Beck Center for the Arts - one of the oldest continuously running Youth Theater in the nation - is proud to announce our 67th Anniversary Youth Theater season for 2015 - 2016! Our 2015 - 2016 season brings a classic and beloved children's story (A Little Princess), a look at fairytale life after the story ends (Happily Forever After), a glimpse at the comedy of manners which is parenthood (Bright Ideas) and a joyous musical celebration for children of all ages (Big the Musical). "Last season had a selection of shows filled with big dreamers who follow those urges," noted associate director of Theater Education, Jonathan Kronenberger. "This season, in addition to providing strong and challenging roles for actors, each of these shows follows people who are adjusting to the reality of getting exactly what they wished." Some Beck Center Youth Theater alumni include: Michael Chernus (Orange is the New Black, Manhattan and Men in Black 3) Dee Hoty (three time Tony Nominee), Isabela Moner (Broadway's Evita, 100 Things To Do Before High School), Rory O'Malley (Tony Nominee, Book of Mormon); Daniel Reichard (Drama Desk Nominee, Jersey Boys); and Alice Ripley (Tony Winner, Next to Normal). So come to Beck Center and check out the future of Broadway and Hollywood! Or take a class so you can be part of the magic! You can call for group rates and to schedule your spot at one of our special student matinees. Individual tickets go on sale August 1, 2015 ~ excluding Happily Forever After (call for details). Tickets: $12 Adult/Senior and $10 Children/Student (18 & Under). Reserve tickets at www.beckcenter.org, call 216.521.2540 x10 or simply stop by Beck Center in person. YOUTH THEATER SHOW #1: MACKEY MAIN STAGE A LITTLE PRINCESS Adapted by June Walker Rogers
From the story Sara Crewe by Frances Hodgson Burnett Direction by Jenna Messina
Sara Crewe is one of the most beloved fictional heroines, and June Walker Rogers has brought her to life in this funny, sad, wonderfully imaginative adaptation. In this story, from the same author of The Secret Garden, audiences will identify with Sara as she begins her adventures in "Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies"; laugh with her as she brings happiness to others; weep with her as her fortune changes from rich girl to poor orphan; and rejoice with her when strange events bring still another reversal of her destiny. Student Matinee: Thursday, November 5, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 6, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. Auditions are open to students ages 6 - 19.* YOUTH THEATER SHOW #2: STUDIO THEATER HAPPILY FOREVER AFTER Written by Charlie Lovett Direction by Rachel Spence Snow White, Cinderella and Goldilocks all got their happy endings. But happily-ever-after isn't quite what they imagined. It's just TOO happy with all the charm and of their adoring princes! Meanwhile, Princess Wallflower is hoping to find her own happy ending. After Bad Bart kidnaps her, the princess pleads for a handsome prince to come to her rescue. When all the princes are out searching for her, Snow White, Cinderella and Goldilocks jump on the chance to get their lives back to normal. Will Princess Wallflower's dreams come true? Stay tuned to see who saves the day! Fridays, December 11 & 18, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, December 12 & 19, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. Sundays, December 13 & 20, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. Auditions are open to students ages 6 - 12.* YOUTH THEATER SHOW #3: STUDIO THEATER BRIGHT IDEAS By Eric Coble Direction by Jonathan Kronenberger How far would you go for your child? For Genevra and Joshua Bradley, the question is no longer hypothetical. Their three-year-old son, Mac, is next on the waiting list to get into the Bright Ideas Early Childhood Development Academy-and everyone knows once you're in there, your life will unfold with glorious ease. Josh and Gen have had to scramble all their lives to get this far...and now they are one fatal dinner party away from the ultimate success as parents: The Right Pre-School. You may never look at pre-school-or pesto-the same way again... Fridays, February 25 & March 4, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, February 26 & March 5, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, February 27 & March 6, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. Student Matinee: March 3, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Auditions are open to students ages 12 - 19.* YOUTH THEATER SHOW #4: MACKEY MAIN STAGE BIG, THE MUSICAL Book by John Weidman Music by David Shire Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. Based on the Twentieth Century Fox film Big, written by Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg Directed by Russ Stich Musical Direction by Matthew Dolan The classic 1987 motion picture fantasy bursts onto the stage in this unforgettable theatrical experience. Josh Baskin is sick of being an awkward kid. At a carnival, he makes a wish to the Zoltar machine to become "big". To his shock, his wish is granted. After an understandably awkward beginning, Josh is forced to do "adult" things like getting a job and a girlfriend. In the end he discovers there's much more to being an adult than he's bargained for, and learns we must all grow up at our own pace, in our own time. Fridays, May 13 & 20, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, May 14 & 21, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. Sundays, May 15 & 22, 2015 at 3:00 pm Student Matinee: Thursday, May 19, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Auditions are open to students ages 6 - 19.* *Students must be enrolled in the semester that the show performs in to be eligible to participate in the production. You do not have to be enrolled at the time of auditions. Specific audition days and times will be announced at a later date. * * * * * Beck Center for the Arts is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that offers professional theater productions, arts education programming in dance, music, theater, visual arts, early childhood, and creative arts therapies for special needs students, and gallery exhibits featuring regional artists.