VE LVETEEN
October 26-27, 2024
March 8-9, 2025
Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny
January 25-26, 2025
April 12-13, 2025
Dear Friend,
Welcome to a new season of unforgettable performances at Playhouse Square! Whether you’re returning or joining us for the first time, we’re thrilled to have you as part of our Children’s Theater Series family. This season is packed with exceptional shows that promise to ignite the imaginations of our youngest theatergoers, and we’re excited to share this journey with you.
We’re especially proud to present the world premiere of “Velveteen, A New Musical,” an enchanting adaptation of The Velveteen Rabbit, produced right here by Playhouse Square. Alongside this brand-new production, our series will bring you beloved favorites like “Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny,” “The Gruffalo’s Child,” and “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical.” These stories, all adapted from award-winning children’s books and brought to life on stage, will captivate and inspire your children, creating memories that last a lifetime.
At Playhouse Square, we believe that theater plays a vital role in the development of young minds. It fosters creativity, empathy, and critical thinking, all while providing a community experience that strengthens family bonds. Your commitment to sharing live theater with your children is not just an investment in their entertainment – it’s a gift that nurtures their growth and understanding of the world.
Thank you for your continued support of live theater for your family. Please use this guidebook as a resource to maximize your time with us.
We look forward to seeing you at the theater and sharing the joy and wonder that each performance will bring.
Warm regards,
Daniel Hahn Vice-President of Education Playhouse Square
Season At a Glance VE LVETEEN
VELVETEEN, A NEW MUSICAL
October 26-27, 2024 | Mimi Ohio Theatre
Inspired by The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, the magical new musical Velveteen introduces us to Lulu, her gran, her beloved toys, and a nest of legendary rabbits. Lulu confronts big change, having just moved in with her Gran. To make things a little more comfortable, Gran gives her a velveteen rabbit –just like the one her mom had. Velveteen and Lulu form a special bond, making some of the other toys jealous and leaving Velveteen wishing he could live outside with the “real” rabbits he meets through the window. Ultimately, Velveteen finds a sense of belonging as Lulu adjusts to life with Gran. Velveteen – at times thoughtful, playful at others – is an uplifting story about the importance of being your authentic self.
RUNNING TIME: 60 MINUTES RECOMMENDED AGES: 3-9
GOODNIGHT MOON & RUNAWAY BUNNY
January 25-26, 2025 | Mimi Ohio Theatre
Goodnight Moon is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while The Runaway Bunny’s pretend tale of leaving home evokes reassuring responses from his loving mum. Both feature endearing rabbit characters, and the soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dream-like imagery never fail to infuse young readers with a reassuring sense of security. Mermaid’s staged adaptation brings a new sense of appreciation to stories that have delighted several generations.
RUNNING TIME: 60 MINUTES RECOMMENDED AGES: 3-8
Language interpretation is available for all four shows during the Saturday performances at 11 a.m. Guests who need the interpreter’s assistance should request seats on the right side of the auditorium.
Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny
Season At a Glance
THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD
March 8-9, 2025 | Mimi Ohio Theatre
The Gruffalo said that no Gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood…
Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the night. She follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures – but the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he? Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone aged 3 to 103.
A musical adaptation of the book The Gruffalo’s Child © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2004 –Macmillan Children’s Books
RUNNING TIME: 60 MINUTES
RECOMMENDED AGES: 3-8
DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!
April 12-13, 2025 | Mimi Ohio Theatre
Whatever you do, don’t let the Pigeon star in his own musical production!
With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), TheaterWorksUSA‘s Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party!
It’s not easy being the Pigeon-you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping.
RUNNING TIME: 60 MINUTES RECOMMENDED AGES: 3-8
Language interpretation is available for all four shows during the Saturday performances at 11 a.m. Guests who need the interpreter’s assistance should request seats on the right side of the auditorium.
Tickets with Benefits!
Get the same great reserved seats for all 4 shows.
Enjoy pre-sale and discount ticket opportunities to more great shows at Playhouse Square.
Exchange your tickets for another performance if something unexpected comes up.
Workshops
Get more out of your experience with CTS pre and post-show workshops! These forty-five-minute interactive sessions are fun, educational, and led by our professional teaching
artists. Tickets are just $5, and only attending children must have a ticket. There is no charge for adults or children not participating in the workshop.
Mobile Assistance Team
Your season tickets are mobile! Visit playhousesquare.org/mobiletickets for instructions and helpful videos on managing your tickets online. For additional support, contact our Mobile Assistance Team at 216-377-2240 or email mobiletickethelp@playhousesquare.org.
