Fantasy Playhouse to launch ‘Space Monkeys!’ on May 9-12
Madison Visionary Partners or MVP has awarded Community Impact Grants for 2024 to five groups. The awards ceremony included MVP Chair Brenda Matthews, from left; Kelly Hatley, Madison Hospital; Lee Shaw and Stephanie Allen, Madison City Schools; Barney, facility dog for Madison Elementary School; Brooke Rawlings, Huntsville-Madison County Library Foundation; Karen Mockenstrum, Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy; and Sandy Weisner, Director of Madison City Community Orchestra. CONTRIBUTED
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 By  GreggParker Published 
12:12 pm Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Fantasy Playhouse to launch ‘Space Monkeys!’ on May 9-12

HUNTSVILLE – Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy will soon launch the world premiere production, “Space Monkeys! The Adventures of Baker & Able.”

Artistic Director Stephen Tyler Davis wrote and directed “Space Monkeys!,” which will round out Fantasy Playhouse’s all-original season.

“This fresh new script is fun, the history is true, and the cast is huge with 50-plus actors at Von Braun Center Playhouse, 700 Monroe St. SW.,” Emily Rodrick said. Rodrick is Marketing/Public Relations Manager for Fantasy Playhouse.

Key cast members include Lydia Gray (Miss Baker) and Rachel Maxwell (Able). Several cast members are in “Squad Secret Society of the Rocket City Junior Space Enthusiasts and Future Astronauts of America” or SPAMO for short: Naomi Coleman (Avi), Emma Soto (Jo), Emma Jean Lowder (Norah), Eden Hashman (Toad), Bradley Sabatini (Skip) and Emma Rose Berry (Barney).

The show’s plot involves five kids in Huntsville who convene every full moon for their secret space society. This month, they seek to induct a new member. However, the inductee has never heard of America’s infamous “Space Monkeys,” so the five embark on sharing the 65-year-old courageous story.

“In 1959, two brave monkeys – Baker and Able — lead the charge for space exploration. Buckle up and hold on tight for an adventure of galactic magnitude. A story of friendship, bravery, sacrifice and dreaming big, this world-premiere play will inspire all ages,” Rodrick said.

The Boeing Company is the sponsor for “Space Monkeys!”

Show times will be May 9 and May 10 (which is Fantasy Playhouse Alumni Night) at 7 p.m. Shows on May 11 and May 12 will be 1 and 6 p.m. In addition, a sensory-friendly performance will be presented on May 11 at 10 a.m.

Tickets cost $22 for adults and $17 for 17-year-olds and younger; children younger than two years old will be admitted free if they lap sit. Guests should get a lap-seat ticket at the Box Office before the performance. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy provides theatre-arts access that reaches 31,000-plus residents annually, including 21,000 youth. Core programs include live children’s theatre productions, classes, camps, workshops and educational outreach with after-school classes and in-school touring programs.

For more information, call 256-539-6829, email emily.rodrick@fantasyplayhouse.com or visit fantasyplayhouse.org.

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