The CSC Children’s Theater Series is back on the Centenary Stage by popular demand this spring. With even more plays and performances, the Children’s Theatre Series is part of the professional Centenary Stage Company’s mission to serve the region’s youth with dynamic performances and workshops throughout the year.
Based on the beloved book by Laura Numeroff Joffee, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is adapted for the stage by Jody Davidson, and is an adventurous, fun-filled performance appropriate for ages pre-k through 5th grade. When a rather demanding mouse in coveralls wearing a backpack shows up in a curious boy’s kitchen one day, the boy soon finds himself figure skating on scrub brushes, wrestling a boa constrictor and climbing mountains, as an innocent milk and cookie snack time goes from mishap to calamity to catastrophe faster than the twitch of a whisker. (Above: Brittany D’Alessio (Wycoff, NJ) and Nick Ardito (Hackettstown) in the Centenary Stage Co production of If You Give A Mouse A Cookie)
WHEN: Saturday, March 5, at 11 AM, Saturday, March 26, @ 2:30 PM, and Sunday, March 27, @ 2:30 PM.
Also from the Laura Numeroff Joffee repertoire, If You Give A Pig a Pancake follows the enterprising journey of a young girl who accommodates the demands of a quirky piglet after eating pancakes; an escapade which becomes embroiled in taking a bubble bath, a little tap dance, taking a photo, mailing a letter, building a tree house and of course, going back for more pancakes.
WHEN: Saturday, April 16, at 11 AM and1 PM (two performances)
A Thousand Cranes is based on the true story of the young Japanese girl Sadako Sasaki who inspired an international peace movement . A poignant and highly stylized piece, A Thousand Cranes combines Japanese and American language, music and dance and highlights Japanese society in the aftermath of World War II.
WHEN: Saturday, March 5, @ 1 PM
SCHOOL MATINEE Performances: Tuesday April 19 through Thursday, April 21 at 10 AM
The musical, A Year with Frog and Toad remains true to the spirit of the original stories as it follows two great friends, the cheerful Frog and the grumpy Toad, through four fun-filled seasons. Waking from hibernation in the spring, they proceed to plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, and go sledding, learning life’s lessons along the way, including a most important one about friendship and the unique attributes that make every individual different and special. A Year with Frog and Toad is adapted for the stage by Robert and Willie Reale from the book by Arnold Lobel.
WHEN: Friday, March 25, @ 7 PM, Saturday, March 26, at 11 AM.
TICKETS: $10 for adults and $8.50 for children under 12, and are available through the Centenary Stage Company Box office at 908.979.0900 and online at www.centenarystageco.org.
For more information on Hackettstown performances or booking a Tour performance, contact the Centenary Stage Company Box office at 908.979.0900 or log on to www.centenarystageco.org.
SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCES:
| Day | Date/Time | Event |
| Sat. | Mar. 5 / 11 AM | If You Give A Mouse a Cookie |
| Sat. | Mar. 5 / 1 PM | A Thousand Cranes |
| Fri. | Mar. 25 / 7 PM | A Year with Frog and Toad |
| Sat. | Mar. 26 / 11 AM | A Year with Frog and Toad |
| Sat. | Mar. 26 / 2:30 PM* | If You Give A Mouse a Cookie |
| Sun. | Mar. 27 / 2:30 PM* | If You Give A Mouse a Cookie |
| Sat. | Apr. 16 / 11 AM | If You Give A Pig a Pancake |
| Sat. | Apr. 16 / 1 PM | If You Give A Mouse a Cookie |
| Tues. | Apr. 19 / 10 AM | A Year with Frog and Toad |
| Wed. | Apr. 20 / 10 AM | A Year with Frog and Toad |
| Thurs. | Apr. 21 / 10 AM | A Year with Frog and Toad |
The Centenary Stage Company Children’s Theater series was developed in collaboration with The Centenary College Theater Department with the mission to produce an affordable theater outreach program for New Jersey Schools and youth. The productions are directed by Carl Wallnau (Artistic Director of Centenary Stage Company, and Chair of the Centenary College Fine Arts program) and Lea Antolini, Asst. Professor of Theatre Arts at Centenary College.
Also on tour statewide to schools and community organizations, the Centenary Stage Children’s Theater Series educates and entertains young audiences with performances, along with hands-on workshops inspired by NJ core curriculum standards.
