ASHTABULA — Often humorous to the point of absurdity and at times profound without being heavy is the musical adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic, “The Velveteen Rabbit.”
Performing this classic tale will be the Ashtabula Arts Center’s Children’s Theater Production Class. Performances will be held today at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
“The Velveteen Rabbit” follows the adventures of a toy rabbit as he tries to become real. On his way, the rabbit must deal with the Top Banana Nana, who rules the nursery with an iron hand, and the other more haughty toys. The musical moves between the worlds of the toy closet and the nursery and is sprinkled with songs that bring responses from total laughter to misty eyes.
“The Velveteen Rabbit” is special because he identifies with children, and the message will never diminish as long as people search for the magic of love.
Book, lyrics and music were written by Barnes Boffey and Paul Pilcher, with additional music by Bob Love. The show is being directed by Linda Fundis and is produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Co.
Patrons can save by buying tickets in advance for $12, $9 general advance sale, $8 senior advance sale, $7 student/child advance sale.
Walk-ins will be welcome if seating is available for: $14 patron, $11general, $10 senior, $9 student/child.
The Ashtabula Arts Center will host “You Can’t Take It With You” by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman on March 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28. More of a party than a play, this screwball comedy takes us on a wild ride through the lives of the Sycamore family, who live in a big house which never sees a dull moment.
Directed by Clay Nielsen of Madison, this mad and merry farce gives a comedic look at the antics of a demented family that is so unconventional it is irresistible.
The house is owned by Grandpa Vanderhof, a man who now spends his time collecting snakes, throwing darts and avoiding income tax. His daughter, Penny, writes plays on a typewriter that had been delivered to their home by mistake.
Penny’s husband manufactures fireworks in the basement with the help of Mr. DiPinna, a gentlemen who came to deliver something and has stayed on for
seven years. When their daughter Alice becomes involved with the boss’s son and invites his conservative, straight-laced family to dinner, the Vanderhof clan agree to “act normal” for an evening. But things get complicated when Alice’s new boyfriend brings his parents to dinner one night too early!
Playing for two weekends only, tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the arts center.
Looking ahead
to summer
Auditions for this summer’s musical season will be held March 20 from 10 a.m. to noon for children 12 and under and 1 - 3 p.m. for teens and adults and March 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. for teens and adults.
Auditions are first-come, first-served. The audition will include a reading or prepared piece of the actor’s choice of no longer than one minute and a vocal selection no longer than 90 seconds. You also may be asked to read or sing something by the directors and may be asked to do a movement audition. Bring a list of schedule conflicts.
Auditions will be held for: “Brigadoon” directed by Douglas Anderson on June 11-13, 18 - 20 and 24 - 26; “Disney’s 101 Dalmatians” directed by Linda Fundis on July 2-5 and 8-10; “Bye, Bye Birdie” directed by Kim Godfrey on July 16-18, 23-25, 29-31 and “Secret Garden” directed by Steve Rhodes on Aug. 6-8, 13-15 and 19-21.
For more information call the arts center
