Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s School of Theatre Training Presents OnStage 2007  

Students from Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s School of Theatre Training will perform three different plays in one jam-packed weekend of theatre, as OnStage 2007 takes over the McColl Family Theatre at ImaginOn from May 18-20. A unique student performance project, OnStage gives participants in the 8-month School of Theatre Training Program the opportunity to be part of a fully-produced theatrical piece. This year, over 100 students in grades 4-12 will perform with technical support from Children’s Theatre’s artistic and educational staff. OnStage 2007 delivers a funky take on an old favorite with “The Wiz”, an updated version of Shakespearean historical drama with “Henry 4”, and an imaginative journey into classic science fiction with “The Martian Chronicles”.  

“The Wiz”, based on L. Frank Baum’s classic, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, gives an edgy twist to the story of Dorothy and her four friends on their quest to vanquish the Wicked Witch. With a grimy street scene as the backdrop, punk rock clothes, and upbeat songs, you have a whole new take on a much-loved story.  

“Henry 4”, by William Shakespeare, is a fast paced take on modern politics and dysfunctional families. This rollercoaster of a tale gives us a hysterical cast of characters, balanced against the touching story of a son seeking his father’s approval in a world filled with political intrigue, deceit, and violence. This production of Henry 4 is definitely not your grandmother’s Shakespeare!  

“The Martian Chronicles”, based on stories by well known science fiction author Ray Bradbury, explores the colonization of Mars by Earth. As four teams of astronauts discover Mars, they learn that the Martians are prepared to resist, using tactics that Earthlings cannot even begin to understand. Both humorous and dramatic, this show will keep you gazing towards the sky at night.  

Performance times are as follows:  

The Wiz          

Book by William F. Brown

Music and Lyrics by Charlie Smalls

Based on the story “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum                                                                 

Friday, May 18              6:00 PM                              

Sunday, May 20            4:00 PM  

Henry 4

Adapted by Joanna Gerdy from the play by William Shakespeare

Friday, May 18              8:00 PM

Saturday, May 19          2:00 PM  

The Martian Chronicles

Based on the book by Ray Bradbury

Saturday, May 19          4:00 PM

Sunday, May 20            2:00 PM  

Performances will be in the McColl Theatre at ImaginOn. All tickets are $6.00. For ticket information, please call the Children’s Theatre Box Office at 704-973-2828 (10 AM- 5 PM, M-F) or visit www.ctcharlotte.org.  

About OnStage:

Students who participate in the School of Theatre Training are invited to audition for OnStage, a unique performance opportunity. The students rehearse four days a week over a five-week rehearsal period and technical support from Children’s Theatre’s artistic and educational staff in mounting a full theatrical production. School of Theatre Training classes are geared toward students grades 4-12 who are dedicated to studying the skills and techniques of theatre.  

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is supported by the Annual Fund Drive of the Arts & Science Council, Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Inc., ArtsTeach, and the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment for the Arts. 
The media sponsor for the 2006-07 season is WCNC-TV.
US Airways: the 2006-07 Official Airline of Children’s Theatre of Charlotte.