Artistic Programs

2008-2009 SEASON PRODUCTIONS

Adapted by Christopher Sergel from Harper

Lee’s Pultizer Prize Winning Novel

Directed by Carol North

The American classic tells the story of growing up in a small Alabama town in 1935 as the trial of a black man turns a community on its ear. For 9-year old Scout and her older brother Jem, the trial reveals important lessons in courage and integrity as they watch their father, Atticus Finch, stand up for what is right. Metro Theater Company is proud to offer this important play to our community in cooperation with Edison Theatre.

Location: Edison Theatre / Washington University
Target Audience: Grades 5-12

Curriculum Connections: Literature, Character Education, Social Studies, Black History

Public Performances: January 9-11 and January 16-18, 2009
Student Matinees: January 7-16, 2009

MOBY

World Premiere of a New Play

Commissioned from St. Louis Writer Patricia Corrigan

Music composed by Greg Bolin

Directed by Emily Petkewich

Metro Theater Company takes audiences on a deep dive into the mysteries of the sea in this exciting new piece, inspired by Herman Melville’s great American Classic. Presented in bold, theatrical style, MOBY explores the tension of Man versus Nature, and the responsibility to act on one’s conscience.

Location: Little Theatre (Clayton High School)

Target Audience: Grades 5-12

Curriculum Connections: Literature, Social Studies, Environment, Character Education

Public Performances: April 17-19 and April 24-26, 2009
Student Matinees: April 15- May 1, 2009

Fables

By Colleen Neuman

Rat wants to be an elephant. Lazy Elephant puts Rat to the task of learning how difficult the work of an elephant is, while he himself sits by watching. But when Circus Man comes looking for a hard-working Elephant to hire, Rat gets the job! The moral of the story? “Don’t count on your looks!” A set of hysterical fables with wonderful characters and completely unpredictable outcomes, FABLES introduces young people to the form, while providing a rousing good time for everyone. Another deliciously witty play from the Wisconsin writer who gave us KERFAFELS (2007).

Touring to Schools September-October 2008, February-April 2009

New Kid
By Dennis Foon
Directed by Carol North

Nick is new. He doesn’t speak the language or know the customs. The other kids make fun of him and call him names. Nick’s mother urges him to be brave, assuring him he’ll learn to fit in. Meanwhile, she struggles with her own issues of assimilation in this new place that doesn’t feel like home to either of them. Foon’s imaginative script gives audiences an avenue for empathy with Nick’s situation. He and his mother speak English, while all the other characters speak an invented language!

An important play for everyone who’s ever felt new and for all of us who need reminders about accepting those who are different, New Kid explores issues of bullying and intolerance in a story about finding a friend in a new place.

Curriculum Connections: Bullying, Tolerance, Immigration, Friendship

Age Recommendation: K through grade 12

Touring to Schools September-November 2008