The Grinch returns, along with six other shows, in Children’s Theatre Company 2023-24 season

Ross Raihala, Pioneer Press
·3 min read

Food chopping, knife throwing chefs from South Korea, a boy who likes to wear dresses and the return of the Grinch are on tap for the newly announced Children’s Theatre Company 2023-24 season.

Full season subscriptions and renewals are on sale now at childrenstheatre.org or by phone at 612-874-0400. Single tickets go on sale this summer.

“We can’t wait for you to see all of these shows. It is a joy to share brand new works and productions that have never been to Minnesota and productions we just had to bring back to delight, surprise and carry you away,” said artistic director Peter C. Brosius in a news release. Brosius, who recently announced he was leaving CTC at the end of the upcoming season, is directing three of the seven productions.

The lineup includes:

“Cookin’” (Sept. 12-Oct. 22): Directed by Seung-Whan Song, “Cookin’” features four Korean cooks in a cooking competition who “put on a masterful display of food chopping, knife throwing, pot banging and fire-blowing wizardry.” Said Song: “I hope you will feel the freedom from the unique rhythm of Korea and, through the comedy on stage, also feel the great pleasure of getting away from your daily life.” (Recommended for all ages.)

“Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress” (Oct. 10-Nov. 19): Based on the book by Christine Baldacchino and Isabelle Malenfant, trans playwright Juliany Taveras wrote this piece about young Morris, who likes doing puzzles, painting pictures, pretending to be an astronaut and wearing a dress from his school’s costume box. It’s the first of two world premieres in CTC’s season. (Ages four and up.)

“Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (Nov. 7-Jan. 7): CTC’s holiday favorite returns after selling out its 2022 run. It features a book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin. “It’s one of the great joys of our lives to know that children who saw the Grinch at Children’s Theater Company all those years ago are now bringing their own kids to see this show, and that for them and many others his spirit does indeed live on right here on this stage,” said Mason. (All ages.)

“The Carp Who Would Not Quit and Other Animal Stories” (Jan. 16-Feb. 18): Director Reiko Ho and the Honolulu Theatre for Youth Ensemble present a series of traditional Japanese fables retold through puppetry, masks and a trio of actors. The audience is invited to dance, clap and sing along to live music played on the koto and taiko drum. (Ages four and up.)

“Alice in Wonderland” (Feb. 13-March 31): This version of Lewis Carroll’s classic was adapted for the stage by Sharon Holland with music by Victor Zupanc. Brosius, who will direct, praised scenic and costume designer Skip Mercier: “Skip created a world of illusion, surprise, mystery and hilarity. It is a magical tale of discovery, of standing your ground and following your curiosity.” (Ages six and up.)

“Babble Lab” (March 9-April 14): Written by CTC company member Autumn Ness and directed by Sarah Agnew, this world premiere was created with early learners in mind. “When an experiment unexpectedly goes awry, a concoction of sneaky, sprightly letters takes over a weird and wondrous science lab in Babble Lab. Watch them jump into jars, spring from drawers, bounce around the room, and even play hide-and-seek.” (All ages.)

“A Year With Frog and Toad” (April 23-June 16): The CTC original musical returns for the first time since 2017. Based on Arnold Lobel’s books, it’s the only show from Minnesota to be nominated for three Tony Awards, including best musical. Noting the show will be in its 21st year, writer/lyricist Willie Reale and composer Robert Reale said: “Despite the fact that it is old enough to be welcomed in a saloon, we trust that the innocence and fun of the show will be on full display once again at CTC.” (All ages.)

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