Families in Northeast Ohio can be the first to experience a brand-new production when Velveteen, A New Musical takes to the stage this fall as a part of Playhouse Square’s Children’s Theater Series. This is the first show that Playhouse Square has created and self-produced for young audiences. The story, inspired by Margery Williams’ classic 1922 children’s book The Velveteen Rabbit, follows the journey of Lulu and her beloved toy rabbit, Velveteen. With an original score of toe-tapping tunes composed by Cleveland’s own Molly Andrews-Hinders, Velveteen, A New Musical hops off the page to the stage for a magical new interpretation of the enchanting tale.
“I am proud to open our 2024-25 Children’s Theater Series with a show we have produced right here in Cleveland,” said Daniel Hahn, Playhouse Square Vice President of Education. “Our goal is for this to be the first production of many that Playhouse Square launches. There is a wealth of talent right here in our community, and it is so exciting to feature their good work on one of Playhouse Square’s legendary stages. By taking the step of producing theater for young audiences, we are able to further our impact by bringing new works to life and supporting Cleveland artists while advancing the industry.”
In addition to featuring the artistry of Andrews-Hinders, who is also Playhouse Square’s Education Content Creation Coordinator, Velveteen, A New Musical will showcase a creative team composed entirely of Cleveland talent, helmed by director Joanna May Cullinan (Artistic Director, Cain Park).
Families can currently purchase season ticket packages for the Children’s Theater Series. Individual tickets for all shows in the Children’s Theater Series, including Velveteen, A New Musical, are available beginning Monday, September 23 at 10 a.m. at playhousesquare.org or by calling 216-241-6000. Individual tickets for all performances are $15. Interactive, educational workshops, led by professional teaching artists, are also available with each performance for an additional $5. All performances throughout the series take place at the Mimi Ohio Theatre, and a sign language interpreter will be at specific shows in the series.
2024-25 Children’s Theater Series
Velveteen, A New Musical
Produced by Playhouse Square
Performance dates: Oct. 26-27, 2024
A sensory-friendly performance will take place on October 22.
Inspired by The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, Velveteen, A New Musical introduces us to Lulu, her gran, her beloved toys, and a nest of legendary rabbits. After the loss of her mother, Lulu is now living with her gran. 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.
Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny
Produced by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia
Performance dates: Jan. 25-26, 2025
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.
The Gruffalo’s Child
Produced by Tall Stories
Performance dates: Mar. 8-9, 2025
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.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!
Produced by TheaterWorksUSA
Performance dates: Apr. 12-13, 2025
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.