Fall, 2013 The Secret Garden

Book by Tim Kelly and Music & Lyrics by Bill Francoeur

September 26-October 6, 2013

Holiday, 2013 Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus

By Jamie Gorski

December 5-15, 2013

Winter, 2014 Cap o’ Rushes, an English fairy tale

By Claudia I. Haas

Winner of EVCT’s Aspiring Playwriting Contest

February 13-23, 2014

Summer, 2014 Little Red Riding Hood, an original musical

Book by Bradley G. Carter and Music & Lyrics by Kathie McMahon

June 19-29, 2014

Come join us for our upcoming season of great family entertainment at

The Mesa Arts Center

Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse Theatre

1 East Main Street, Mesa, Arizona

Located in downtown Mesa on the corner of Main & Center Streets

Shows run Thursday through Sunday

Show times are Thursday and Friday at 7 pm, Saturday at 4 pm and 7 pm and Sunday at 2 pm

For information, call the EVCT Office at 480-756-3828,

visit our web site at www.evct.org or e-mail to info@evct.org

Season Tickets can be purchased immediately by calling EVCT at 480-756-3828 or on line at the EVCT Store at www.evct.org -- Season Tickets are $40 per person

Single tickets may be purchased at the Mesa Arts Center Box Office,

by calling 480-644-6500 or on line at www.mesaartscenter.com

Single tickets are $11 for 17 and under and $15 for adults, 18 and older.

Some service charges may apply.

The Secret Garden – Sept 26-Oct 6, 2013

Book by Tim Kelly

Music & Lyrics by Bill Francoeur

Adapted from the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Mary Lennox is sent to live in England after her parents die in India. Misselthwaite Manor turns out to be a gloomy fortress. Her uncle is rarely home and his young son, Colin, never leaves his room, convinced he’s an incurable invalid. Mary discovers a strange walled garden that has been locked up for years. With the gardener’s apprentice, Dickon, a lad who can talk to the animals, Mary coaxes the garden back to life. The garden seems to have a wonderful, magical effect on all who come into it, allowing Mary to help restore Colin to health and a reunion with his father. This wonderful musical version of this great classic tale has something for everyone, a show not to be missed.

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus – Dec 5-15, 2013

Book by Jamie Gorski

Two compelling stories come together in this heartwarming play inspired by the famous editorial by Francis P. Church, Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, 1897, in New York City, eight-year-old Virginia is left pondering whether or not Santa really exists after a series of unhappy events. Meanwhile, a young newspaper editor also struggles against tough holiday times as he is faced with losing his job if he can't find his writer's voice by morning. Even though they don't know each other, the spirit of Christmas is about to bring these people together, creating in the process an unforgettable and cherished part of classic Christmas folklore. A great Holiday show the entire family will enjoy.

Cap ‘o Rushes, an English Fairytale – Feb 13-23, 2014

By Claudia I. Haas

Winner of EVCT’s Aspiring Playwriting Contest

Based on an English fairytale by Joseph Jacobs, Sabine the youngest of three daughters is forced to leave home alone after her father feels she does not love him at all. With the help of some magical creatures Sabine lives in the woods disguised as a bush, a cap ‘o rushes. She longs for company and after traveling comes upon the home of a wealthy family. Hungry and tired she works in the kitchen for food and shelter. Three grand balls are held at the mansion to which Cap ‘o Rushes attends and of course falls in love with the son of the prominent family. Eventually, Sabine is reunited with her family, marries her true love and everyone lives happily ever after. This heartfelt Cinderella tale of rags to riches is a story for kids of all ages, a must see new work.

Little Red Riding Hood, an original musical – June 19-29, 2014

Book by Bradley G. Carter, Music & Lyrics by Kathie McMahon

This delightful version of this classic tale brings many new twists and turns to the story. Marie or Little Red is a very studious child and a great story teller. She is a favorite of the village children and very kind to everyone. She is more than happy to take goodies to grandma when she falls ill but in doing so buys up all the items the wolf was hoping to purchase when he came to town. This angers the wolf so he sets off to foil the plans of Marie, a head strong girl who thinks she can take care of herself. In the end good triumphs over evil and aided by Jean Claude, a woodsman, Jacques a blue parrot and Le Petite Pirate, all ends well. This terrific new version of Little Red Riding Hood, with toe tapping music is not to be missed. It has something for everyone.