Compassion, tolerance, love, respect, dignity and FUN! Boston Children's Theatre (BCT) celebrates the strength and power of the human (and animal!) spirit with an exhilarating and inspirational 5-show 2012-2013 season. Featuring titles that appeal to a broad age range, BCT continues to serve a growing population of young theatergoers and their families. BCT is also proud to announce a continued relationship with the Boston Center for the Arts (BCA), as the majority of the season will be performed at the BCA theaters.

According the Burgess Clark, BCT's Executive Artistic Director, the 2012- 2013 season features courageous characters who are triumphant in the face of adversity, whether it is overcoming a fear of rejection, getting through a very bad day, or fighting against discrimination and prejudice. "In actuality, this is one of our most inspirational and uplifting seasons," said Clark. "We are proud to introduce new audiences to our World Premiere production of 'Reflections of a Rock Lobster' about a gay teen who overcomes adversity to win the right to bring his boyfriend to the prom. For younger audiences, 'The Velveteen Rabbit,' beautifully demonstrates how love has the power to transform, and in the wildly fun musical 'HONK!' audiences will also learn valuable lessons about tolerance and understanding. We are honored to enter our 61st season with pieces that expand the horizons of youth theater and demonstrate how inspirational live performance can be."

Kicking off the 2012 - 2013 season, is the audience favorite THE VELVETEEN RABBIT. Back by popular demand for a fourth season, this enchanting play features puppetry combined with live actors to create a magical experience for people of all ages. "This endearing production has captured the hearts of thousands of children and their families over the past 3 years" revealed Clark. "Focusing on the power of love and companionship, it has become both an instant classic and a holiday tradition for BCT audiences." THE VELVETEEN RABBIT runs December 9 through December 22.

BCT is thrilled to produce the Olivier Award winning musical HONK!. Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story The Ugly Duckling, HONK! tells the story of tolerance and love, and it has enthralled audiences throughout the United States and across the pond in Britain. "HONK! is one of our most requested musicals," revealed Clark. "Featuring a large cast, a tremendous musical score, and fanciful costumes and sets, this production promises to be a highlight of our season." HONK! runs February 9 through February 24.

"We wanted to give the public another opportunity to experience this profoundly inspirational and critically acclaimed play," revealed BCT Executive Producer Toby Schine. "That is why we decided to include REFLECTIONS OF A ROCK LOBSTER in our 2012-2013 season." The recipient of an Elliot Norton nomination for Outstanding New Script, REFLECTIONS OF A ROCK LOBSTER is based on a 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. 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 have been the first children's theatre to address these often sensitive subjects on our mainstage," said Schine. "By dealing with the issues of bullying and prejudice, BCT hopes to continue to enlighten new 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 9 through March 17.

Have you ever had one of those days? BCT knows that people of all ages can relate to the experiences facing young Alexander in the wonderful musical, ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY. Faced with a myriad of unexpected mishaps from gum in his hair to having a cavity, to spilling ink on his father's desk, Alexander is really having a bad day. With a message that reaches people of all generations, ALEXANDER will make you smile, even on the very worst day. ALEXANDER runs April 13 - April 21.

BCT rounds out the season with a musical beloved by teachers, schoolchildren, their parents, and their grandparents. SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK! is an entertaining and educational journey into the worlds of multiplication, science, government and grammar. Plus, it's fun! Featuring such memorable songs as "I'm Just A Bill," "Conjunction Junction," and "My Hero, Zero," SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK! teaches kids how interesting learning can be. According to Clark, "This show is a wonderful opportunity for parents to relive their childhood memories of Saturday morning television and for their children to experience the magic of SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK! for the very first time." SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK! runs April 24 - May 5.

Subscriptions for the 2012 - 2013 season are on sale now and range from $60 for a Three Show Subscription to $75 for a Four Show Subscription. Family subscriptions packages (for four members) are also available for 4-shows at $250 and 3-shows at $200. Early bird incentives are available through September 10, 2012. Single tickets go on sale November 1 for all shows. This year's season (with the exception of THE VELVETEEN RABBIT) 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.