CHILDREN’S SEASON in the Jessie Bogese Theatre inside Virginia Rep Center for Arts and Education
The Emperor's New Clothes
October 20, 2023 - November 12, 2023
By Hans Christian Andersen
Adapted by Richard Giersch
Music by Jason Marks
Directed by Jan Guarino
The classic fable is brought to life in this Hans Christian Andersen story of greed and privilege. When it comes to fashion and...well, everything... this emperor knows it all, or so he thinks. The emperor has decreed that color and music are banned from the kingdom and are only allowed in his castle. Two charlatans persuade the emperor that they have the world’s most exquisite fabric. The emperor pays the “tailors” a fortune for his new clothes, but when he parades through town in his new wardrobe, a good-hearted, honest child shouts out what everyone else is thinking!
The Santa Clues
December 8, 2023 - December 31, 2023
By Pat Mullen
Ever wondered “Who exactly is this Santa guy anyway?” Well the United States special agency, The Bureau of Oddities, would like to know too! Join special agents Drake and Fletcher as they follow clues that reveal the secret identity of the jolly old man in red. Be prepared, as things might not turn out as you expect.
Chasing George Washington: A White House Adventure
February 9, 2024 - March 3, 2024
By Karen Zacarías with the young playwrights of Young Playwright's Theater.
Music by Deborah Wicks LaPuma.
Directed by Amber Martinez
Field trips are fun, especially when your destination is 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue! Students Dee, José and Annie accidentally knock George Washington out of his portrait and into real life—turning their White House tour into an unexpected adventure. As they try to get the nation's first president back into his painting, the threesome encounters Jacqueline Kennedy; Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd; Dolley Madison; and other famous White House residents. Together, they learn that the White House isn't just a historic building—it's also a home.
Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience
April 12, 2024 - May 19, 2024
Based on Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed book by Mo Willems
Published by Hyperion Books for Children
Script and Lyrics by Mo Willems
Music by Deborah Wicks LaPuma
Directed by Todd D. Norris
Dude! Kids and adults will love this rock 'n roll parable based on the hit children's book by Mo Willems. Wilbur and all his fellow naked mole rats in the Tunnel have always been, well... naked. Wondering what other possibilities are out there, Wilbur discovers a love for clothing and style. When word of his new passion turns the Tunnel upside down, he proves to everyone that there's no need to be just like everyone else.
Dragons Love Tacos
July 14, 2024 - August 4, 2024
By Ernie Nolan
Based on the book by Adam Rubin with illustrations by Daniel Salmieri
Published by Penguin Group; Produced by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences; with music by Chris LaPorte
Directed by Kära Ernst-Schalk
A boy and his dog are watching a TV show about dragons when they unexpectedly get caught up in the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ of what to feed dragons. Turns out they LOVE tacos, but if they accidentally eat spicy salsa…watch out!
