Our 2011–2012 Season
April 27–May 12, 2012
Over the last fifty years, taiko ( Japanese for "big drum") has become a fixture in the Asian American community and evolved into its own unique art form here in the United States. Formed in response to the interest of a few eager students, Mu Daiko has grown into a nationally recognized taiko ensemble. The group performs classic and original compositions.
"The sound is immense, building in intensity, filling the air with wave upon wave of pulsating rhythm. The drummers become the physical embodiment of the sound, using their entire bodies to create the urgent sensation of a musical thunderstorm."
– Minnesota Women's Press
June 30–July 29, 2012
By Josette Antomarchi and Marc Kotz
Music by Gary Rue
On a magical night, a marionette comes to life due to the love of a lonely wood carver. Pinocchio!
Pinoc, for short, is a stubborn boy with a wooden head, always on the run. He has fun exploring the world, and finds trouble at every turn. He meets villains who pretend to be friends. He has a Cricket, a Fairy and a Blue Bird for allies, but no one, not even his beloved papa Geppetto, can ever seem to catch up with him... Until he finally learns to listen to his heart, and begins to grow into a real boy.
Revisit this classic and beloved story in SteppingStone's unique production.
Great for all ages.
October 21–November 6, 2011
Adapted by Jenna Zark, Music by Gary Rue
Frances Hodgson Burnet's classic tale A Little Princess takes a musical spin in this new production. Meet Sarah Crewe, a rich-girl-turned-orphan whose stories save her and those around her when life becomes too harsh. Set in Victorian England, Sarah and the others at Miss Minchin's school find there is power in make-believe, love, and each other.
December 2–23, 2011
by Barbara Robinson
Back for the 20th Year!
In this perennial favorite, The Herdmans,”…the worst kids in the whole history of the world,” invade the Christmas pageant and everyone braces for complete disaster. When chaos erupts and the firemen arrive, even Reverend Hopkins is ready to cancel Christmas.
But in this classic play, the Herdmans rise to the occasion, defy expectations, and make this year’s show The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!
Hilarious, touching, and unforgettable.
Great for all ages!
More info
February 3–26, 2012
Adapted by Kim Hines from the book Almost to Freedom by Vaunda Micheax Nelson
"A doll is a witness who cannot die, with a doll you are never alone." -Margaret Atwood
From the gifted playwright Kim Hines comes a vivid and dramatic tale based upon the popular book by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson. A young girl is given a rag doll, through whose eyes we see the extremes of slave life—the cruelty, the love, and the daring escape from slavery via the Underground Railroad. A great play for Black History Month.
Great for Grades 2–8.
March 2-11, 2012
Rainbow-colored headdresses, pulsating drumming, and fancy footwork are part of the excitement of a Native American powwow. World Champion Fancy Dancer Larry Yazzie and the Native Pride Dancers perform flamboyant movements passed down by their ancestors and sacred songs from the Northern Plains.
Enjoy the beauty, athleticism, and majesty of the Fancy Dance, featuring freestyle movement with focused energy, dance regalia, and traditional songs from the Northern Plains. Enhanced by indigenous vocal and flute music, other dances like the Buffalo, Eagle, Hoop, and Round Dances celebrate various animals, crops, the sun, and the wind.
Great for all ages.