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Manhattan Children's Theatre |
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Manhattan Children's Theatre is committed to producing affordable, high quality theatrical experiences for both children and families. It exists to ensure that the community has access to important works of Classic Literature and timely, poignant New Work, ultimately providing a live theatrical experience that encourages reading, critical thinking, curiosity of the world today and the world of tomorrow, as well as communication between children, their families and their educators.
MCT performances are made possible in part by the Manhattan Community Arts Fund/New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, The New York Mercantile Exchange Foundation, The JPMorgan Chase Regrant Fund, a project of A.R.T./New York, The Peter J. Sharp Foundation and by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, with support from the September 11th Fund and The Trump Soho partnership.
Schedule of Upcoming Productions
Production History
| Brave Irene
| Open: 02/18/06 Close: 04/02/06
By William Steig, author of Shrek! this tale follows Irene through challenging adventures as she tries to help her sick mother make ends meet. Facing the harsh winter elements such as Wind, Cold, and Darkness, Irene finds the courage and strength within herself to complete her mission-learning true love can actually save the day! (Suitable for all ages!) | |
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| Brave Irene
| Open: 12/31/05 Close: 02/12/06
Finding strength and courage to forge on, even through the toughest elements is what gives Irene her name! Determined to deliver a dress to the Grand Duchess to help her sick mother make ends meet, Irene faces the dark of night, the strength of the wind and the sting of the cold...yet she doesn't give up! Irene's perseverance sets an example for children and adults alike! Manhattan Children's Theatre's musical production of William Steig's well-known book will warm the hearts of all this winter season. Directed by Bruce Merrill Featured in the cast are: Chris Kloko, Maura Malone, Britni Orcutt, Perryn Pomatto, Dilhya Ross, Heather Weneck. | |
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| Elves and the Shoemaker
| Open: 11/15/08 Close: 01/04/09
Grimmsville takes on a contemporary, urban beat in this adaptation of the well-loved Brothers' Grimm tale. A fairy tale doesn't have to be "old fashioned" just ask Eric, the shoemaker, as he tries to sell his shoes in a world that is clearly and quickly passing him by. His loyal wife and doting, but clever, daughter love him dearly, but they know something must change to keep their family financially afloat. Could they ever imagine that help would come to them from a couple of homeless elves? All ages will enjoy MCT's comedic adaptation of this timeless tale a tale of giving without expectations, of being accountable for one's actions and, most importantly, for remembering the true love of a family. | |
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Harry the Dirty Dog
| Open: 01/10/09 Close: 02/22/09
Manhattan Children's Theatre is pleased to announce its first production of 2009: "Harry the Dirty Dog", based on the book by Gene Zion and adapted for the stage by Karen Abbott. Co-Founder and Artistic Director, Bruce Merrill directs. Harry just HATES taking a bath. He hates it so much that one day he decides to never take a bath again and he runs away from home. He is so thrilled with his newfound freedom and the many friends he meets along the way that he doesn't realize what a mess he's made of himself. He's so dirty that his family doesn't even recognize him! Kids of all ages will relate to Harry and his brave adventures in this adaptation of Gene Zion's classic children's book. Featured in the weekend cast are: Kevin Fitzpatrick (Narrator); Kristen Fleming (Girl); Matthew Minor (Boy); Nicole Rhatigan (Harry). This production is suitable for all ages. | |
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| If You Give a Mouse A Coolie
| Open: 09/30/06 Close: 11/12/06
How can one tiny mouse make such a terrible mess? When a young boy is home alone for the afternoon, he is met by a seemingly harmless little creature...harmless that is, until he asks the boy if he would share a cookie with him. Giving that mouse one tiny cookie sets off a chain of events the boy will never forget! This rollicking comedy will keep all ages giggling, and certainly weary of ever having a mouse as a pet! Recommended for Ages 4 and up. | |
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| Jack & The Beanstalk
| Open: 04/08/06 Close: 05/21/06
A Beanstalk in Brooklyn?? This very hip, New York version of the classic tale follows Jack, a forlorn "artist-type" who is forced to actually work for a living! When he finds the treasures the beanstalk offers, he realizes cell phones and bling-bling may not be the real blessings he was actually looking for! This production is suitable for audiences ages 4 and up. Music direction by Kirstin Lee Rosenfeld | |
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| Last of the Dragons
| Open: 12/31/05 Close: 02/12/06
Princes are supposed to save princesses from Dragons! But what if neither the Princess nor the Dragon wants to cooperate? Based on the short story by E. Nesbit, The Last of the Dragons tells the story of a Princess and Dragon, both determines to break from tradition, but for very different reasons! (Suitable for all ages!) | |
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| Little Tales
| Open: 04/18/06 Close: 05/24/06
MCT's second Little Tales series presents folk tales originating throughout the continent of Africa. These tales chronicle the adventures of Anansi, the lazy but sneaky spider, Dukufruioko, the gracious and friendly turtle and Zomo, the wise and creative Rabbit...as well as plenty of other animals and characters from the region. Using puppetry, masks, live action and plenty of audience participation, these performances are a perfect vehicle to introduce this young age group to the joys of live theater.
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| Little Tales
| Open: 02/21/06 Close: 03/29/06
MCT's first Little Tales series begins with folk tales from North America including the Navajo Indian Tales of Coyote's Rain Song and A Handful of Quartz, The Arikara Tribe's tale of The Coyote and Turtle's Race, the Ottawa Tribe's tale of the Mermaid and the Waterfall and The Cherokee tribe's tale of Tricky Rabbit's Fancy Dancing. Using puppetry, masks, live action and plenty of audience participation, these performances are a perfect vehicle to introduce this These productions are suitable for children ages 2-5. | |
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| Little Tales
| Open: 06/06/06 Close: 06/29/06
MCT's third Little Tales series presents folk tales from Greece, home of Aesop and his famous fables! The tales will include: Country Mouse & City Mouse, The Boy Who Cried Wolfe, The Tortoise and the Hare and other favorites. Using puppetry, masks, live action and plenty of audience participation, these performances are a perfect vehicle to introduce this young age group to the joys of live theater. These productions are suitable for children ages 2-6. | |
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| Manhattan Children's Theatre 2006-2007 Season
| Open: 09/30/06 Close: 05/20/07
If you Give a Mouse a Cookie Based on the book by Laura Joffe Numeroof Adapted for the stage by Jody Davidson September 30-November 12, 2006 (Suitable for ages 4 and up) How can one tiny mouse make such a terrible mess? When a young boy is home alone for the afternoon, he is met by a seemingly harmless little creature...harmless that is, until he asks the boy if he would share a cookie with him. Giving that mouse one cookie sets off a chain of events the boy will never forget! This rollicking comedy will keep all ages giggling, and certainly weary of ever having a mouse as a pet!
Modern movement with both traditional and original music bring this well-known holiday tale to life. As the heartless miser Scrooge faces his future through the visits of four uninvited spirits, he awakens Christmas morning with a new heart. This family holiday tradition reminds us all to look within ourselves and renew our spirits of compassion and generosity.
Pat, Patterson and Patty are piglets in every sense of the word, except that they are skinny rather than fat! That doesn't stop Bad, the big bad singing wolf, from still wanting to eat them though! Spend a day in the lives of these three piggies as they learn that their differences make them special, and how through working together they can overcome anything. This musical comedy will keep all ages in huffin' and puffin' hysterics!
Is that a DOG I see driving that Dodge? Dogs take on human characteristics in this circus-like adaptation of the popular children's picture book! Watch canines dance, swim, climb trees and even drive cars in this musical comedy good for all ages!
Miss Nelson's "alter ego", Viola Swamp, is back in full form and intends to | |
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| Miss Nelson Is Missing!
| Open: 02/26/05 Close: 04/03/05
The kids in Room 207 are the worst...ever! After many attempts by the sweet, kind Miss Nelson to teach them obedience, respect and the difference between right and wrong, she suddenly goes "missing." Her replacement, Viola Swamp, doesn't allow any misbehaving...nor any fun. Although the students start learning...they miss their former teacher terribly. So they set out to find Miss Nelson and prove they really have changed! This musical adaptation, based on the favorite children's books: Miss Nelson is Missing! and Miss Nelson is Back! is suitable for all ages! | |
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| Rapunzel
| Open: 04/16/05 Close: 05/22/05
In this twist on the classic fairy tale, Rapunzel is snatched from her parents on the night of her birth by the evil witch who lives next door and is raised in a tower for sixteen years. The beautiful young woman finds her prince, but he turns out to be quite different than she expected; he is her twin brother! Together, they defeat the witch and are reunited with their true parents. This musical adaptation is perfect fun for children (both BOYS & GIRLS) of all ages. directed by Bruce Merrill, Music Direction by Timothy O'Brien. | |
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| Sideways Stories From Wayside School
| Open: 10/14/04 Close: 11/06/05
Wayside School was accidentally build 30 stories high instead of 20 classrooms wide (the architect apologized). However, attending class on the 20th floor is even more strange than tiring! Teachers turn students into apples, reading is done by standing on one's head, pigtails come to life and computers get thrown out of the window to teach lessons in gravity! Manhattan Children's Theatre's production brings Sachar's stories to live in a fast-paced comedic setting that will entertain anyone who has ever sat in a classroom. | |
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Stanley's Party
| Open: 04/24/10 Close: 05/31/10
Manhattan Children’s Theatre proudly presents: STANLEY'S PARTY Music/ Lyrics by Seth Bisen-Hersh Book by Caroline Cala Based on "Stanley's Party" and "Stanley's Wild Ride" by Linda Bailey with illustrations by Bill Slavin Starring: Kyra Bromberg, Crystal Davidson, Ryan Makely, Derek Rommel & Barry Shafrin "Stanley is really a good dog. Really. He listens, does what he’s told and never makes a mess. Well, almost never – It’s just that he’s dying for excitement and temptation is around every corner. All ages will love to test the boundaries with Stanley and his friends as they realize that being on their own isn’t exactly what they thought it would be." April 24 - May 31, 2010 Saturdays & Sundays at Noon & 2pm Special Memorial Day performances Monday May 31 at Noon & 2pm Reservations: 212-352-3101 or www.theatermania.com Tickets: $20 ($50 Priority Seating) Manhattan Children’s Theatre 52 White Street in Tribeca (2 blocks south of Canal Street between Broadway and Church) Direction by: Bruce Merrill Musical Direction by: James Olmstead Choreography by: Erin Porvaznika Sets and Props by: Cully Long Costume Design by: Nora Gustuson Lighting Design by: Anjeanette Stokes Sound Design and Technical Direction by: John D. Ivy Production Management: Christie Love Santiago Stage Management: Livia Hall General Management: Danielle Cogan Managing Director: Chris Alonzo www.mctny.or | |
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| The Snow Maiden
| Open: 11/12/05 Close: 12/18/05
Based on Russian Fairy Tales, this story takes us on a journey with the daughter of Father Frost and Faerie Spring, who is not able to fall in love, since doing so would cause her heart to melt. But when she fears losing her two newly made friends because of this, she decides to take the chance of her lifetime! (Suitable for all ages!) | |
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