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

October 12 – 20, 2023 at 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM
Maximum Theater Capacity: 385
Estimated Run Time: 60 minutes

Kindergarten and up

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.

Show Themes: Good vs. Evil, Coming of Age, Nature, Animals, Inner Beauty, Family, Dance, Music

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TEEN SCENE PLAYERS present...

THE SECRET LIFE OF GIRLS

By Linda Daugherty
Directed by Nancy Schaeffer

October 10 – 12, 2023 at 10:30 AM
Maximum Theater Capacity: 138
Estimated Running Time: 90 minutes, includes talkback

Grade 7 and up (Not suitable for children under 12)

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

Show Themes: Bullying and Cyberbullying, Conflict Resolution, Peer Pressure, Kindness

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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 15 – December 15, 2023 at 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM with selected 10:30 AM shows
Maximum Theater Capacity: 385
Estimated Run Time: 60 minutes

Kindergarten and up

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!

Show Themes: Friendship, Acceptance, Empathy, Holiday Spirit, Teamwork

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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 23 – March 1, 2024 at 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM with selected 10:30 AM shows
Maximum Theater Capacity: 385
Estimated Run Time: 60 minutes

Pre-K and up

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.

Show Themes: Friendship, Positivity, Balance, Humor, Fun, Overcoming Anxiety, Theater

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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 19 – April 5, 2024 at 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM with selected 10:30 AM shows
Maximum Theater Capacity: 385
Estimated Run Time: 60 minutes

Kindergarten and up

"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.

Show Themes: Courage, Connection, Kindness, Lifting Others Up, Pride, Joy, Fun, Poetry

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C.S. Lewis'

THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW

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

April 25 – May 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM with selected 10:30 AM shows
Maximum Theater Capacity: 385
Estimated Running Time: 75 minutes plus intermission

Grade 2 and up

In this prequel to C.S. Lewis' 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!

Show Themes: Good Vs. Evil, Magic, Adventure, Action, Family, Forgiveness, Love, Healing

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