Two of the most venerable live-theater venues in the area (and the nation, for that matter) have announced their upcoming schedules, for the 2010-‘11 season.
The Children’s Theatre of Winston- Salem, which has been entertaining audiences since 1940, kicks off its season with the TheatreWorks USA production of EB White’s classic tale Charlotte’s Web (Oct. 1 and 2), inarguably one of the most beloved children’s stories of the 20th century. Next up is the Bright Star production of Jack’s Adventure in American History (Nov. 19-20), a self-explanatory (and extremely audience-friendly) romp through this nation’s history, from the very beginning until the present day. Just remember, kids, the Declaration of Independence was signed in one city and one city only — Philadelphia, Pa. That’s the birthplace of America. Philadelphia has a lot to answer for, because that’s where I was born. (There may be a declaration about that momentous event, but it’s not quite as wellknown… nor should it be.)
The holiday season is always a big favorite at the Children’s Theatre of Winston-Salem, and this year will be no exception, with a special production of Charles Dickens’ immortal yuletide classic A Christmas Carol, presented by the award-winning TheatreIV, celebrating its 30th year as one of the nation’s premier touring children’s theater companies. More than 160 years since its original publication, A Christmas Carol is perhaps the definitive holiday fable. Who among us, of any age, doesn’t know the name “Scrooge”? (In my case, who hasn’t lived it?)
According to Bobby Bodford, the artistic/ education director of the Children’s Theatre, this season fully represents the organization’s commitment to providing the finest in family entertainment to Triad audiences.
“We have performers coming from as far away as Nova Scotia and New York City,” he noted in an official statement, “but we also wanted to showcase some of the South‘s most talented educational outreach groups from Asheville, Charlotte and Richmond, Va. as well. We want our audiences, no matter how young, to see exceptional shows performed right in their own ‘backyard.’ Young minds deserve the very best and that is what this season is all about.”
Performances will take place at the Arts Council Theatre (610 Coliseum Drive, Winston-Salem). Admission to each show is $8 (general admission), $12 (premium seating, for weekend and evening performances only). Discount season-ticket packages are also available for the season.
For ticket reservations or more information (including periodic updates) about the Children’s Theatre of Winston-Salem, including its extensive community programs, call 336.725.4531 or visit the official website: www.childrenstheatrews.org. Not too far away from the Children’s Theatre of Winston-Salem — in fact, only a few steps away — Twin City Stage has announced its 76th season, billed as the “Season of Classic Splendor.”
Diversity’s the name of the game for the 2010-’11 season, which combines some familiar (and friendly) names and a variety of genres that runs the gamut.From here to there. And back again. For the season opener, the gloves aren’t off but the shoes are: Neil Simon’s Broadway classic Barefoot in the Park sets foot on stage beginning Sept. 17, under the direction of Whit Andrews, formerly the executive director of Twin City Stage (back when it was called the Little Theatre of Winston-Salem). Long-time Little Theatre/Twin City Stage favorite Stan Bernstein, a man renowned for his sense of humor and of the absurd (just talk to him), takes a dip into dramatic waters with the unforgettable Harper Lee masterpiece To Kill a Mockingbird, adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel, which opens Oct. 29.
The new year kicks off with David Bottrell and Jessie Jones’ bawdy black comedy Dearly Departed, a flaky, funereal satire about a funeral gone bonkers, directed by Gene Johnson and opening in February. The gears shift again in March with director Jim Shover’s production of the musical Children of Eden, a musical extravaganza based on the Book of Genesis in the Bible. The season then culminates with the closing production, Mitch Albom’s Southernfried farce Duck Hunter Shoots Angel, directed by Mark Pirolo (himself a former executive director of the theater, as well as a long-time faculty member at the UNCSA School of the Arts), which opens fire in March.
All Twin City performances will be held in the Arts Council Theatre (see address above). Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $22 (general admission), $20 (senior citizens 62 and older), $18 (students with valid ID). Group rates and season tickets are also available.
For more information about the goings-on at Twin City Stage, call 336.748.0857, ext. 201 or visit the official website: www.twincitystage. org.
