Note: All submitted events must be approved before they appear in the calendar.
The Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Theatre 2021-2022 Season includes:
Corduroy
Based on the “Corduroy” and “A Pocket for Corduroy” books by Don Freeman
Licensed by CBS Consumer Products
Adapted for the Stage by Barry Kornhauser
Directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer
December 11, 2021 – January 23, 2022
Best for ages 3+
We all need a friend, and Lisa is instantly drawn to the perfectly imperfect teddy bear on display at the department store. If only she can convince her stressed-out mother to buy Corduroy for her! Meanwhile, Corduroy is determined to find his missing button and become worthy of going to a real home. After the store has closed, he goes on a hilariously destructive search—with the Night Watchman in comical pursuit. Full of mischief and clowning, this story of unconditional love captures both the humanity and the merriment of the holiday season.
P.Nokio: A Hip-Hop Musical
Book and Lyrics by Psalmayene 24
Music by Nick “tha 1da” Hernandez
Directed by Tony Thomas
February 23 – April 10, 2022
Best for ages 5-11
G.Petto is an ingenious computer games designer who one day discovers that his newest game character, P.Nokio, can live outside the computer! G.Petto is thrilled at the prospect of having a “son,” and with the help of the Graffiti Fairy, he teaches P.Nokio how to become a real boy. But, P.Nokio falls in with con artists and finds himself in a web of lies that endangers his father. To save G.Petto, P.Nokio must wise up, keep it real, and learn that words and truth are the mightiest weapons of all. A completely contemporary, high-energy musical update of Pinocchio by the creator of Imagination Stage’s hit Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth.
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Book by Robert Kauzlaric
Music and Lyrics by George Howe
Based on the novel by Richard and Florence Atwater
Directed by Nathanial P. Claridad
June 22 – August 7, 2022
Best for ages 3-10
Mr. Popper, a painter of modest means, dreams of taking an Antarctic adventure. So he’s thrilled when a penguin named Captain Cook waddles out of a mysterious box left on his doorstep. The zookeeper donates a female companion and soon…the patter of 20 baby penguin feet! To feed all of these mouths, the imaginative Mr. Popper and his wife turn his talented penguins into a must-see traveling vaudeville act full of song and dance. But the rigors of performing take a toll on them all, and they must make a difficult decision. This musical play, featuring expert puppetry, depicts a wild and witty way to follow your dreams–and your convictions.
S.P.I.E.S. & The Lost Treasure of Atlantis*
Conceived and Co-directed by Strother Gaines
Written by Doug Robinson
Produced and Co-directed by Jeffrey Eagle
November 13 – 28
Best for ages 5+
New name, same terrific show that DC Metro Theatre Arts called “a fantastically entertaining conglomerate of action, adventure, suspense, and pure silliness perfect for ages 5 and up. Imagination Stage’s hit immersive online show is full of action, interactive puzzles, and memorable characters. Help Spy Team 7 recover the stolen Heart of the Dragon from the evil Dr. Levinious! Great for groups, and available for private performances.
*Formerly titled Spy Academy
Theatre for the Very Young 2021-2022 Season includes:
Balloonacy
By Barry Kornhauser
Directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer
January 15 – February 20, 2022
A beautiful, movement-based show that revisits the classic film The Red Balloon. Nothing can go right for the character of the old man, whose days are gray and dreary—until he is visited by a friendly red balloon. In the playful physical style of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, the old man—an adult version of the boy in the film—regains his youthful spirit, with the help of the red balloon! Best for ages 1-5.
Mother Goose
Devised by Kathryn Chase Bryer and Janet Stanford with Imagination Stage artists
Music by Debbie Jacobsen
Directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer
March 11 – April 10, 2022
A brand new, music-filled piece by the creators of Wake Up, Brother Bear and Mouse on the Move! Mother Goose leads the audience through some of her most beloved nursery rhymes, using puppets and props to bring to life Humpty Dumpty, Old King Cole, the Eensy Weensy Spider, and more. The magical Mother Goose invites your little ones to join in with each rhyme’s story – teaching them that the very best way to do what needs to be done is to do it together. Best for ages 1-5.
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND FLEX PACKS
Subscription Ticket Packages and Flex Packs to Imagination Stage’s 2021-2022 Season are now on sale. Subscribe at imaginationstage.org or by calling the Box Office at 301-280-1660. Single tickets for Corduroy go on sale on October 1, 2021.
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Founded 41 years ago, Imagination Stage is a holistic theatre arts organization for all children and youth. Through award-winning professional theatre, arts education, and community-based theatre programming, the organization helps children and young people develop a deep appreciation of theatre arts, while building a sense of self and social understanding. Based in Bethesda, MD, its programming serves children and families throughout the DMV.
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