Fantasy Playhouse plans 4 shows for 64th season
HUNTSVILLE – Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy has announced the four shows in its 64th season, and season tickets now are available.
* “THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ” — This fresh adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s original work has show dates on Oct. 17-19 and 24-26, 2024.
Fantasy Playhouse’s creative team has selected a cast of 36 actors. The youngest is a seven-year-old. The cast includes an ensemble of highly skilled dancers. The casting team chose bold, clear and collaborative performers willing to participate in creating this new world premiere production.
Stephen Tyler Davis adapted the show. Davis is also directing, along with Nikkia Dollar. ValleyMLS.com is the Title Sponsor.
“Kansas is far from adventurous, but just over the rainbow is a glittery green land of infinite possibilities paved with yellow bricks,” Emily Rodrick said. Rodrick is Marketing and Public Relations Manager for Fantasy Playhouse. “With the Wicked Witch of the West on her ruby red heels, Dorothy will need all the brains, heart, courage and wonder she can find from her new friends.”
This adaptation of Baum’s original will return audiences to the 1939 film’s technicolor with a contemporary twist about bravery, wonder, chosen family and living in the moment. A timeless American classic that feels like home . . . and there’s no place like home.
* “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” — To herald the season, Fantasy Playhouse will present “A Christmas Carol” on Dec. 6-8 and 12-15, 2024. “Huntsville’s most beloved family holiday tradition returns to the Fantasy Playhouse stage for the 34th year this December,” Rodrick said.
The play is based on Charles Dickens’ work. Cherie Evans adapted the work and is directing with Mickey Johnson.
“Take a trip in time through the past, present and future with the miserly Mr. Scrooge, the haunting Christmas Spirits and whimsical characters of London town,” Rodrick said. “This adaptation returns by popular demand, penned by Huntsville local and Fantasy Kid herself, Cherie Evans. With more theater magic than ever before, this annual Charles Dickens holiday tale is an inspiration to keep Christmas in our hearts all year long.”
* “SLEEPING BEAUTY & THE BIG GREEN PEA” – This production will take the stage on Feb. 20-22, 2025. Stephen Tyler Davis created this original work. Jenni Wood and Michael Wood are directing.
From the same fairytale forest as past season’s “Rapunzel and Snow White,” Nysland’s very own Sleeping Beauty is in serious trouble. Her fairy godmothers aren’t exactly sleep doctors, but they may have the wakeup call she needs to beat the infamous mattress test, Rodrick said.
“Will her curse be broken in time, and why do 12 Dancing Princesses keep disappearing after curfew? Could Rumpelstiltskin be up to no good in this sleepy little town? Spinning wheels, silly tricksters, alluring mystery and mystifying adventures will ensue in the twisted fairytale,” Rodrick said.
* “A WRINKLE IN TIME” – Thirteen-year-old Meg Murry struggles to adjust to school and homelife after her father, a renowned scientist, mysteriously disappears. However, Meg and her brother are visited by three ethereal creatures — Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which – claiming to know the father’s location.
The characters must join forces to rescue. “Walk through the vortex of this fantastical adventure traveling through time and space as Fantasy Playhouse presents the sci-fi novel, popular with kids, by Madeleine L’Engle — live on stage,” Rodrick said.
James Sie adapted this work. Fathia Hardy and Stephen Tyler Davis are directors. Show dates are May 9-11, 2025. “A Wrinkle in Time” is produced by special arrangement with Crosswicks, Ltd. and Stage Partners. (yourstagepartners.com) – “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle (c) 1962 Crosswicks, Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
This season is presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union. The shows’ venue will be the Von Braun Center Playhouse, 700 Monroe St. in Huntsville.
For all shows, show times on Thursdays and Fridays are at 7 p.m. On Saturdays, the times are 1 and 6 p.m. Tickets cost $23 for adults and $18 for children. Discounts are available for military personnel and groups of 10 or more.
Season tickets and Pick 3 Tickets are on sale now, along with individual tickets. For more information, call 256-539-6829, email BoxOffice@FantasyPlayhouse.com, or visit fantasyplayhouse.com.
