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Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour
Past Touring Productions

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2006-2007 Season

Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka (Ages 5+)

KCTYA on Tour: September 2006 - May 2007
A Kennedy Center commission and production

In this musical adaptation based on Roald Dahl's beloved children's novel, young Charlie Bucket and four other Golden Ticket winners get the tour of a lifetime in a candy-maker's fantastical factory! Willy Wonka leads Charlie and the others through a labyrinth of lemon drops, life lessons, and giggles galore. Originally produced in the 2004-05 season, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka toured for nine months, reaching an estimated audience of 147,000 with 200 performances at 79 venues in 29 states.

Alice by Whoopi Goldberg, Adapted for the Stage by Kim Hines (Ages 5+)

KCTYA on Tour: September 2006 - May 2007
A Kennedy Center commission and production

So you think being rich will get you a giant house, fun times, and lots of great friends? Smart and sassy urban kid Alice believes it will, so when she wins a mysterious BIG BUCKS sweepstakes in the mail, there's no time to lose to claim her prize! With her two best friends in tow-Sal De Rabbit, a white rabbit who's, well, kind of invisible, and Robin, a card-playing misfit who has a thing for big floppy top hats-Alice takes off into the city in a dizzying race against the clock. Armed only with zany directions from a mysterious person on the street, the group discovers a labyrinth of adventures, with a surprise around every corner. Along the way, they cross paths with a multitude of colorful characters, each as unique as the city itself. But that's just the beginning to all the outrageous adventures in store in this delightful world-premiere adaptation of Whoopi Goldberg's children's book brought to the stage by Minneapolis playwright Kim Hines-in which Alice ultimately discovers the best jackpot in life isn't money or fame at all, but simply the friendships she had all along. Originally produced in the 2005-06 season, Alice toured for seven months, reaching an estimated audience of 62,500 with 125 performances at 53 venues in 26 states.

2005-2006 Season

Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka (Ages 5+)

KCIC on Tour: September 2005 - May 2006
A Kennedy Center commission and production

In this musical adaptation based on Roald Dahl's beloved children's novel, young Charlie Bucket and four other Golden Ticket winners get the tour of a lifetime in a candy-maker's fantastical factory! Willy Wonka leads Charlie and the others through a labyrinth of lemon drops, life lessons, and giggles galore. Originally produced in the 2004-05 season, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka toured for nine months, reaching an estimated audience of 114,000 with 212 performances at 76 venues in 25 states.

Alexander Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move (Ages 5+)

KCIC on Tour: October 2005 - April 2006
A Kennedy Center commission and production

In this musical adaptation of one of Judith Viorst's popular children's books, Alexander faces a new and daunting challenge - leaving everything behind and moving to a new city 1,000 miles away from everything he has ever known. Originally produced in the 2003-04 season, Alexander Who's Not…Going to Move toured for six months, reaching an estimated audience of 92,000 through 142 performances at 54 venues in 26 states.

Color Me Dark: A Story of the Great Migration North (Ages 9+)

KCIC on Tour: January - May 2006
A co-commission and production of the Kennedy Center and Scholastic Entertainment

The third offering in the Dear America TM series, follows the journey of Nellie Lee and Erma Jean Love as their family moves to Chicago to escape the racial prejudice of rural Tennessee in the late 1920s. From Scholastic's critically acclaimed Dear America® book and HBO television series, Coretta Scott King award-winning author Patricia C. McKissack's touching novel was adapted for young people and originally produced in the 2003-04 season. Color Me Dark toured for five months, reaching an estimated audience of 46,500 with 64 performances at 29 venues in 19 states.

2004-2005 Season

Color Me Dark: A Story of the Great Migration North (Ages 9+)

KCIC on Tour: January – May 2005
A co-commission and production of the Kennedy Center and Scholastic Entertainment

The third offering in the Dear America TM series, follows the journey of Nellie Lee and Erma Jean Love as their family moves to Chicago to escape the racial prejudice of rural Tennessee in the late 1920s. From Scholastic's critically acclaimed Dear America® book and HBO television series, Coretta Scott King award-winning author Patricia C. McKissack's touching novel was adapted for young people and originally produced in the 2003-04 season. Color Me Dark toured for five months, reaching an estimated audience of 52,000 with 80 performances at 39 venues in 18 states.

Alexander Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move (Ages 5+)

KCIC on Tour: January – May 2005
A Kennedy Center commission and production

In this musical adaptation of one of Judith Viorst's popular children's books, Alexander faces a new and daunting challenge - leaving everything behind and moving to a new city 1,000 miles away from everything he has ever known. Originally produced in the 2003-04 season, Alexander Who’s Not…Going to Move toured for five months, reaching approximately 48,000 through 70 performances at 33 venues in 18 states.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Ages 7+)

KCIC on Tour: October 2004 – April 2005
A Kennedy Center commission and production

Mark Twain's classic American tale comes from the Kennedy Center's abridged musical adaptation conceived and written by Ken Ludwig with music and lyrics by Don Schlitz. Originally produced in the 2002-03 season, this second tour of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer reached an estimated 80,000 through 115 performances at 55 venues in 27 states.

2003-2004 Season

The Nightingale (Ages 5+)

KCIC on Tour: January - May 2004
A Kennedy Center commission and production

An emperor learns lessons about friendship and freedom when he captures a sweet-singing nightingale in Hans Christian Andersen's magical tale, beautifully retold through dance and narration. This Kennedy Center production, conceived and choreographed by Washington-based choreographer Dana Tai Soon Burgess and writer-director Mary Hall Surface along with original music by David Maddox, was originally produced in the 1997-98 season. On it's third national tour, The Nightingale toured for five months reaching an estimatedaudience of 60,000 with 110 performances at 33 venues in 18 states.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Ages 9+)

KCIC on Tour: January - May 2004
A Kennedy Center commission and production

Mark Twain's classic American tale comes from the Kennedy Center in a new abridged musical adaptation conceived and written by Ken Ludwig with music and lyrics by Don Schlitz. Originally produced in 2002-03, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer toured for the first time for five months reaching an estimated 32,000 with 60 performances at 29 venues.

Dreams in the Golden Country (Ages 9+)

KCIC on Tour: October - November 2003
A co-commission and production of the Kennedy Center and Scholastic Entertainment

Dreams in the Golden Country is a young girl's first-hand account—as written in her diary—of how her traditional Jewish family settled in and adjusted to the culture of New York City in the early 1900s. Originally produced in the 2002-03 season, Dreams in the Golden Country toured for two months, reaching an estimated 15,000 with 30 performances at 15 venues in 11 states - including a week-long run at the Scholastic Auditorium in New York City, NY.

The Emperor's New Clothes (Ages 9+)

KCIC on Tour: September 2003 - February 2004
A co-commission and production of the Kennedy Center and Scholastic Entertainment

Set against the backdrop of Hans Christian Andersen's timeless tale, this new work for young audiences offers a delightful introduction to opera as well as a fun and humorous interpretation of a time-honored classic . Originally produced in the 2001-02 season, The Emperor's New Clothes toured for six months, reaching an estimated 38,000 with 75 performances at 37 venues in 17 states.

2002-2003 Season

Harlem (Ages 9+)

KCIC on Tour: January 18 - March 15, 2003
A Kennedy Center commission and production

Take a vibrant journey through the streets of Harlem. Become immersed in the life, the language, the history and the experience of city streets bursting with natural rhythm and music. An exciting blend of poetry, jazz and art tell the tales of the people of Harlem - where they came from, why they came and what they hope Harlem will bring them. Borrowing and building upon the words of Walter Dean Myers, the stories are expanded and enriched by the artwork of Christopher Myers and the jazz music of Kysia Bostic creating an incredible piece of theater. In it's second national tour, Harlem toured primarily to the West Coast for three months, reaching an estimated 23,410 with 44 performances at 17 venues in 10 states - including a week-long run at the Scholastic Auditorium in New York City, NY.

The Nightingale (Ages 5+)

KCIC on Tour: December 14, 2002 – May 2, 2003
A Kennedy Center commission and production

An emperor learns lessons about friendship and freedom when he captures a sweet-singing nightingale in Hans Christian Andersen's magical tale, beautifully retold through dance and narration. This Kennedy Center production, conceived and choreographed by Washington-based choreographer Dana Tai Soon Burgess and writer-director Mary Hall Surface along with original music by David Maddox, was originally produced in the 1997-98 season. On it's second national tour, The Nightingale toured for four months after a two week run at the Terrace Theater, reaching an estimated audience of 60,000 with 110 performances at 33 venues in 18 states.

A Light in the Storm (Ages 9+)

KCIC on Tour: September 14 - November 26, 2002
A co-commission and production of the Kennedy Center and Scholastic Entertainment

In the first production of a new partnership between the Kennedy Center and Scholastic Entertainment, Newberry award-winning author Karen Hesse's A Light in the Storm comes to the stage in a thrilling new adaptation for young people. Teenager Amelia Martin has an important job helping to tend a lighthouse in the border state of Delaware in 1861. As the Civil War breaks out, Amelia continues to stand her watch each night, confides in her diary, and tries to find her place in a world being torn apart. Originally produced in the 2001-02 season, A Light in the Storm toured for three months, reaching an estimated audience of 25,300 with 49 performances at 20 venues in 14 states - including a week-long run as the inaugural performance the the Scholastic Auditorium in New York City, NY.

2001-2002 Season

Harlem (Ages 9+)

KCIC on Tour: January 26 - April 24, 2002
A Kennedy Center commission and production

Take a vibrant journey through the streets of Harlem. Become immersed in the life, the language, the history and the experience of city streets bursting with natural rhythm and music. An exciting blend of poetry, jazz and art tell the tales of the people of Harlem - where they came from, why they came and what they hope Harlem will bring them. Borrowing and building upon the words of Walter Dean Myers, the stories are expanded and enriched by the artwork of Christopher Myers and the jazz music of Kysia Bostic creating an incredible piece of theater. Originally produced in the 1999-2000 season, Harlem toured for three months, reaching an estimated 40,000 with 70 performances at 28 venues in 15 states.

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse (Ages 5+)

KCIC on Tour: September 15, 2001 - March 11, 2002
A Kennedy Center production

Adapted from Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse; Julius, Baby of the World; and Chester's Way, this enchanted production follows Lilly through her lessons in the classroom to her adventure with her friends. This Kennedy Center Production adapted by Kevin Kling from Kevin Henkes' children's books, originally produced in the 1999-2000 season Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration®, toured for six and a half months, reaching approximately 114,730 with 135 performances at 46 venues in 24 states.

2000-2001 Season

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse (Ages 5+)

KCIC on Tour: February 2 - May 21, 2001
A Kennedy Center commission and production

Adapted from Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse; Julius, Baby of the World; and Chester's Way, this enchanted production follows Lilly through her lessons in the classroom to her adventure with her friends. This Kennedy Center Production adapted by Kevin Kling from Kevin Henkes' children's books, originally produced in the 1999-2000 season Kennedy Center Performances for Young Audiences®, toured for five months, reaching an estimated 42,000 with 100 performances at 23 venues in 14 states.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Ages 5+)

KCIC on Tour: September 13, 2000 - February 4, 2001
A Kennedy Center commission and production

Not only does Alexander wake up with gum in his hair, but his mother forgets to pack him dessert. Just when it can't get any worse, there are lima beans for supper and--ugh!--kissing on TV. Its enough to make anyone want to move to Australia. This Kennedy Center production, adapted by Judith Viorst, author of the Alexander books, originally produced in the 1998 -99 season Kennedy Center Performances for Young Audiences®, toured nationally during the 1999-2000 season; this season the production toured for five months, reaching an estimated audience of 74,400 with 118 performances at 41 venues in 27 states.

1999-2000 Season

My Lord, What a Morning: The Marian Anderson Story (Ages 9+)

KCIC on Tour: January 19 - March 21, 2000
A Kennedy Center commission and production

The enthralling life of one of America's renowned voices was brought to life on the stage. Marian Anderson looks back on her colorful, adventurous life and comments on the struggles and victories. Intermingled with recordings of the legendary singer, this production offers a heartwarming look at the triumph of the human spirit against seemingly impossible odds. This Kennedy Center production, written by Kim Hines, originally produced in the 1998 -99 Kennedy Center Performances for Young Audiences®, first toured for three months, reaching an estimated 33,000 with 46 performances at 18 venues in 10 states.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Ages 5+)

KCIC on Tour: September 8, 1999 - February 3, 2000
A Kennedy Center commission and production

Not only does Alexander wake up with gum in his hair, but his mother forgets to pack him dessert. Just when it can't get any worse, there are lima beans for supper and--ugh!--kissing on TV. It's enough to make anyone want to move to Australia. This Kennedy Center production, adapted by Judith Viorst, author of the Alexander books, originally produced in the 1998-99 season Kennedy Center Performances for Young Audiences®, toured for five months, reaching an estimated audience of 92,250 with 122 performances at 38 venues in 17 states.

Suzanne Farrell Stages the Masters of 20th Century Ballet (Family Audiences)

Education Department Tour: October 26 - November 29, 1999
A Kennedy Center commission and production

The great ballerina Suzanne Farrell offered young audiences a unique opportunity to see the full range of ballet's art. George Balanchine's Meditation--a work created for and, before now, danced only by Ms. Farrell, who now bequeaths the work to a protégée; excerpts from Maurice Béjart's Romeo and Juliet; and Jerome Robbins' Afternoon of a Faun. This Kennedy Center production produced and toured in the 1999-2000 season, toured for one month, reaching an estimated 33,000 with 41 performances at 10 venues in 6 states.

1998-1999 Season

The Nightingale (Ages 5+)

KCIC on Tour: January 25 - May 2, 1999
A Kennedy Center commission and production

An emperor learns lessons about friendship and freedom when he captures a sweet-singing nightingale in Hans Christian Andersen's magical tale, beautifully retold through dance and narration. This Kennedy Center production, adapted by Washington-based choreographer Dana Tai Soon Burgess and writer-director Mary Hall Surface, originally produced in the 1997-98 Kennedy Center Performances for Young Audiences®, toured for four months, reaching an estimated audience of 56,193 with 72 performances at 24 venues in 16 states.

1997-1998 Season

Tales of A Fourth Grade Nothing (Ages 9+)

KCIC on Tour: September 11, 1998 - December 4,1998
A Kennedy Center production

Judy Blume's best-selling children's book is a hilarious play about the adventures of 9-year-old Peter Hatcher and his impossible kid brother, Fudge. Nothing is safe with Fudge around - not Peter's homework, and definitely not his pet turtle. This comic tale also offers important lessons on sibling rivalry and responsibility. This Kennedy Center production, adapted by Bruce Nelson, originally produced in the 1996-1997 Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration® season, toured nationally in the 1997-98 season, and this season the production toured for three months, reaching an estimated audience of 61,136 with 61 performances at 27 venues in 17 states.

Little Women (Ages 9+)

KCIC on Tour: September 22 - December 13, 1998
A Kennedy Center commission and production

Based on Louisa May Alcott's cherished portrait of a family growing up in New England during the Civil War, Little Women is the story of the March girls - lovely Meg, talented Jo, frail Beth, and spoiled Amy - and all their dreams, plays, pranks, and courtships. This Kennedy Center production, originally commissioned from Washington, D.C. playwright Paulette Laufer for the 1997-98 Kennedy Center Performances for Young Audiences® season, toured for four months, reaching an estimated audience of 48,750 with 63 performances at 26 venues in 15 states.

Tales of A Fourth Grade Nothing (Ages 9+)

KCIC on Tour: September 18,1997 - February 26,1998
A Kennedy Center production

Judy Blume's best-selling children's book is a hilarious play about the adventures of 9-year-old Peter Hatcher and his impossible kid brother, Fudge. Nothing is safe with Fudge around--not Peter's homework, and definitely not his pet turtle. This comic tale also offers important lessons on sibling rivalry and responsibility. This Kennedy Center production, adapted by Bruce Nelson, originally produced in the 1996-97 Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration® season, toured for five months, reaching an estimated audience of 118,500 with 134 performances at 45 venues in 21 states.

1996-1997 Season

The Snow Queen (Ages 9+)

KCIC on Tour: September 26 - December 16, 1996
A Kennedy Center commission and production

Hans Christian Andersen's tale of mystery, humor, and adventure was brought to life in a new production. In Andersen's story the heart of a young boy named Kay has been turned to ice by the Snow Queen, and his friend Gerda must brave the dangers of a mysterious journey to save him. This Kennedy Center production, adapted by Sandra Deer, originally produced in the 1995-96 Kennedy Center Performances for Young Audiences® season, toured for four months, reaching an estimated audience of 55,500 with 72 performances at 23 venues in 16 states.

1995-1996 Season

The Pearl (Ages 9+)

KCIC on Tour: October 2 - December 3, 1995
A Kennedy Center commission and production

A gripping adaptation of John Steinbeck's powerful novel directed by Abel Lopez depicts the story of a young pearl diver who discovers the "pearl of the world," bringing unforeseen changes to his and his family's life. This Kennedy Center commission, adapted by Warren Frost and Nick Olcott, originally produced in the 1994-95 Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration®, toured for four months, reaching an estimated audience of 22,140 with 47 performances at 21 venues in 13 states.

1994-1995 Season

The Red Badge of Courage (Ages 9+)

KCIC on Tour: February 26 - April 24, 1995
A Kennedy Center commission and production

This gripping Kennedy Center production of the Stephen Crane novel, directed by Richard Thomas, showed the hardships and dangers of fighting by following a teenager's journey through battle. This Kennedy Center commission, adapted by Thomas W. Olson, originally produced in the 1992-93 Kennedy Center Performances for Young Audiences®, toured nationally during the 1993-94 season and this season the production toured for three months, reaching an estimated audience of 18,000 with 26 performances at 12 venues in 9 states.

Alice in Wonderland (Ages 5+)

KCIC on Tour: November 6, 1994 - January 7, 1995
A Kennedy Center commission and production

Following Alice through her adventures down the rabbit hole, veteran actress Pat Carroll directed this charming piece adapted from Lewis Carroll's classic tale. This Kennedy Center commission, adapted by Ric Averill, originally produced in the 1993-94 Kennedy Center Performances for Young Audiences®, toured for two months, reaching an estimated audience of 23,000 with 63 performances at 10 venues in 9 states.

1993-1994 Season

The Red Badge of Courage (Ages 9+)

KCIC on Tour: April 3 - 29, 1994
A Kennedy Center commission and production

This gripping Kennedy Center production of the Stephen Crane novel, directed by Richard Thomas, showed the hardships and dangers of fighting by following a teenager's journey through battle. This Kennedy Center commission, adapted by Thomas W. Olson, originally produced in the 1992-93 Kennedy Center Performances for Young Audiences®, toured for one month, reaching an estimated audience of 14,000 with 25 performances at 9 venues in 6 states.