Charlotte’s Web Tickets on Sale

Tickets for the children’s classic CHARLOTTE’S WEB are now on sale at NCTC! Prices are $10 for adults and $8 for children, students, and seniors. Special group rates and party packages are also available. The play will be presented at NCTC Performing Arts Theatre, located at 743 North Mountain Road in Newington. Performance times are Friday, December 4 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, December 5 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, December 6 at 2 p.m.

Based on the 1952 classic work by E.B. White, this adaptation by award-winning playwright Joseph Robinette captures the original story in a thrilling theatrical presentation. All the characters are here: Wilbur, the irresistible young pig; Fern, the loving girl who understands the animals; Templeton, the gluttonous rat who does an occasional good deed; the Zuckermans and Arables; the residents of the barn cellar; and, most of all, the extraordinary spider, Charlotte, who proves to be both “a true friend and a good writer.”

The cast includes eighteen children, ages 8 to 14,  from eight Connecticut towns: Newington, Farmington, Hartford, Simsbury, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, and as far as Fairfield. The director of the production is Jill Luberto, who is new to NCTC, but a veteran of children’s theatre in Connecticut.

Call (860) 666-NCTC (6282) to reserve tickets today!

Story and Fun Hours Kick Off at NCTC

A monthly Story and Fun Hour series began at NCTC on October 17 with a Halloween-themed event designed for children ages 3 to 8. The hour included trick-or-treating to a cottage where Snow White and Dopey welcomed guests, and to Dorothy’s house in Oz where children also found the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion. (The Tin Man must have been out chopping wood for the winter.)

Children also enjoyed  hearing stories, playing games, and dancing to Halloween songs with the characters and NCTC staff. Goodie bags were also given out that included candy, animal crackers, an NCTC magnet, and a glow bracelet. Children came in costume too—even a young version of Dorothy and the Scarecrow!

The Story and Fun Hour series will continue on the third Saturday of each month through June 2010. The November event looks toward the upcoming production of Charlotte’s Web with cast members in attendance and animal and farmyard games and activities. Admission for children age 8 and under is $3. All others are admitted free of charge with a child; children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, check out our website or call 860-666-NCTC (6282).

Stars of NCTC

Five cast members of The Secret Garden made this star at rehearsal on Sunday. Do you know who they are?

Story and Fun Hours Beginning at NCTC!

After a successful first attempt with story hours last winter, NCTC is bringing the program back monthly. NCTC will begin a series of monthly Story and Fun Hours this month and continuing on the third Saturday of each month through June 2010.

The series kicks off with a Halloween-themed event on October 17, 2009 beginning at 9:00 a.m. The hour will include meeting some favorite characters, hearing stories read aloud, participating in a selection of games and activities, and receiving small “goodie bags.” Costumes are encouraged and cameras are permitted. The event is ideal for children ages 3 to 8 years.

Admission for children age 8 and under is $3. All others will be admitted free of charge with a child; children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so please call the theatre at 860-666-NCTC (6282) to preregister.

Like show tunes? We know you do! And we do too!

We’ve just scheduled last season’s popular Musical Theatre Choir to resume again this fall!

Registration is now open for students of ages 10 to 18. No audition or prior experience with NCTC is required.

Using scores from Broadway musicals, the group will train and perform as a choir that will offer both group and soloist opportunities.  Training will be provided in voice development, diction, harmony, stage presence, musical theatre history, and other aspects of chorale performance. The program will lead to a presentation for family and friends on the NCTC stage and a possible public performance in the community.

The Musical Theatre Choir will meet on Mondays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. beginning on October 5. For more details and registration forms to download, please visit our website today!