Tickets available now for Oct. 13 performances at UCA’s Reynolds Performance Hall
The University of Central Arkansas Public Appearances’ Main Stage EdUCAtion Series will open the season with Playhouse Square’s “Velveteen, A New Musical” in two performances Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 10 a.m. and noon at Reynolds Performance Hall in Conway.
Inspired by Margery Williams’ classic 1922 children’s book “The Velveteen Rabbit,” the magical new musical “Velveteen” introduces audiences to Lulu, her Gran, her beloved toys and a nest of legendary rabbits. Lulu confronts big changes, having just moved in with her Gran. To make things a little more comfortable, Gran gives her a velveteen rabbit — just like the one her mom had. Velveteen and Lulu form a special bond, making some of the other toys jealous and leaving Velveteen wishing he could live outside with the “real” rabbits he meets through the window. Ultimately, Velveteen discovers the transformative power of loving relationships and what it means to be Real.
Placing a hundred-year-old story in the modern day, this production brings magic and transformation to life onstage with a visionary set and playful costumes. “Velveteen” — at times thoughtful, playful at others — is an uplifting story about the importance of being one’s authentic self. Recommended for ages 4-10.
“Velveteen, A New Musical” is written by Molly Andrews-Hinders (libretto, music & lyrics) and Ananias Dixon (libretto), inspired by the book “The Velveteen Rabbit” by Margery Williams. The original creative team includes direction by Joanna May Cullinan, choreography by Jailyn Sherell Harris, set design by Ian Petroni, costume design by Inda Blatch-Geib, and lighting design by Jeremy Benjamin.
Playhouse Square, the premier U.S. home for touring Broadway, is a globally recognized arts district and proud home of eight resident companies. A not-for-profit presenter and producer of performing arts experiences located in Cleveland, Ohio, Playhouse Square is a champion of arts education and has partnered to commission many performances for young audiences including “North” (2022); the New York Times bestseller “What do You do With an Idea?” (2020); the NEA award-winning “Cartography” (2019); “Hansel & Gretel” (2017); “Airplay” (2016); and multiple virtual productions. More information is available at playhousesquare.org.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Reynolds box office or Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., online at uca.edu/publicappearances/mainstage, or by calling UCA Ticket Central at (501) 450-3265 or toll free at (866) 810-0012.
UCA Public Appearances has continued to grow each year and now offers five unique series: Broadway, POPS, Night Out, An Evening With, and the Windgate Collection. Reynolds Performance Hall has also welcomed over 70,000 pre-K-12th grade students from across the state of Arkansas to experience live performing arts through the Main Stage Education Series. This series educates while entertaining and provides arts accessibility to all students.