CHILDREN’S THEATRE of KNOXVILLE e-NEWS July 2009

CHILDREN’S THEATRE of KNOXVILLE e-NEWS
July 2009

Included in this issue:
- Tickets On Sale Today for:“The Swiss Family
Robinson: Amazon Adventure”

- 2009 Production Calendar Dates Set

- Summer Workshop for Teens Scheduled for July;
Fall Classes Resume in September

- Cast Announced for “Disney’s Alice In Wonderland,
Jr.: The Musical”

- Audition Dates Set for “The Canterville Ghost”

- CTK Announces Partnership with Tanasi Girl Scouts
Council to Produce Cheri Bennett’s “Zink” in January

- CTK Wins Fox 43’s Best Theatre Group Award;
Named Runner-Up in Best of MetroPulse

- New Location Hosts Over 1,000 Audience
Members for “Charlotte’s Web”; Facility
Improvements Underway

TICKETS ON SALE TODAY for “THE SWISS
FAMILY ROBINSON: AMAZON ADVENTURE”

Tickets are on sale today for CTK’s most unique production yet: “The Swiss Family Robinson: Amazon Adventure.“ Josh Beach’s eye-popping set design includes a full-size boat, an inclined river bank, stone outcroppings, a life-size tree, jungle vines, and a multitude of life-size bugs and other animals. We hope you’ll join us for this thrilling and educational play.

The intrepid Robinson family head out on an educational escapade and luxury cruise down the Amazon River with their cousins, the Switzers. But an unexpected log jam and a sudden flash flood separate the children from their parents, sending the kids on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in one of our planet’s most fascinating places: the Amazon rain forest! This thrilling re-imagining of Johann Wyss’s timeless classic novel is a classic adventure story for all ages and teaches the audience much about the animals and plants of the Amazon jungle as well as about the environmental impact of logging in this delicate biosphere.

Here’s the complete performance schedule:

Friday, July 17 at 7 PM
Saturday, July 18 at 1 PM and 5 PM
Sunday, July 19 at 3 PM
Thursday, July 23 at 7 PM
Friday, July 24 at 7 PM
Saturday, July 25 at 1 PM and 5 PM
Sunday, July 26 at 3 PM
Thursday, July 30 at 7 PM
Friday, July 31 at 7 PM
Saturday, August 1 at 1 PM and 5 PM

The play is being performed by ten of Knoxville’s most talented young actors. And eight of the ten are performing with CTK for the first time. Alli Acuff plays Cassie Robinson, the oldest child, who is suddenly thrown into the role of “authority figure.”
Alli is a rising freshman at Christian Academy of Knoxville. Ten-year-old Will Kersey plays the amateur naturalist and survivalist Jake Robinson. And London Keller plays Ande, the youngest Robinson. At 7 years old, London is CTK’s youngest mainstage performer ever. The Robinsons are joined on this escapade by their cousins, Henry, Billy, and the twins Abbe and Claire Switzer. Fourteen-year-old Mac Bower plays Henry. Mac has performed previously with CTK and Theatre Knoxville. Eleven-year-old Sean Sloas plays Billy Switzer. Sean is a frequent performer at Grace Christian Academy. Ten-year-olds Caroline Dyer and Lauren Krahwinkel play the twins Abbe and Claire.
This is Caroline’s third CTK appearance, and Lauren has appeared in several church productions. Michaela Hall, Bethany Moon, and Wheeler Moon round out the cast as children of the Amazon natives. Twelve-year-old Michaela recently appeared in Bearden Middle School’s production of “Once Upon A Mattress.” Bethany and Wheeler are making their stage debuts!

THE CREATORS
This unique re-telling of “The Swiss Family Robinson” is the brainchild of veteran performers and writers, Josh and Meg Beach. Longtime Blount County residents, Josh and Meg wrote and produced many wonderful children’s plays in the 1990s for Blount County Junior Playhouse. Since then, both have acted for many local theatre companies and have had a lengthy association with Circle Modern Dance Company, for which they have created, choreographed, and performed.
Look for them to bring their knowledge of dance and percussion to this intriguing adventure play! Josh is also a talented carpenter and designer, and audiences will surely love the boat and treehouse he has designed for “The Swiss Family Robinson,” as well as his unique stage design for the production.

TICKETS
Tickets go on sale to the public on Monday, July 6. Reservations are strongly recommended; for example, seven of the nine performances of “Charlotte’s Web” were sold out. The best way to reserve tickets is by e-mailing tickets@childrenstheatreknoxville.com.
Include the number of child tickets and adult tickets you wish to purchase, along with your preferred show date and time, and you will receive a detailed reply about the performance. Reservations may also be made by calling (865) 599-5284. Tickets are $11 per person. We are continuing our special rate with this show: any adult and child entering the theatre together may do so for $9 each.
Reserved tickets may be paid for at the door by cash or check.

LOCATION
The play is being performed at CTK’s new theatre in downtown Knoxville, located at 800 Tyson Street. Heading north from downtown on Broadway, Tyson Street turns left (west) just past Old Gray Cemetery. Tyson Street is between the traffic lights on Broadway at Fifth Avenue and Central Avenue, and is directly across the street from historic Emory Place. The theatre is about 300 feet down Tyson Street, immediately next door to Dixie Kitchens. The CTK sign is visible from Broadway, looking down Tyson Street. Click the “Map and Directions” link in the shaded area on the right side of this page for more directional information.

The play is made possible through the continuing support of UT Surgical Associates, Schaad Companies, and Signs ‘N’ Such.
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PRODUCTION SCHEDULE SET FOR REMAINDER
OF 2009

CTK will present four more productions in 2009, and those performance dates have been set. Mark your calendars for these upcoming plays:

Disney’s Alice In Wonderland, Jr.
a musical play based on the 1951 Walt Disney Studios film August 14 through August 30 Thursdays & Fridays at 7 PM Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM and Sundays at 3 PM

The Diary of Anne Frank
a drama by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett September 11 through September 26 Thursdays & Fridays at 7 PM Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM and Sundays at 3 PM

The Canterville Ghost
a spooky comedy based on a short story by Oscar Wilde October 16 through October 31 Thursdays & Fridays at 7 PM Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM and Sundays at 3 PM

James and the Giant Peach
a comic fantasy based on the book by Roald Dahl November 13 through November 29 Thursdays & Fridays at 7 PM Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM and Sundays at 3 PM

________________________________________________

SUMMER ACTING WORKSHOP FOR TEENS SCHEDULED FOR LATE JULY

After hosting over 40 children for summer camps in June, CTK will hold an intensive week-long summer workshop for teens on July 20 through 24, from 1 PM to 4 PM. This workshop is specifically geared for ages 15 to 18.

This camp allows students to explore the theatrical process with an actual play script. Students will use exercises to develop characters from a 20-minute play and use the script to envision and enact believable characterizations within the constrictions of an actual play. This workshop begins on Monday, July 20 and continues through Friday, July 24, from 1 PM to 4 PM. The workshop will be held at CTK’s new theatre facility at 800 Tyson Street in downtown Knoxville. The instruction fee for the 15 hour camp is $200. To reserve a spot in this camp, e-mail CTK Artistic Director Jenny Ballard at jenny@childrenstheatreknoxville.com . Payment of 50% of camp fee is expected upon reservation. Students are seated on a first-paid, first-seated basis. Camp size is limited to ten students maximum. At this time, three slots remain in the workshop. Reservation deadline is July 14.

Our Matinee Club gears back up for the academic year in August. Matinee Club classes take place on Saturdays and teach performance basics and character creation through a fun and lively series of games, exercises, and classroom work.

The Early Fall Term topic for our Matinee Club class for ages
6 to 10 is: I Feel! I Am! I Do! This class centers on teaching character creation as a recipe of emotion (I Feel!), identity (I Am!) and action (I Do!). Students develop interesting and humorous characters using verbal and non-verbal skills with this effective actor’s “recipe”.
This class begins on Saturday, September 12 and continues for the following four Saturdays. Classes occur September 12, 19, 26; October 3 & 10. Classes take place at CTK’s new home (800 Tyson Street in downtown Knoxville). The instruction fee for the 10 hour workshop is $150. To reserve a spot in this class, e-mail CTK Artistic Director Jenny Ballard at jenny@childrenstheatreknoxville.com .
Payment of 50% of class fee is expected upon reservation. Students are seated on a first-paid, first-seated basis. Class size is limited to ten students maximum.
______________________________________________________

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR “DISNEY’S ALICE IN
WONDERLAND, JR.: THE MUSICAL”

Almost 60 children auditioned for CTK’s first musical production, which will be “Disney’s Alice In Wonderland, Jr.” Each and every one was remarkably talented, and the casting decisions were difficult. In the end, 23 children were cast in the play, and fourteen of them will be appearing with CTK for the first time. Caroline King will be the play’s director, with Lisa Hatmaker serving as Choreographer, and Caitlin Kennedy working as Assistant Director.

If you know any of the cast members, give them a much-deserved congratulations. The cast is Sophia Abouelata, Kayla Allsop, Madison Austin, Marisa Beeler, Juliette Blais, Jaden Branson, Jacob Carpenter, Jacob Friedrich, Samantha Hatmaker, Amber Hull, Zachary Hull, Alex Levi, Laney Markham, Maggie McCoig, Faith Neece, Krista Nolan, Maya Rioux, Zoe Risley, Hannah Sloas, Kelly Tipton, Morgan Voyles, Nathan Wolfenbarger, and Abigail Wood.

Thanks to everyone who auditioned, and if you didn’t get in this play, please look below for our upcoming audition for our Halloween play.
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CTK ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH TANASI GIRL SCOUTS COUNCIL TO PRODUCE CHERI BENNETT’S “ZINK” IN JANUARY

CTK is proud to announce a partnership with Tanasi Girl Scouts to produce a magical and deeply moving play called “Zink: The Myth, The Legend, The Zebra” by legendary children’s dramatist and novelist Cherie Bennett, author of “Anne Frank and Me” and “Searching for David’s Heart.”

Commissioned by First Stage Milwaukee, Zink is about true courage in the face of unpredictable predators. Imaginative, funny, and heartbreaking, it's the story of the relationship of Becky, a lonely pre-teen girl with leukemia, to her guardian-angel herd of zebras on the African savannah. The zebras range from street-smart Ice Z to grandfatherly Papa Zeke, effete Zilch to endearing Shlep, a furry green monkey sure he is actually a zebra. In Africa, Becky learns about Zink, a mythical polka-dotted zebra once an outcast but later a hero with the most courage and biggest heart. Becky's health worsens and she zaps back and forth between her real life and the zebra world until the shattering, breathtaking and uplifting climax. Never maudlin, playwright Bennett does a masterful job of balancing the hard realities of illness and the magic found on the zebras' African plains.

Join us for a funny and inspirational play, and meet the national mascot Zink at each performance. Look for more details soon on our website:
www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com
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AUDITION DATES SET FOR “THE CANTERVILLE GHOST”

CTK will hold auditions for “The Canterville Ghost” on Tuesday, August 18 and Wednesday, August 19.

“The Canterville Ghost” is a spooky comedy, based on a classic short story by Oscar Wilde. An American family buys an old mansion in rural England, scoffing at warnings of a rowdy resident ghost. The parents and their three children may have met their match in the “spirited”
and clever ghost, who is determined to scare them out! In the end, kind-hearted Virginia helps him fulfill the terms of the legend by summoning a heroic courage and learning the value of a good deed. The Dallas Morning News reports:
“It’s a pleasure to take the kids to something that diffuses fear with humor, such as ‘The Canterville Ghost’… a Halloween story with a difference… and a particularly fine one.”

CTK is casting five adults (3 males, 2 females) and five children
(4 males and 1 female) for this production. For this play, auditions are by appointment only. Auditioners may make an appointment for one of the following times:

Tuesday, August 18: 4:30 PM, 5:15 PM, 6:00 PM, 6:45 PM, and 7:30 PM.
Wednesday, August 19: 4:30 PM, 5:15 PM, 6:00 PM, 6:45 PM, and 7:30 PM.

Appointments will be taken on a first-reserved, first-scheduled basis.
Eight auditioners will be scheduled for each time period. Therefore, a maximum of 80 auditioners will be seen. Audition appointments may be made by e-mailing info@childrenstheatreknoxville.com .

The play will begin rehearsing Wednesday, September 2 and will rehearse Sunday afternoons and Monday through Thursday evenings. The play will open on Friday, October 16 and play for 13 performances on weekends through October 31.

Auditions will be held in our theatre, located at in downtown Knoxville at 800 Tyson Street.

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CTK WINS FOX 43’S “BEST THEATRE GROUP” AWARD, AND NAMED RUNNER-UP IN BEST OF METROPULSE

In a recent media campaign, WTNZ Fox 43 surveyed their viewers on over 80 types of local businesses. After almost two months of polling, and over 12,000 votes!, CTK was named as the winner of “Best Theatre Group” with 35% of the votes!
Thanks to all those who chose us in this wide-reaching survey!

And in the 2009 Best of MetroPulse balloting, CTK was listed as a runner-up in “Best Local Theatre.” Considering the winner was The Actors Co-Op and our fellow runner-up was The Clarence Brown Theatre, we feel very proud that our child actors were honored in being mentioned with Knoxville’s alternative theatre and our city’s professional company in our first year of eligibility.
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NEW LOCATION HOSTS OVER 1,000 AUDIENCE
MEMBERS TO VIEW “CHARLOTTE’S WEB”;
FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY

CTK thanks all of those who came out to see “Charlotte’s Web” and to celebrate the opening of our new theatre space! We expected to have around 500 audience members for the show, and over twice that number attended the play. We could not have had a better opening of a new location, and the support we have received from you is truly humbling!

We moved into the new Tyson Street location FIVE days before the play opened! All of the children (and their families) lent a hand to get the location performance- ready, doing everything from quickly building the scenery to stocking the bathrooms. After five sixteen-hour days, we opened the doors to a sold-out opening night!

Josh Beach has turned the facility into a jungle for our current production of “The Swiss Family Robinson.”
The barn from “Charlotte’s Web” has yielded to jungle vines, trees, a boat and a life-size tree! We are so fortunate to have such a flexible theatre environment!

But the work is not over: we have a multitude of plans for the new location, and we’ll proceed on these as resources and circumstances allow us to over the coming months. As autumn advances, we hope to build a permanent stage, rig a front-of-stage curtain, install sound- and light-absorbing curtains in the interior performance area, install a lighting grid, renovate and ventilate the adjacent wing for a rehearsal hall and classroom, and move our supplies into storage.
We hope you’ll notice some of these changes by the time you return for “The Swiss Family Robinson:
Amazon Adventure” in July!
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Children's Theatre Classes!

CTK Classes and Workshops
ENROLLMENT UNDERWAY for SPRING TERM of

IMAGI-STAGE and MATINEE CLUB CLASSES

CTK is now accepting students for our spring term of creative dramatics classes.
Imagi-Stage classes are held after-school and specialize in teaching the Basics of creative dramatics in a practical setting: through the rehearsal and performance of a short 20-minute play. Imagi-Stage classes are taught by CTK's Producing Director Zack Allen, who has directed CTK's recent productions of, “Wind in the Willows”.
Matinee Club classes take place on Saturdays and teach performance basics And character creation through a fun and lively series of games, exercises, and Classroom work.

(scroll down below our calendar to get all the details)

Auditions for "Charlotte's Web"

Auditions for "Charlotte's Web"

Wed., Mar. 11th and Thurs., Mar. 12th

from 4:30-8:15 pm.

For this play, auditions are by appointment only.

Auditioners may make an appointment for one of the following times:

4:30 PM, 5:15 PM, 6:00 PM, 6:45 PM, and 7:30PM.

Auditioners should arrive at least 5 minutes prior to the appointment time.

Appointments will be taken on a first-reserved, first-scheduled basis. Eight auditioners will be scheduled for each time period. Therefore, a maximum of 80 auditioners will be seen.

Audition appointments may be made by calling 599-5284 or e-mailing zack@childrenstheatreknoxville.com .

Auditions will consist of cold readings, and will be held at the Emporium Center for Arts and Cultulre, located at 100 St. Gay St. For appts., call 567-1522.

The play will begin rehearsing Monday, March 23, and will rehearse Sunday afternoons, and Monday through Thursday evenings.

The play will open on Friday, April 24 and play for 13 performances through May 9. Audition location will be given upon reservation of appointment. This play will participate in Knoxville's annual Dogwood Arts Festival and have additonal performance requirements as a result.

Auditions for "Charlotte's Web"

Auditions for "Charlotte's Web"

Wed., Mar. 11th and Thurs., Mar. 12th

from 4:30-8:15 pm.

For this play, auditions are by appointment only.

Auditioners may make an appointment for one of the following times:

4:30 PM, 5:15 PM, 6:00 PM, 6:45 PM, and 7:30PM.

Auditioners should arrive at least 5 minutes prior to the appointment time.

Appointments will be taken on a first-reserved, first-scheduled basis. Eight auditioners will be scheduled for each time period. Therefore, a maximum of 80 auditioners will be seen.

Audition appointments may be made by calling 599-5284 or e-mailing zack@childrenstheatreknoxville.com .

The play will begin rehearsing Monday, March 23, and will rehearse Sunday afternoons, and Monday through Thursday evenings.

The play will open on Friday, April 24 and play for 13 performances through May 9. Audition location will be given upon reservation of appointment. This play will participate in Knoxville's annual Dogwood Arts Festival and have additonal performance requirements as a result.

"Wind in the Willows" Final performances this Friday and Saturday!

This weekend’s performances for “Wind and the Willow”:

Friday 2/27 at 7 PM
Saturday 2/28 at 1 PM and 5 PM
Reservations Must be Made
by calling 599-5284 or 258-2060

WOW! I hope that everyone in Knoxville gets the opportunity to see such an amazing performance.


Director Zack Allen defies gravity. Wind in the Willows is an absolute hit! This show belongs on the road. I cannot begin to describe the incredible performances. Each and every actor was amazing. The short cut is to tell you about the “Toad”, performed by Connor Hess. Connor nailed it! He is a toad – he is funny and has fully developed his character with an amazing attention to detail. Get his autograph now while you can. Mr. Hess certainly sets the bar in this show – however, not one of the actors backs down. In fact they bring it on. The opening show was so filled with laughter and clapping. I was having a difficult time hearing each and every word. That said you need to see this show.


By the way – did I mention the play was performed by children? Yes, “Wind in the Willows”, is a Children’s Theatre of Knoxville production. You would not know it… As soon as the lights come up you are drawn in by the amazing acting. Mr. Allen has taken a group of kids that in some cases are in their very first play and turned them into amazing actors. How someone accomplishes what Mr. Allen did in four weeks with literally no budget can only be described as magic!



If you have seen the show please post a comment – as a proud Dad of one of the cast members I do not want people to think I am biased. For that matter as a proud Dad I can say I have seen many many children plays and this one surpasses them all. In fact, I do not think it is fair to categories this as “Children’s Theatre”. This show, quite simply is quality theatre and great entertainment.



Take the family and have some fun with the classic “Wind in the Willows” that portrays a story more relevant today than when it was written.

This weekend’s performances for “Wind and the Willow”:
Friday 2/27 at 7 PM

Saturday 2/28 at 1 PM and 5 PM

Reservations Must be Made

by calling 599-5284 or 258-2060

The play is being performed at Theatre Knoxville Downtown, our city's oldest continuously-operating community theatre. The theatre is located at 319 N. Gay Street, directly across the street from Regas Restaurant.

Free parking is available just a few steps from the door of the theatre inwrought-iron enclosed parking lot on the corner of Gay and Depot Streets.

"Wind in the Willows" performance today!

WOW! I hope that everyone in Knoxville gets the opportunity to see such an amazing performance.

Director Zack Allen defies gravity. Wind in the Willows is an absolute hit! This show belongs on the road. I cannot begin to describe the incredible performances. Each and every actor was amazing. The short cut is to tell you about the “Toad”, performed by Connor Hess. Connor nailed it! He is a toad – he is funny and has fully developed his character with an amazing attention to detail. Get his autograph now while you can. Mr. Hess certainly sets the bar in this show – however, not one of the actors backs down. In fact they bring it on. The opening show was so filled with laughter and clapping. I was having a difficult time hearing each and every word. That said you need to see this show.

By the way – did I mention the play was performed by children? Yes, “Wind in the Willows”, is a Children’s Theatre of Knoxville production. You would not know it… As soon as the lights come up you are drawn in by the amazing acting. Mr. Allen has taken a group of kids that in some cases are in their very first play and turned them into amazing actors. How someone accomplishes what Mr. Allen did in four weeks with literally no budget can only be described as magic!

If you have seen the show please post a comment – as a proud Dad of one of the cast members I do not want people to think I am biased. For that matter as a proud Dad I can say I have seen many many children plays and this one surpasses them all. In fact, I do not think it is fair to categories this as “Children’s Theatre”. This show, quite simply is quality theatre and great entertainment.

Take the family and have some fun with the classic “Wind in the Willows” that portrays a story more relevant today than when it was written.

This weekend’s performances for “Wind and the Willow”:
Saturday 2/21 at 1 PM and 5 PM
Sunday 2/22 at 3 PM

Reservations made by calling 599-5284 or 258-2060

The play is being performed at Theatre Knoxville Downtown, our city's oldest continuously-operating community theatre. The theatre is located at 319 N. Gay Street, directly across the street from Regas Restaurant.

Free parking is available just a few steps from the door of the theatre inwrought-iron enclosed parking lot on the corner of Gay and Depot Streets.

OVER 200 ATTEND “WIND IN THE WILLOWS” OPENING WEEKEND

CHILDREN’S THEATRE of KNOXVILLE NEWS BRIEFS

OVER 200 ATTEND “WIND IN THE WILLOWS” OPENING WEEKEND; ONLY NINE PERFORMANCES REMAINING!

CTK’s first play in 2009 is also its first smash hit of the year! Over 200 people came to Theatre Knoxville Downtown to see “The Wind in the Willows” last weekend, putting the play on pace to be the company’s most successful show yet.

Reservations are recommended for the final two weekends of shows, since the performance space is an intimate 68-seat venue! You have nine more chances to see the hilarious adventures of Mr. Toad and his friends Rat, Mole, and Badger, as they try to rescue Polly Otter from the clutches of the invading weasels!

Performances will be held this weekend (2/19 - 2/22) on Thursday and Friday at 7 PM, Saturday at 1 PM and 5 PM, and Sunday at 3 PM.
Next weekend (2/26 - 2/28), there will be shows on Thursday and Friday at 7 PM, and Saturday at 1 PM and 5 PM. The show’s final performance is Saturday the 28th at 5 PM.

For reservations, e-mail tickets@childrenstheatreknoxville.com , or call (865) 599-5284. For more information, visit http://www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com/, or blogspot.childrenstheatreknoxville.com !

"Wind in the Willows" performance today!

WOW! I hope that everyone in Knoxville gets the opportunity to see such an amazing performance.

Director Zack Allen defies gravity. Wind in the Willows is an absolute hit! This show belongs on the road. I cannot begin to describe the incredible performances. Each and every actor was amazing. The short cut is to tell you about the “Toad”, performed by Connor Hess. Connor nailed it! He is a toad – he is funny and has fully developed his character with an amazing attention to detail. Get his autograph now while you can. Mr. Hess certainly sets the bar in this show – however, not one of the actors backs down. In fact they bring it on. The opening show was so filled with laughter and clapping. I was having a difficult time hearing each and every word. That said you need to see this show.

By the way – did I mention the play was performed by children? Yes, “Wind in the Willows”, is a Children’s Theatre of Knoxville production. You would not know it… As soon as the lights come up you are drawn in by the amazing acting. Mr. Allen has taken a group of kids that in some cases are in their very first play and turned them into amazing actors. How someone accomplishes what Mr. Allen did in four weeks with literally no budget can only be described as magic!

If you have seen the show please post a comment – as a proud Dad of one of the cast members I do not want people to think I am biased. For that matter as a proud Dad I can say I have seen many many children plays and this one surpasses them all. In fact, I do not think it is fair to categories this as “Children’s Theatre”. This show, quite simply is quality theatre and great entertainment.

Take the family and have some fun with the classic “Wind in the Willows” that portrays a story more relevant today than when it was written.

This weekend’s performances for “Wind and the Willow”:
Saturday 2/14 at 1 PM and 5 PM
Sunday 2/15 at 3 PM

Reservations made by calling 599-5284 or 258-2060

The play is being performed at Theatre Knoxville Downtown, our city's oldest continuously-operating community theatre. The theatre is located at 319 N. Gay Street, directly across the street from Regas Restaurant.

Free parking is available just a few steps from the door of the theatre inwrought-iron enclosed parking lot on the corner of Gay and Depot Streets.

"THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS" Opens this weekend!

"THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS" OPENS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13

CTK will present its first show of 2009, as "The Wind in TheWillows" opens on next Friday (February 13) at 7 PM.

Here's the full-performance calendar:
Friday 2/13 at 7 PM

Saturday 2/14 at 1 PM and 5 PM

Sunday 2/15 at 3 PM

Thursday 2/19 at 7 PM

Friday 2/20 at 7 PM

Saturday 2/21 at 1 PM and 5 PM

Sunday 2/22 at 3 PM

Thursday 2/26 at 7 PM

Friday 2/27 at 7 PM

Saturday 2/28 at 1 PM and 5 PM

Mr. Toad's obsession with motor cars is causing his friends someconcern... especially considering he has crashed six cars in thepast few weeks! So, Mole, Rat and Old Mr. Badger decide to interveneon the poor amphibian's behalf and prevent him from harming himself orsomeone else. Meanwhile, Little Polly Otter has gone missing, and afamily of Weasels has taken over Toad Hall! This is a hilarious andheartwarming tale of friendship through trying times as well as aclassic adventure, complete with disguises, a prison escape, and a madtrain ride! Featuring a dozen of Knoxville's best child actors, this is alive theatre experience that both adults and children will find funnyand meaningful. Join us as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of thistimeless tale by author Kenneth Grahame that gets more relevant as it ages!Farragut Middle School student Connor Hess plays the car-obsessed Mr. Toad,and twelve other children also perform in the play. Mr. Toad's friends,Mole and Rat, are played by Caleigh Schaad and Holland Hysmith,respectively.

The villainous Jack Weasel is played by Kiernan Bensey, and his co-hortsJen, Tom, and Tilly are played by Jordan Bridges, Caroline Dyer, and JulianaPulsinelli. Little Polly Otter is being performed by nine-year-old AbigailCoughlin, while Bearden High School senior Ashlee Latimer plays her over-protective mother. Samantha Hatmaker plays a wayward Chauffeur, SophiaAbouelata plays the Town Jailer, Caitlin Kennedy plays the Jailer's Grand-Daughter, Naomi Lloyd plays the Train Worker, Bea, and Lauren Zinser playsthe dual roles of Allie the Train Engineer and the Constable. Retired WebbSchool educator Ron Gratz fills out the cast as Old Mr. Badger.

The play is being performed at Theatre Knoxville Downtown, our city'soldest continuously-operating community theatre. The theatre is locatedat 319 N. Gay Street, directly across the street from Regas Restaurant.

Free parking is available just a few steps from the door of the theatre inwrought-iron enclosed parking lot on the corner of Gay and Depot Streets.

Reservations are strongly recommended, since Theatre Knoxville is anintimate 60-seat performance space. Reservations made by calling 599-5284 or 258-2060, or by e-mailing tickets@childrenstheatreknoxville.com. Tickets are $9 per person. We are continuing our special rate with this show: any adult and child entering the theatre together may do so for $7 each.

The play is directed by CTK's Producing Director Zack Allen, and CarolNordstrom is the play's Stage Manager. Ellis Greer is serving as Costume Designer.

The play is sponsored by Schaad Companies and Jupiter Entertainment.

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS" OPENS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 CTK

CTK will present its first show of 2009, as

"The Wind in TheWillows"

opens on next Friday (February 13) at 7 PM.

Mr. Toad's obsession with motor cars is causing his friends someconcern... especially considering he has crashed six cars in thepast few weeks! So, Mole, Rat and Old Mr. Badger decide to interveneon the poor amphibian's behalf and prevent him from harming himself orsomeone else. Meanwhile, Little Polly Otter has gone missing, and afamily of Weasels has taken over Toad Hall! This is a hilarious andhartwarming tale of friendship through trying times as well as aclassic adventure, complete with disguises, a prison escape, and a madtrain ride! Featuring a dozen of Knoxville's best child actors, this is alive theatre experience that both adults and children will find funnyand meaningful. Join us as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of thistimeless tale by author Kenneth Grahame that gets more relevant as it ages!

WATCH FOR ZACK ALLEN ON WBIR's NOON NEWS SHOW

WATCH FOR ZACK ALLEN ON WBIR's NOON NEWS SHOW THIS MONDAY!

CTK's Producing Director Zack Allen will appear on WBIR's Noon Newsbroadcast thisMonday (Feb. 9) to discuss the company's activities and the upcomingperformance of "The Wind in The Willows." This is CTK's fifth appearance on WBIR in thepast year!

Thank you, WBIR TV 10, for being so supportive of Knoxville's theatrecompany forchildren, by children.

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS" OPENS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 CTK

CTK will present its first show of 2009, as

"The Wind in TheWillows"

opens on next Friday (February 13) at 7 PM.

Mr. Toad's obsession with motor cars is causing his friends someconcern... especially considering he has crashed six cars in thepast few weeks! So, Mole, Rat and Old Mr. Badger decide to interveneon the poor amphibian's behalf and prevent him from harming himself orsomeone else. Meanwhile, Little Polly Otter has gone missing, and afamily of Weasels has taken over Toad Hall! This is a hilarious andhartwarming tale of friendship through trying times as well as aclassic adventure, complete with disguises, a prison escape, and a madtrain ride! Featuring a dozen of Knoxville's best child actors, this is alive theatre experience that both adults and children will find funnyand meaningful. Join us as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of thistimeless tale by author Kenneth Grahame that gets more relevant as it ages!