hours and 40 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
Where: Seattle Children’s Theatre, 201 Thomas Street
Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased online or by calling the Ticket Office at 206.441.3322.
Dates & Times: September 27–October 27, 2019. Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., & Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The show runs approximately 1 hours and 40 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
Cast and crew
The cast includes Richard Sloniker (Black Beauty); Conner Neddersen (Gordon/Reuben Smith/Jerry Barker); Annelih GH Hamilton (Ginger/Captain/Fowler); Reginald Andre Jackson (Merrylegs/York/Max/Wicked Man/Servant/Joe/Skinner); Hana Lass (Mother/Mistress/Mary/ Justice); Andy Ganter (Henry/Colt); Leif Coomer (Henry/Colt); Gavin Bradler (Charles the Dog); Tia Kwanbock (Charles the Dog); Eloise Peterson (Young Girl/ Grandchild); Ariadne Taw (Young Girl/ Grandchild); Izzy Rampersad (Dolly/Colt); Kaia Rubin (Dolly/Colt); Keagan Estes (Little Joe/Grandchild); Nava Ruthfield (Little Joe/Grandchild); Vritka Gupta (Flora/Grandchild); Mikayla Sanchez (Flora/Grandchild)
The Creative Team includes Courtney Sale (Director), Cris Reynolds (Stage Manager), Kiera Krieg (Production Assistant), Amy Jurkiewicz (Youth Cast Supervisor), Carey Wong (Scenic Designer), Trevor Bowen (Costume Designer), Connie Yun (Lighting Designer), Rob Witmer (Music Director), Angie Louise (Musician/ Composer), Chris Walker (Sound Designer), Annett Mateo (Puppet Designer & Coach)
The Creative Team includes Courtney Sale (Director), Cris Reynolds (Stage Manager), Kiera Krieg (Production Assistant), Amy Jurkiewicz (Youth Cast Supervisor), Carey Wong (Scenic Designer), Trevor Bowen (Costume Designer), Connie Yun (Lighting Designer), Rob Witmer (Music Director), Angie Louise (Musician/ Composer), Chris Walker (Sound Designer), Annett Mateo (Puppet Designer & Coach)
Upcoming events
Meet Pete, Little Bit Therapy Horse | Opening Night, September 27, 2019, 6:00 p.m.
Patrons can meet Pete, a miniature pony who serves as a therapy horse at local therapeutic riding organization, Little Bit. Pete will be in the lobby beginning at 6:00 p.m., one hour before the scheduled performance along with more pre-show opening night celebrations include drinks, appetizers and photo booth fun for the whole family! Activities included with ticket purchase. Little Bit is a riding center dedicated to helping people with disabilities transform the bodies, minds, and spirits through their relationships with horses. Learn more about Little Bit here.
Sensory Friendly Performance, October 6, 2019, 11:00 a.m.
SCT’s Sensory Friendly showing is a relaxed performance which incorporates special modifications to accommodate children and families with sensory needs. Learn more about Sensory Friendly Performances here.
ASL/AD Performance, October 12, 2019, 1:00 p.m.
SCT’s Audio Description (AD) and American Sign Language (ASL) performances use narration services and professional interpreters to help us work towards the goal of helping visually and audibly impaired audience members share in the experience of live theatre more fully. Learn more about ASL/AD here.
View the Calendar
Patrons can meet Pete, a miniature pony who serves as a therapy horse at local therapeutic riding organization, Little Bit. Pete will be in the lobby beginning at 6:00 p.m., one hour before the scheduled performance along with more pre-show opening night celebrations include drinks, appetizers and photo booth fun for the whole family! Activities included with ticket purchase. Little Bit is a riding center dedicated to helping people with disabilities transform the bodies, minds, and spirits through their relationships with horses. Learn more about Little Bit here.
Sensory Friendly Performance, October 6, 2019, 11:00 a.m.
SCT’s Sensory Friendly showing is a relaxed performance which incorporates special modifications to accommodate children and families with sensory needs. Learn more about Sensory Friendly Performances here.
ASL/AD Performance, October 12, 2019, 1:00 p.m.
SCT’s Audio Description (AD) and American Sign Language (ASL) performances use narration services and professional interpreters to help us work towards the goal of helping visually and audibly impaired audience members share in the experience of live theatre more fully. Learn more about ASL/AD here.
View the Calendar
