(LITTLE ROCK, AR) – The Arkansas Arts Center is pleased to announce the 2009-2010 Children’s Theatre Season, which runs from September 2009 through May 2010.
Recognized by The Drama League as one of the best regional theatre companies in America, Children’s Theatre is the only professional company in Arkansas dedicated to presenting children’s works for the stage. Well-loved contemporary stories and classic tales come to life with fantastic characters and fully-staged productions.

The season begins with the Children’s Theatre premiere of Mr. Popper’s Penguins, on stage September 18 – October 4, 2009. Based on the Newbery Honor book by Richard and Florence Atwater, this comedy follows the hilarious antics of Mr. Popper when he unexpectedly comes in possession of 12 Adelie penguins.

The season continues with the Children’s Theatre original production of Rio Grandie Candi and…The Mummy, on stage October 23 – November 8, 2009. In this exciting tale, Rio Grandie Candi, the Cut-out Cardboard Cowgirl, and her faithful pony Bobolink unwind the mystery of the Mumblin’ Mummy. This Children’s Theatre play was created in conjunction with the exhibition World of the Pharaohs: Treasures of Egypt Revealed, on view September 25, 2009, through July 5, 2010.

The Children’s Theatre will present Merry Christmas Mouse! December 4 – December 20, 2009. Beloved characters Boy and Mouse return to the stage in this topsy-turvy, madcap Christmas concoction as they take on decorating one humongous Christmas tree.

Little Women will be on stage January 22 – February 7, 2010. This tender play, adapted by Sandra Deer from Louisa May Alcott’s heartfelt novel, is a reminder of the true meaning of family and love.

On March 5 – 21, 2010, Children’s Theatre will present its premiere of Ferdinand the Bull. The musical is based on the book The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf and is written by Karen Zacarias with music by Debbie Wicks La Puma. Children and parents alike will adore the heartwarming story of Ferdinand, the carefree young bull who enjoys spending sunny afternoons smelling flowers in the shade of his favorite cork tree.

The 2009-2010 season ends with Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp, April 30 – May 16, 2010. Wonder and intrigue abound in this favorite rags-to-riches story about Aladdin, a poor street urchin who unearths a mysterious lamp with an enchanting secret. With the help of a clever genie, Aladdin learns to rely on himself instead of magic.

Season tickets are on sale now. Season tickets offer maximum savings over single ticket prices and the ultimate flexibility. Several ticket packages are available for purchase including: the Family Package (four tickets to all six plays) for $190; the 6-Play Package for $55; the 4-Play Package for $38; the 3-Play Package for $30; the Flex Pack (36 tickets) for $270; and the Mini Flex Pack (18 tickets) for $155.

All children’s theatre performances are at 7 p.m. on Fridays, 3 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets to all performances are $14 for adults and $11 for children. Single tickets go on sale August 1, 2009.

To purchase tickets, visit www.arkarts.com or call 501-372-4000.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Contact: 501-372-4000

Season run: September 2009 – May 2010

Tickets: $14 for adults, $11 for children and $10 for group of 10 or more

Performance Times: Fridays 7:00 p.m.; Saturdays 3:00 p.m.; Sundays 2:00 p.m.

Location: Arkansas Arts Center – 9th and Commerce, Little Rock, AR 72202

Proudly sponsored by: Target; Experience Little Rock

Arkansas Arts Center programs are supported in part by: the City of Little Rock; Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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