Wild Swan Theater announces 2012-2013 season

Posted: Oct. 8, 2012 at 4:39 p.m.

ANN ARBOR - Wild Swan Theater co-artistic directors Hilary Cohen and Sandy Ryder announce the company's 33rd season of performances. Nationally regarded as one of the finest theaters for young people in the country, Wild Swan produces artistic, accessible and affordable theater for families. The upcoming season will feature the classics "A Christmas Carol" offered for the holidays and the beloved "Charlotte's Web," as well as a production celebrating our Great Lakes, "Shipwrecked!"

Running from October through April, the season contains seven productions carefully shaped for various ages and interests that are performed by a troupe of professional actors, dancers, musicians and ASL performers who are fully integrated into the action of the play. Wild Swan plays are known for innovative staging, music composed and performed live for each production, extraordinary puppets and masks, beautiful period costumes, and creative incorporation of movement and dance. Wild Swan Theater is also known for groundbreaking accessibility measures that make plays available to audience members who have auditory, visual or mobility impairments.

Patrons can purchase tickets online through the company's website at www.wildswantheater.org or by phone at 734-995-0530. Season tickets are available at a discount when ordering tickets to three or more plays. Discounted group rates are available to parties of 10 or more.

All performances take place at Towsley Auditorium, in the Morris Lawrence Building on the campus of Washtenaw Community College, located at 4800 E. Huron River Drive in Ann Arbor.

Wild Swan Theater: 2012-13 Season

Frog and Toad
(Grades PreK-2)
Thursday, Oct. 18: 10 a.m.
Friday, Oct. 19: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 20: 11 a.m.

Two of Arnold Lobel's most beloved characters, Frog and Toad, show how good friends help each other through thick and thin, cheering each other through the hard times and celebrating life's joys. Join Frog and Toad as they greet spring, plant a garden, and share a basket of cookies. Sponsored by Domino's Pizza.

A Christmas Carol
(Grades 3-12)
Thursday, Dec. 6: 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 7: 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 8: NO PERFORMANCES
Sunday, Dec. 9: 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Based on the novel by Charles Dickens and adapted for Wild Swan by Jeff Duncan with original music by composer Tom Schnauber, Wild Swan's version of this wonderful holiday classic has been especially created for family audiences and is appropriate for children in third grade and older. "A Christmas Carol" tells of the astonishing transformation of miserly old Ebeneezer Scrooge after he is visited by three spirits on the night before Christmas.

Under the African Sky
(Grades PreK-3)
Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013: 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 25: 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 26: 11 a.m.

A delightful collection of African tales performed through storytelling, acting, dancing and drumming. Colorful costumes, masks, and traditional music will delight and teach our youngest fans, with lots of opportunities for audience participation.

Jack and the Beanstalk
(Grades PreK-3)
Thursday, Feb. 14: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 15: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 16: 11 a.m.

This lively rendition of a classic tale presents a humorous giant, appropriate for young theater-goers. In Wild Swan's version, Jack's journey up the fantastical beanstalk not only leads to his encounter with a very silly giant but to the rescue of his long lost father as well.

Shipwrecked!
(Grades 3-8)
Thursday, March 14: 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Friday, March 15: 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 16: 2 p.m.

"Shipwrecked!" is a stirring coming-of-age drama set during a fierce winter storm on Lake Huron in 1893. Twelve year old Aaron Buchanan, sailing with his parents on their small schooner loaded with Christmas trees from Sault Ste. Marie, is tested in ways he never dreamed possible when a ferocious gale suddenly materializes in Thunder Bay's infamous "Shipwreck Alley." Inspired by the desperate circumstances, he finds the sailing skills, bravery and physical strength to help achieve the daring rescue of his family. This original drama, written by long-time Wild Swan playwright Jeff Duncan, is based on historical accounts of the period and provides older students with a fine opportunity to explore the Great Lakes and Michigan's history, geography, music and maritime heritage.

Peter Rabbit
(Grades PreK-2)
Thursday, March 21: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Friday, March 22: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Saturday, March 23: 11 a.m.

When Peter Rabbit ventures into Farmer McGregor's garden, despite his mother's warning, his adventures begin. From the moment Peter loses his little blue coat at Farmer McGregor's garden until he arrives safe and sound at home, this classic tale is brought charmingly to life by Wild Swan's actors and designers.

Charlotte's Web
(Grades K-5)
Thursday, April 25: 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Friday, April 26: 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 27: 2 p.m.
Sunday, April 28: 2 p.m.

"Charlotte's Web" is possibly the best loved of all American stories for children. Set in the rural Midwest, it tells the touching story of a rare friendship between a little pig, Wilbur, and Charlotte, a most uncommon spider. The magical words that Charlotte spins in her web not only earn Wilbur a county fair blue ribbon and save his life, but inspire all of us to value what we can share with each other.