ADV – Leaderboard

"The Three Little Pigs" in 2014. Pictured: Joe Fria, Michael Covert, Kyla Garcia, and Tracey A. Leigh. (Photo by Ed Krieger)

MainStreet Theatre Company Announces 2015–16 Season for Young Audiences

Three productions with themes of imagination and creativity by the likes of Mo Willems and the creators of ‘The Fantasticks’ are on for the children’s theatre’s 10th season.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIF.:  MainStreet Theatre Company has announced its 2015—16 season, including two musicals, a California premiere, and a collaboration with Impro Theatre, all to be staged at the Lewis Family Playhouse.

“It seems like only yesterday that the Playhouse opened and we produced our first play,” said producer Mireya (Murry) Hepner in a statement. “Now tens of thousands of children have come through our doors, and it’s incredibly gratifying to know that coming to the theatre has become a normal part of their lives. This year, I really wanted kids to experience what it takes to make a play, and I think these three offerings will do that in fun and different ways. I’m also thrilled that we’ll be working so closely with the authors of all our productions, which is a great way to celebrate this milestone season.”

First is the California premiere of Elephant and Piggie’s We Are in a Play! (Oct. 10—25), with script and lyrics by Mo Willems and music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, based on the children’s books by Willems. The show follows best friends Elephant and Piggie through a day full of adventures and features a backup trio of singing squirrels. La Puma will be the music director.

Next is Fairytales: Unscripted (Jan. 29—Feb. 14, 2016), improvised plays by Impro Theatre, who will create the unique tales based on audience suggestions. Dan O’Connor and Jo McGinley will direct.

Following will be the premiere of a revised version of Mirette (April 23—May 8, 2016), with music by Harvey Schmidt and lyrics by Tom Jones, about a young girl in 1890s Paris who convinces a retired high-wire artist to teach her his trade, based off the book by Emily Arnold McCully. Janice Rodgers Wainwright will provide musical direction and Casey Stangl will direct.

Also part of the season will be a pancake brunch with the cast of Elephant and Piggie’s We are In a Play! and a Parisian Tea to celebrate Mother’s Day during the run of Mirette.

Support American Theatre: a just and thriving theatre ecology begins with information for all. Please join us in this mission by making a donation to our publisher, Theatre Communications Group. When you support American Theatre magazine and TCG, you support a long legacy of quality nonprofit arts journalism. Click here to make your fully tax-deductible donation today!

ADV – Billboard