"I think if the talented people in the theatre community contribute even more than they are, theatre for young people will thrive," Stein says of the future of the genre. "I think there's a great future for family theatre and family entertainment." Koslow agrees, pointing out that many regional theatre companies, such as The Bushnell in Hartford, Connecticut, have mandates and programs to create and improve upon children's theatre. With the efforts of master artists and producers who understand the need to grab audiences while they are young, children will have access to high-quality theatre that can inspire them, and keep them coming back for more. "These children who've grown up in [theatre] are going to give back," Meridee Stein says with not mere assurance, but years of experience to support her optimism.
Captain Louie will have two readings at the New York Musical Theatre Festival at the 47th Street Theatre, 304 W. 47th St., on Friday, October 1 at 5:00 and on Saturday, September 2 at 2:00.
There will be several other family-friendly shows premiering at the New York Musical Theatre Festival, including:
A staged reading of The Enchanted Cottage, written by the award-winning team of Thomas Edward West (book), Kim Oler (music) and Alison Hubbard (lyrics) will be performed twice at the 45th Street Theatre on Monday, September 27 at 4:30 p.m. and Thursday, September 30, also at 4:30 p.m. www.enchantedcottagemusical.com
Like You Like It, book and lyrics by Sammy Buck, music by Daniel S. Acquisto. September 26th at 8:00 p.m., September 29th at 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., October 1st at 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and October 2nd at 8:00 p.m. at THE BECKET on Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues.
Tusk, a Musical, with a book by Steven Billing, Norman Rea and Steven Yuhasz; Music by Bryon Sommers; Lyrics by Norman Rea; and additional music by David Salih & Craig Strang will be performed Saturday, September 18 at 8, Sunday, September 19 at 1, Tuesday, September 21 at 8, Sunday, September 26 at 1, Wednesday, September 29 at 1, and Thursday, September 30 at 8. The original story and additional lyrics are by Steven Billing. At the 47th Street Theatre, 304 West 47th Street. www.tuskamusical.com
The Happy Prince– (Book/Music/Lyrics - Frank Schiro; Director/Co-developer of Book - Shawn Churchman) will be performed at the newly renovated the Beckett on Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd St., September 25 through October 2. www.happyprincemusical.com
Striking Viking Story Pirates, Book by TBC, Music by Eli Bolin, Lyrics by The Story Pirates adapted from stories by kids! Performances are Tuesdays at 7pm, Saturdays, noon and 3pm at The Arthur Seelen Theater at The Drama Book Shop. www.storypirates.com
Tickets to all events are available for $15.00 through www.TheaterMania.com, or by calling (212) 352-3101. For more information on the New York Musical Theater Festival, go to www.nymf.org.
