Visiting the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is such a wonderful way to introduce the arts to young children and have a fun outing for the whole family! Here are five performances coming up for the remainder of 2023 that you won’t want to miss!
1. “Balloonacy”
The award-winning show, “Balloonacy,” comes to Children’s Theatre of Charlotte beginning Wednesday (Aug. 23.) Barry Kornhauser’s non-verbal play about a grumpy, lonely old man that is visited by a balloon received a Fringe Ovation award at South Africa’s National Arts Festival on July 1. Ovation Awards are awarded by a panel of anonymous reviewers who note plays for being a cut above, well received by audiences, and that leaves a lasting impression.
The non-verbal play speaks louder than words. Filled with physical comedy, mime, and clowning, the show is truly for everyone, including the Theatre’s youngest audience. “As a non-verbal play, it can be enjoyed by deaf audiences and those with language barriers,” says its creator Barry Kornhauser in an interview. “Balloonacy,” the hilarious, lighthearted play, runs for a limited of time until August 31.
2. “Narnia”
C.S. Lewis’ epic tale, “Narnia,” will take the stage on Sept. 22. In-house designers are using state-of-the-art technology to create set pieces, props, and costume pieces for the musical. The Costume Shop has been busy bringing to life the costume and puppet designs by Magda Guichard, Resident Designer & Craft Specialist at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. They have been sculpting headdresses for the animals, building icicles for the White Witch using a 3D printer, and assembling a larger-than-life puppet for Aslan. Guichard was recently featured in The Puppetry Journal for her design of Dragon in “Shrek the Musical,” and has used her experience from that show to create the all-powerful lion.
3. “Tired Souls: The Montgomery Bus Boycott”
Mike Wiley returns with another interactive play, “Tired Souls: The Montgomery Bus Boycott.” A favorite amongst educators, Wiley’s school shows tend to sell out quickly because they “inspire audiences to examine America’s racial history, teach the lessons of the past, and encourage the application of these truths to the present.” Public audiences will have the chance to be part of the show on Oct. 7 and 8, as he tells the story of Rosa Parks and others that came before her to help pave the way for racial equality.
4. “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me”
On its second stop in its tour, “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me” will make it onto Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s stage on Nov. 4. They, along with Children’s Theater of Madison, Dallas Children’s Theater, and The Rose Theater in Omaha co-commissioned critically-acclaimed playwright, Paige Hernandez, to produce the play inspired by Maya Angelou’s poetry. The adaptation of the famed poet’s work will feature hip-hop, dance, and spoken word which will have everyone chanting “life doesn’t frighten me, I am fearless royalty.”
5. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical”
The Herdmans are back to wreak havoc this holiday season. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s favorite holiday tradition, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical” begins November 17 and runs until December 22. Another tradition returning is the Winter Wonderland Shop from Nov 30 to December 2. The annual event teaches our next generation to “pay it forward” and deliberately practice acts of kindness. As children shop, they’ll gather gifts for their caregivers, parents, grandparents, siblings, and teachers by thoughtfully selecting and giving gifts from our shop.
For more information regarding “Balloonacy” and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s 2023-24 season, please visit ctcharlotte.org.
