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"101 Dalmatians," coproduced by Imagination Stage and Children's Theatre of Charlotte in 2015. (Photo by Donna Bise)

Imagination Stage Announces a Season of Journeys for 2016-17

Next season at the theatre for young audiences will span the jungles of India, the mysterious world of Wonderland, and the near future.

BETHESDA, MD.: Imagination Stage has announced its 2016-17 season, under the theme “Take a Journey.” The offerings will include a futuristic take on Snow White and a rock ‘n’ roll Alice in Wonderland.

“All of our shows stimulate children’s interest in literature and provide springboards for family discussions around their values and how young people can make good choices,” said artistic director Janet Stanford in a statement. “Live theatre is the fun way for parents and teachers to tackle the difficult questions.”

The season will open with The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Oct. 8-30), adapted by Dwayne Hartford from the book by Kate DiCamillo, in which a little girl’s beloved china rabbit doll goes on an epic adventure and learns about humility and goodness. Stanford will direct.

Just in time for the holidays will be Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Nov. 19-Jan. 15, 2017), with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and a book by Linda Woolverton. Kathryn Chase Bryer will direct.

After that will be another princess tale, The Freshest Snow Whyte (Feb. 11-March 18, 2017), written and directed by Psalmayene 24, with music by Nick “tha 1 da” Hernandez. The story sets the classic tale in the year 3000, with Snow Whyte, a graffiti artist, locked in a competition with her archrival, Kanye East.

Following will be The Jungle Book (April 22-May 28, 2017), adapted by Greg Banks from the story by Rudyard Kipling. Stanford will direct.

The season will conclude with Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure (June 21-Aug. 13, 2017), with book and lyrics by Rachel Rockwell, music and lyrics by Michael Mahler. The musical will be a rock ‘n’ roll retelling of Lewis Carroll’s classic, featuring live guitar music. Bryer will direct.

Founded in 1979, Imagination Stage aims to inspire young people of all abilities through year-round theatre productions and education programs.

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