2012-2013 Season

Story by Astrid Lindgren. Adapted for the stage by Thomas W. Olson. Music by Roberta Carlson.
Directed by Wendy Lement. Scenic design by Matthew T. Lazure. Costumes by Melissa Miller. Lighting design by John Malinowski.

The rollicking adventures of Astrid Lindgren's red haired rascal bounds onto the stage at Wheelock Family Theatre! Pippi Longstocking is a delightful character who first appeared in a series of Swedish children's books written in 1945. Pippi’s enduring appeal to young people lies in her strength and resilience in overcoming what could be seen as overwhelming obstacles. She frequently mocks and dupes the adults she encounters; however, she reserves her worst behavior for those who are pompous and condescending. Her exuberance for life and her unconventional free spirit allow her to see herself as the heroine of a great adventure. She’s the strongest girl in the world, there’s a pot of gold in her cupboard, and her best friend is a monkey! Pippi Longstocking is a colorful and fast-paced “tall tale”, sure to entertain all ages.

Adapted from the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. Book, music, and lyrics by Lionel Bart.
Directed by Susan Kosoff. Musical direction by Jon Goldberg. Choreography by Laurel Conrad. Scenic design by Anthony Hancock. Lighting design by Franklin Meissner, Jr. Costume Design by Charles G. Baldwin.

Oliver! is a highly charged and constantly boisterous musical by Lionel Bart, based upon the novel "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens. The play premiered in London’s West End in 1960, enjoying a long run, a successful Broadway production in 1963 and further tours and revivals. It was made into a musical film in 1968. Lighter in mood than the original novel, yet still mocking hypocrisy, the themes remain the same: the search for love, the triumph of right over wrong, the hope for a better world, and the belief that life is worth living.
Dickens preface to the Library Edition of “Oliver Twist” in 1858, "I saw no reason, when I wrote this book, why the very dregs of life, so long as their speech did not offend the ear, should not serve the purpose of a moral, at least as well as its froth and cream."

Adapted by Donald Harron from the book by L. M. Montgomery; book and lyrics by Donald Harron. Music by Norman Campbell.
Directed by Jane Staab. Musical Direction by Robert Rucinski. Choreography by Laurel Conrad. Scenic design by Matthew T. Lazure. Lighting design by Scott Clyve. Costume design by Lisa Simpson.

Anne of Green Gables is a musical based on the popular book by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Anne, an orphan girl brought to Prince Edward Island by the elderly Cuthbert siblings (they were looking for a boy), is bright and quick, eager to please, talkative, and extremely imaginative. She takes much joy in life, and adapts quickly, thriving in the close-knit farming village. As a result of Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert’s support, her friendship with Diana Barry, and the encouragement of a steadfast teacher, Anne rises to the top of her class and – in the end, manages to turn her rivalry with Gilbert Blythe into a long-lasting friendship. Experience the magic of Avonlea! You’ll be carried away to a simpler time and a story about a young girl who is anything but simple.