Dallas, TX -- Dallas Children's Theater presents If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, the irresistible escapades of a boy and a hungry, mischievous mouse through February 26, 2012 at DCT's Rosewood Center for Family Arts.
Home alone and warned not to make a mess, a young boy discovers if you give a mouse a cookie anything can happen! Physical comedy reigns supreme in this delightful stage adaptation of Laura Numeroff's extremely popular book.
"The show is a rollicking good time in the lighthearted style of a Saturday morning cartoon," says director Nancy Schaeffer. "Oversized props plus super sized shtick equals gigantic giggles for both little ones and grown-ups, even teens with fond memories of this much beloved book."
Laura Numeroff is the author of more than a dozen popular books for children, and DCT's Nancy Schaeffer is a veteran at presenting Numeroff's works for the stage. Ms. Schaeffer obtained special rights from HarperCollins to adapt two Numeroff bestsellers based on the same concept for DCT audiences: "If You Give a Moose a Muffin" (2000) and "If You Give a Pig a Party" (2006). DCT first presented If You Give a Mouse a Cookie in 2005, and at that time, it was DCT's highest selling show ever. DCT is proud to reprise this Family Favorite for the "If You Give" series fans.
Karl Schaeffer (Mouse) -- photo by Karen Almond
Ms. Schaeffer's husband and DCT veteran actor, Mr. Karl Schaeffer, reprises his role as the attention-seeking, ever-energetic, adorable mouse in one comedic lazzi after another. Mr. Schaeffer, a natural physical comedian, really shines in scenarios involving jumbo props and larger than life scenery. Some of the standouts include encounters with a straw, a huge rubber glove and a routine reminiscent of the famous "mirror" scene from the Marx Brothers movie, Duck Soup.
This time around, DCT enhances the circus attributes of the production. Mr. Schaeffer is going the extra mile and training with Fanny Kerwich, an 8th generation circus artist of French descent, and the founder of Lone Star Circus, a Dallas based non-profit organization, which promotes circus arts through training and performance. Set design by Randel Wright hints at the circus theme with set pieces and video projections inspired by "The Big Top" tent.
Fast becoming a DCT favorite is Scott Zenreich as the Boy, who last appeared on DCT's stage this season as Alexander in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
DCT prides itself in bringing literature to life and presenting the child's unique perspective. Similar to the children's book that inspired the play, and a great example of how a child is empowered by taking on a parental role, this production is ideal for the youngest of audience members. It is an excellent introduction to theater, as well as lively entertainment for all ages.
Don't miss this DCT Family Favorite! Enjoyed by ages 4 and up.
SAVE THE DATE: SPECIAL VISIT BY AUTHOR MAUREEN LUPTON
Meet local author Maureen E. Lupton in a special appearance at DCT on Saturday, February 4 for a signing of her new book, The Adventures of Fluff the Wonder Bear and his Discoveries about Health and Fitness.
Seven-year-old Caspian Roberts never goes anywhere without Fluff, a bear with "lots of brains" and energy to match. In their adventures together they share what they learn about fitness, nutrition and the good feelings that come from a health body and mind. The signing will take place in conjunction with DCT's 1:30pm performance of IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE. Ms. Lupton, a registered nurse specializing in cardiology, will be available from 12:30 to 3:00. Books may be purchased at DCT. Don't miss this special opportunity!
CAST
Boy - Scott Zenreich*
Mouse - Karl Schaeffer*
ARTISTIC TEAM
Director - Nancy Schaeffer
Scenic Designer - Randel Wright
Lighting Designer - Linda Blase
Costume Designer - Mary Therese D'Avignon
Sound Designer - Marco Salinas
Properties Designer - Beck Schlabach
Stage Manager - Douglass Burks*
*(Indicates a member of Actors' Equity Association)
DALLAS CHILDREN'S THEATER, ROSEWOOD CENTER FOR FAMILY ARTS
5938 Skillman Street, Dallas, Texas 75231
PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES:
Friday - January 20 - 7:30 pm
Saturdays - January 21 & February 18, 25 - 1:30 pm
Saturdays - January 28 & February 4, 11 - 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm
Sundays - January 22, 29 & February 5, 12, 19, 26 - 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm
Performance dates and times: Friday, January 20 at 7:30 pm; Saturdays, January 21 and February 18 & 25 at 1:30 pm; Saturdays, January 28 and February 4 & 11 at 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm; Sundays at 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm
Ticket Prices:
. Saturday 4:30 pm - $19 Adult & Youth Section A; $12 Adult & Youth Section B
. Friday 7:30 pm/Saturday 1:30 pm/Sunday 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm - $24 Adult/$22 Youth Section A; $18 Adult/$16 Youth Section B
DCT Box Office: 214-740-0051
Tickets also available on-line!
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is presented by TACA.
Weekday Student Matinee shows also available Tuesdays through Fridays. Please call ArtReach Booking at 214-219-2049.
Dallas Children's Theater's 2011-2012 Season is sponsored by Texas Instruments, Inc.; WFAA-TV Channel 8; TACA; Target; The Rosewood Foundation; Maintenance of Dallas, Inc.; Texas Instruments Foundation; the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs; The Shubert Foundation, Inc.; and Texas Commission on the Arts. American Airlines is the official airline of Dallas Children's Theater.