(Seattle, Wash.) Seattle Children’s Theatre, the world-renowned and leading theatre institution for young people, is proud to announce their upcoming 2019-2020 lineup.
The 45th season is bursting with bold adaptations, timeless tales reimagined for new audiences, and innovative new works that are designed to delight young people aged three years and older. Season tickets are on sale now and are 40 percent off when purchased by June 14.
The season opens at a galloping pace with the World Premiere equestrian adventure Black Beauty, adapted by James Still and based on the beloved, best-selling novel by Anna Sewell. Brimming with compassion, this is the story of a beautiful horse’s journey from carefree colt to a workhorse on the busy streets of London, to his graceful retirement in a country pasture. Sure to resonate with the whole family, this SCT commission invites us to seek kindness in the face of adversity. Black Beauty is under the direction of SCT’s Artistic Director, Courtney Sale, whose work alongside Still, former writer and story editor for Maurice Sendak's long-running Little Bear, as well as one of the screenwriters for The Little Bear Movie, has brought her longtime vision to life. “We are honored to realize this production, a true labor of love years in the making, as a world premiere on SCT’s stage,” shares Sale. “This exquisite adaptation by the extraordinary James Still is bound to delight audiences of all ages. We are excited to share it with you.”
Just in time for the holidays comes the playful adventure, Corduroy. Late at night while the world sleeps, a curious bear named Corduroy searches every inch of a department store in pursuit of his missing button. Leaving behind delightful messes, a Night Watchman is on the case to discover the origin of this playful destruction. All the while, a young girl dreams of bringing Corduroy home as a new cuddle companion. Don Freeman’s joyful pictures come to vibrant life in this fun and highly physical adaptation, sure to surprise all audiences.
Forget everything you thought you knew about Snow White, which ushers in the New Year at SCT. Deep in the forest, a classic tale emerges and is then radically transformed. Two dynamic actors morph into a multitude of characters – including a princess, her evil queen, a magical mirror, a huntsman, and the humorous seven dwarfs. Both lively and imaginative, this new adaptation will leave you experiencing this classical story with an entirely fresh perspective and asking: How did they do that?
In March 2020, SCT welcomes internationally acclaimed playwright and storyteller Kevin Kling, in The Best Summer Ever!, which Kling both writes and performs, alongside a lively musician. Kling, who gained worldwide recognition for his frequent commentaries on NPR’s All Things Considered, has seen his plays and adaptations performed at theatres around the world. In this charming tale, the audience is immersed in childhood summers at their purest. For nine-year-old Maurice Abernathy Anderson, a significant loss and one little lie means his summer just got more complicated. Featuring rousing sing-alongs, The Best Summer Ever! joyfully explores the way in which childhood is measured by sights, sounds, feelings, and love.
Rounding out the season is everybody’s favorite fowl in Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: The Musical! The Pigeon really wants to drive the bus. He really, really, really wants to! When the bus driver has a small emergency, it looks as though our feathered friend’s dreams may come true. Featuring a combination of puppets, songs and feathers, this comedic drive will be sure to get your toes tapping and wings flapping. From the brilliant imagination of Mo Willems and based on the New York Times #1 best-selling book, Pigeon is an interactive romp with one of youth literature’s most hilarious characters.
The 2019-2020 season is supported by generous contributions from season sponsors Microsoft, ArtsFund, The Shubert Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which will help the organization serve 130,000 annually and provide more than 60,000 free or significantly reduced tickets to children in the Puget Sound area.
SCT’s accessible performance options include Sensory-Friendly performances for those with sensory sensitivities, Audio Described performances for those who are blind or have low vision, and ASL interpreted performances for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
