Marin Theater Company Launches First-Ever Children's Series

Marin Theater Company has teamed up with Bay Area Children’s Theater for a new five-show series geared toward kids ages 3 – 12. It kicks off with The Cat in the Hat from August 10 – 18, followed by Rapunzel, A Year with Frog and Toad, Mercy Watson to the Rescue and Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy, the Musical in May.

“A juggling cat, a melodious frog and a pig who loves buttered toast are certainly not the types of characters our audiences are used to seeing on our stages,” said MTC’s managing director Michael Barker, “But we can’t wait to bring them to MTC! Our new theater series for young audiences will help us better serve our local community by presenting a season of five family friendly plays.”

The decision to draw in a younger audience followed the seven successful, sold-out shows of the Bay Area Children’s production of Ivy + Bean, the Musical at Marin Theater Company in March and April.

“This new program will provide an important linkage between the artistic excellence of our main stage season and our many inspiring education programs that reach over 6,000 local students in Bay Area every year,” Barker said.

The Cat in the Hat
On a cold, cold day too wet to play, Sally (and her brother too) had nothing to do, but sit sit sit. And they did not like it. But then with a BUMP, that made them both jump, appeared The Cat in a Hat! And just like that, Sally and her brother had games to play and a lot of good tricks to pass the day. Their mother won't mind at all, and the mess will be small... Or should they listen to the wish of their responsible pet fish and send this mischievous cat away?

Performance Days
Sat, 8/10 and 8/17, at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Sun, 8/11 and 8/18, at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Upcoming Productions

• In November, MTC produces Rapunzel by Mike Kenny, a clever, playful update of the Grimm fairy tale that focuses on taking risks and overcoming fear rather than the petty grudges of witches and daring deeds of princes. Directed by MTC’s Director of Education Daunielle Rasmussen, this production will then tour Bay Area elementary schools and libraries from January 13 to February 7, 2014, through MTC’s School Tour program, now in its seventh year.

1. In January, MTC presents BACT’s A Year with Frog and Toad, musical based on the books by Arnold Lobel, with music by Robert Reale and book and lyrics by Willie Reale. Lynda Bachman directs this adaptation about two adventurous, amphibious friends, which was nominated for three 2003 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

• In March, MTC presents BACT’s Mercy Watson to the Rescue, based on the children’s book series by Kate DiCamillo. Written by Victoria Stewart and directed by Emily Morrison, this hilarious play follows what happens when the Watsons’ new neighbor calls Animal Control on their pet pig!

• BACT’s world premiere production of Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy, the Musical closes MTC’s first annual theater series for young audiences in May. Adapted by Julia Norton from the books by David Soman and Jacky Davis, this musical will buzz into your heart, as Lulu, Sam and their playground friends explore the power of imagination.

Tickets

Five-show, full-series packages to MTC’s theater series for young audiences are available now – $75 for children and $100 for adults. Tickets for individual performances went on sale July 2. Tickets are $15 for children under the age of 14, $20 for adults and $17 for seniors over 64. For more information about tickets, visit marintheatre.org or contact MTC’s Box Office, (415) 388-5208. Tickets for MTC’s theater series for young audiences are only available through MTC’s Box Office – BACT’s four-show Flex Passes are not applicable for MTC performances.

Other Shows for Kids

In addition to its theater series for young audiences, MTC previously announced that its 2013/14 mainstage season includes five plays that are appropriate for youth and teens. Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol (November 21 – December 15, 2013) and Failure: A Love Story (June 5 – June 29, 2014) are recommended for ages 6 and up; I and You (October 10 – November 3, 2013) for ages 11 and up; and Good People (August 22 – September 15, 2013) and Fences (April 10 – May 4, 2014) for ages 13 and up. Read MTC’s season announcement for more information about these plays.