Racine Children’s Theatre Announces 77th Season

RACINE, WI—(September 23, 2009) The Racine Children’s Theatre and Vilter Foundation, series sponsor, are delighted to present the 77th season of plays for young people, at the Racine Theatre Guild, 2519 Northwestern Avenue (Highway 38).

More than just plays, the RCT offers a theatrical experience. Kids are fascinated by the lovable mascot, Packy the Elephant, who introduces each performance. After every show, the costumed characters greet children and sign autographs in the lobby. The Racine Children’s Theatre has been introducing young people to the wonder of live theatre since 1933.

The RCT season has four “Packy Plays” with eight performances each: Fridays at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 12, 2 and 4 p.m. Plays are generally one hour in length. To make it more convenient for families, the play schedule has been adjusted to start one month later, in November. Here is the slate for 2009-2010:

• “Winnie the Pooh,” November 6, 7 & 8, 2009
Join in the adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Rabbit, Eeyore, Owl and Christopher Robin, A. A. Milne’s cherished characters brought to life by UW-Whitewater actors. The rumor in the forest is that a new animal is moving in: Her name is Kanga and she is bringing along her son, Roo, as well as baths, soaps and . . . poison?! Can the band of friends protect each other from the threat of Kanga? Between this struggle and Pooh’s eternal search for “hunny,” the group learns the value of a true friend. Sponsored by Racine Junior Women’s Club

• “Alice in Wonderland,” January 8, 9 & 10, 2010
Journey to a land where nonsense makes good sense. From the moment Alice falls down a rabbit hole into Wonderland, a fantasy begins to unfold and the fun never stops. E. Motions presents this musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s enchanting tale. As Alice makes her way through a magical chess-board kingdom, you’ll encounter the White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, and many other odd and unusual, yet recognizable characters. Sponsored by Just Add Kids

• “Seussical (Theatre for Young Audiences Version),” February 12, 13 & 14, 2010
“After all those years being stuck on a page, did you ever imagine you’d see me onstage?” So says the mischievous Cat in the Hat as he introduces this marvelous, mystical, musical extravaganza. The colorful tales of Dr. Seuss are seamlessly brought together by Jojo, a young boy and “thinker of strange and wonderful thinks!” Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and the Whos of Whoville are lovingly portrayed by E. Motions. Sponsored by DeRose Children’s Dentistry

• “Peter Pan,” March 27, 28 & 29, 2010
The boy who can fly and refuses to grow up, Peter Pan, has captured the imaginations and hearts of little pirates and fairies for generations. The impish Peter, who leads a gang of lost boys, and his friend Wendy, a “normal” child, encounter mermaids, Indians and a ticking crocodile while trying to defeat the villainous Captain Hook. Emerald City Theatre of Chicago brings to the RCT stage this musical based on J. M. Barrie’s beloved book. Sponsored by JoJo’s Toys

Tickets are available for all shows. Season tickets are priced at $18 for the four plays (four for the price of three). Individual play tickets are $6 each for children and adults. Seating is by general admission (no reserved seats).

This year, for the first time, brochures are not being distributed through area schools. Children’s Theatre brochures are being mailed directly to homes with youngsters in the prime age group, from 4 years old through fifth grade.

Those who don’t receive the brochure in the mail may pick one up from the theatre or call to have one mailed or sent electronically. The box office can be reached at 262-633-4218, weekdays between noon and 6 p.m. Information is available online at www.racinetheatre.org.

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