Boston Children's Theatre Announces 2011-2012 Season

Boston Children's Theatre (BCT) has announced a five-show season to celebrate the theatre's 60th Anniversary. Featuring a holiday tradition, two World Premieres and two children's classics, BCT is taking dramatic steps to broaden the scope and diversity of plays and musicals for today's youth. To further elevate the theater's profile in the community, BCT will be performing all five productions at the Boston Center for the Arts.

According the Burgess Clark, BCT's Executive Artistic Director, the 2011- 2012 season is a reflection of the theater's goals and objectives for future. "Since 1951 Boston Children's Theatre has become a gateway for local children of all ages to experience theater and the arts," said Clark. "As we enter our 60th year, our goal is to take a greater leadership position in the development and production of new works for children while at the same time continuing to provide quality programming and training for young theater artists both on stage and behind the scenes. It is going to be a very exciting year."

Kicking off the 60th season, is the audience favorite THE VELVETEEN RABBIT. In its third season at BCT, this enchanting play features puppetry combined with live actors to create a magical experience for people of all ages. "This timeless classic speaks to the holiday themes of hope, family and belief," revealed Clark. "It is about the strength and power of a child's imagination and each year our production evolves and changes. It is quickly becoming a holiday tradition for many families." THE VELVETEEN RABBIT runs December 3 through December 18.

In keeping with the theater's commitment to developing new works, BCT will introduce the World Premiere of the musical CALVIN'S MONSTER to an entirely new generation of theatergoers. Created for children from kindergarten through 4th grade, CALVIN'S MONSTER is based on the children's book "Fairy Tale Moments" by Marcia Trimble and was adapted for the stage by Burgess Clark. Scared of his shadow, Calvin seeks the aid of famous storybook characters to help him overcome his fears. Written with a modern twist, including Peter Pan and Little Red Riding Hood with cell phones and pagers, CALVIN'S MONSTER entertains while teaching valuable lessons about staying strong and overcoming adversity. CALVIN'S MONSTER runs February 4 through February 12.

The true story of a 17 year-old gay student from Cumberland, Rhode Island who sued his high school in 1980 for the right to escort his boyfriend to his high school prom, is the basis for this groundbreaking World Premiere of the play REFLECTIONS OF A ROCK LOBSTER. Adapted by Burgess Clark from the autobiographical book by Aaron Fricke, the play makes a powerful statement about bullying, intolerance and hope. "BCT is extremely proud to be the first children's theatre to address these often sensitive subjects on our mainstage. By dealing with the issues of bullying and prejudice, BCT hopes to enlighten our audiences with positive messages about tolerance and acceptance. There are lessons in this story that we can all learn from, regardless of our age, gender, or life choices." REFLECTIONS OF A ROCK LOBSTER runs March 3 through March 11.

A magical peach! An incredible journey! Insect friends! In JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, Roald Dahl's story comes hilariously to life in this family musical that reveals the wickedness of some and the goodness of others. Follow James, the wise Old-Green-Grasshopper and the pessimistic Earthworm on their wild adventure. And, don't forget James' mean Aunt Spiker and cruel Aunt Sponge! Tied into BCT's curriculum based programming, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH is the perfect musical for students ages 5 and up. JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH runs March 17 through March 25.

Rounding out the 60th Anniversary season is the timeless classic ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. In this enchanting new musical adaptation, audiences will cheer for our heroine Anne as she fights against adversity and tells the truth, regardless of the consequences. Taught in schools around the world, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES is regarded as one of the most important pieces of 20th century literature. According to Clark, it is also a fitting production to close out the 60th Anniversary season. "While set in an era over 100 years ago, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES is as relevant today as it was a century ago," said Clark. "Comparatively, since 1951 BCT has provided a creative and artistic outlet for thousands of students and after 60 years our goals to inspire and educate children have never been more relevant or essential." ANNE OF GREEN GABLES runs May 5 through May 13.

Subscriptions for the 2011 - 2012 season are on sale now and range from $58 for a Three Show Subscription to $78 for a Four Show Subscription. Family subscriptions packages are also available for $165. Early bird discounts are available through October 15. Single tickets go on sale November 1 for all shows. All productions will be held at the Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont Street, Boston, MA. In addition, BCT's Theatre for Young Audiences program provides affordable access to all BCT productions with performances for school audiences during the week. For subscriptions, tickets and more information about school performances, visit www.bostonchildrenstheatre.org or call 617-424-6634, x222.

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