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

Booking begins August 2

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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 shows
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

Booking begins August 2

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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

Booking begins August 2

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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

Booking begins August 2

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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

Booking begins August 2

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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

Booking begins August 2

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DCT's NATIONAL TOURING PRODUCTION

MISS NELSON HAS A FIELD DAY

Book, Music & Lyrics by Joan Cushing
Based on the book by Harry Allard and James Marshall
Directed by K. Doug Miller

Estimated Run Time: 60 minutes

Kindergarten and up
Cost: $5 per person

Are you ready for some football?! Well...don't look to the Horace B. Smedley Tornadoes for a win because they've never even scored a single point! With an unfocused team that won't change their attitudes, Coach Armstrong goes crazy. So, Miss Nelson, the school's favorite teacher, calls in a trusted, but highly feared reinforcement in this zany musical spectacular. The bold and intimidating Coach Viola Swamp whips the Tornadoes into shape just in time for the big rivalry game. Ready. Set. Hut!

Show Themes: Humor, School, Sports, Team Effort, Hard Work

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TEEN SCENE PLAYERS present...

THE RAVEN SOCIETY

By Philip Schaeffer
Music by Philip Schaeffer
Based on Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven"
Directed by Nancy Schaeffer

Estimated Run Time: 45 minutes

Grade 4 and up
Cost: $5 per person

Quoth the Raven..."Nevermore." Meet The Raven Society: a group of nine dedicated to meeting at midnight to recite and discuss Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven." Trouble is, it happens to be the 2020 pandemic, and health recommendations deem meeting in a graveyard – while appealingly atmospheric – just too uncertain for this spooky group. Surely a Zoom call would work just as well. But, what's this mysterious figure that keeps appearing? In this eerie, funny, and educational show, The Raven Society proves that true horror dwells within.

Show Themes: Creativity, Imagination, Social Distancing

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TEEN SCENE PLAYERS present...

ANDI BOI

Written and Directed by Bruce R. Coleman
Co-produced with Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts
in partnership with First Unitarian Church of Dallas

Estimated Run Time: 60 minutes

Grade 7 and up
(Contains adult language)

Cost: $5 per person

As more and more young people are coming to terms with gender identity and transitioning, there is a need for resources that can encourage conversation and understanding in a safe and open environment. Dallas Children's Theater is pleased to add this topic to its series of internationally-recognized teen issue plays. Andi is a transgender teen entering his first day of school identifying as a male. Former classmates recall his last name when they hear it, but there is something different about Andi that keeps the dots from connecting clearly in their minds. Soon his new teachers, classmates, and his classmates' parents will figure it out. How will they react? With aggression? With compassion? With confusion? Inspired by one teen's journey, ANDI BOI is told with a sensitivity towards Andi and uses wit, heart, and warmth to help audiences find their way to greater compassion and awareness. Setting up post-show conversations with subject matter resources is encouraged. Contact DCT for assistance.

Inspired by one teen's journey, this play is not attempting to represent the spectrum of scenarios that are going on in the transgender community, but rather to pave a way to start conversation and foster awareness and understanding.

Show Themes: Gender Identity, Tolerance, Empathy, Kindness, Growth

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