National Brochure 2010 - 2011

2010

2011

Touring Season

you and Theatre IV set the stage for

I Have a Dream By Bruce Craig Miller

Holding the Line on Costs To say that we are in challenging economic times is quite the understatement. We want to help you keep your costs down. For 2010 – 2011, we are not increasing our performance fees. Good for you and, we hope, good for us too. And, we are cutting our gasoline surcharge nearly in half.

Invite Your Local, State and National Politicians Show off all you do for your community by inviting your elected representatives to our shows. They are important links to government funding sources. Let them know that the arts are vital to the community and the nation and are a key component of educating our children.

Theatre IV is a Nonprofit, Professional Theatre. Since 1975, Theatre IV has been dedicated to the creation of professional, exciting and innovative theatrical productions for young audiences.

Building Tomorrow’s Audiences Today Theatre IV will help you bring young audiences to your venue. The young audiences of today are the patrons of tomorrow. They help build a stable future while bringing in much needed revenue today. Get the youth of your community used to coming to your venue. You will instill in them a lifelong habit of participating in the arts.

Create or Enhance Your Series for Young Audiences Our plays are diverse and will be the cornerstone of your Young Audience Series. From The Little Red Hen to Harriet Tubman, from Stone Soup to A Christmas Carol to Songs from the Soul, we can provide just what your audiences need.

The phenomenal impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is chronicled in this compelling dramatization of the life and times of one of the most influential and charismatic leaders of the “American Century.” Inspired by the arrest of Rosa Parks, Dr. King becomes the prime mover behind the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott, putting his philosophy of non-violent protest to work. He gains national recognition and becomes the dominant force in the Civil Rights Movement during its decade of greatest achievement. Your students will be inspired by the story of this great leader’s struggle and his dream of lifting “our nation from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.” (3 – Adult) Biography, Language Arts, History, Multi-Cultural, Public Speaking, Reading, Self-Esteem, Character Development

1/19/11 – 3/11/11

New Show Category Our new “Helping Hands” shows target your national curricula standards at a new lower price. These shows are geared toward in-school audiences. If your schools need a boost in the understanding of these areas, we can help.

Education at the Heart of the Art Our plays are entertaining while introducing the audience to the books, people, and events being studied in schools. This is a natural extension of their educational experience. We provide online study guides that teachers can access themselves saving you time and money.

The Little Red Hen By Ford Flannagan “Who’ll help me plant the seed?” asks the plucky red hen as she begins the process that goes into making a loaf of her delicious bread. “Not us,” say the sheep, the cow, the horse, and the pig. They all have better things to do. But, “a hen’s gotta do what a hen’s gotta do,” and so our crimson heroine perseveres until her work is done. But, the tricks of the conniving fox combine with the hen’s common sense to add adventure and a sound moral lesson to this classic, feel good, foot-stompin’ country musical. This show has plenty of audience participation. (K – 5) Folk Tales, Language Arts, Reading, Science, Music, Peer Pressure, Self-Esteem, Character Development

10/6/10 – 11/19/10

Give Them a Memory for a Lifetime Field trips are special in the life of a child. Give your community the gift of live theatre and an experience they will never forget.

All titles, tours and dates in this brochure are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Theatre IV is a real asset to our arts and education program. The plays are exciting and excellent quality at an affordable price. Warren County Arts Commission, Bowling Green, KY

Well, Theatre IV did it again! Wonderful, funny, sensiLyle, Lyle, tive, and informative production – what a joy to watch Crocodile and learn from great enthusiastic, energetic, and friendly Book, Music and Lyrics by Bruce Craig Miller performers. Thank you for returning to Wesleyan College. Based on the timeless picture books by Bernard Waber, Theatre IV’s production of this crowd-pleasing musical has been taking the country by storm for many years. Join young Josh Primm as he moves to New York City and share magical adventures with his loving parents, his stage-struck nemesis Hector P. Valenti, his rambunctious new friends, his persnickety neighbor Mr. Grumps, and his misfit (but oh so special) reptilian pet – Lyle! (K – 5) Art, Family Ties, Language Arts, Literary Classic, Music, Reading, Character Development

Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad

~ Campus Events Coordinator, Wesleyan College, Macon, GA

9/28/10 – 12/17/10

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Book and Lyrics by Douglas Jones Music by Ron Barnett Co-produced by the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia This stirring drama with music is a classic tribute to the great American who freed herself and hundreds of her people from the bonds of slavery. Her courage helped change the world. Share her adventurous life, the joys, sorrows, and challenges faced by this brave woman, with your students in this accurate and deeply moving musical history lesson. (3 – 12) Family Ties, History, Language, Biography, Multi-Cultural, Music, Self-Esteem, Women’s Studies

1/19/11 – 3/11/11

Book, Music and Lyrics by Paul Deiss Join Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones, the lovely Katrina Van Tassel, the residents of Tarry Town and, oh yes, the Headless Horseman, as they live the story made famous by the legend. This autumnal classic is faithful to the original story written by Washington Irving in 1819 and will thrill and perhaps chill (but not too scary) your audiences. No fall is complete without the telling of stories and our retelling of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is one story you won’t want to miss. (K – 5) Folk Tales, Language, Literary Classic, Reading, History

10/1/10 – 11/21/10

Stuart Little By Joseph Robinette From the loving heart of E. B. White, author of Charlotte’s Web, comes this merry musical about a noble mouse who jumps headlong into adventures big enough to match any imagination. By turns funny, tender and exciting, Stuart Little mixes gorgeous child-size puppets with live actors to work theatrical magic. (K – 5) Art, Family Ties, Reading, Language Arts, Literary Classic, Music, Puppets

3/30/11 – 5/15/11

The Jungle Book Book and lyrics by Scott Wichmann, Music by Julie Fulcher Adapted from the Book by Rudyard Kipling Join young Mowgli as he learns the “Laws” of the jungle in this time-honored adventure. With the help of friends like the black panther, Bagheera, and Baloo the lovable bear, Mowgli learns about friendship and survival. Cheer as Mowgli faces his fear and foils his nemesis the tiger Shere Khan. This musical version of Rudyard Kipling’s classic will delight both the young and the young at heart. (K – 5) Art, Language Arts, Literary Classic, Reading, Science, History, Music

3/31/11 – 5/20/11

Theatre IV brings us beautifully scripted, designed and performed shows. This is top of the line quality. National Theatre, Washington, DC

Stone Soup Book, Music and Lyrics by Paul Deiss and Holly Timberline When Peter, a hungry sailor, has no luck getting a free meal from the stingy citizens of our tiny village, he decides to turn the table. He invites the villagers to enjoy his famous delicious stone soup whose recipe is known only to seafarers and legendary adventurers. He promises to provide the main ingredient if the villagers provide all the other ingredients. Join Peter and his trusty parrot, Admiral, as they teach the villagers a lesson in friendship and sharing in this heart-warming musical retelling of the classic folktale. (K – 5) Art, Folk Tales, Language Arts, Literary Classic, Music, Puppets, Reading, Character Development

A great success, both in quality and educational value of the performance and the entertainment provided for the students…generating much creative imagination. Fine Arts Coordinator, Charlottesville Public Schools, Charlottesville, VA

The Song of Mulan

2/7/11 – 4/29/11

Book, Music and Lyrics by Paul Deiss

Patchwork – The Little House Life of Laura Ingalls Wilder By Bruce Craig Miller Laura Ingalls Wilder’s tales of outdoor adventure and pioneer spirit will inspire your students as they have millions of boys and girls for over 70 years. Born in 1867, Laura traveled across America’s rolling plains in the back of a covered wagon. The Wilders created patchwork quilts that would later help inspire her time-honored books. Laura’s quilts still exist today, and their patterns recall her beloved family – her strong and caring Pa, her heroic sister Mary, her warmhearted Ma – and their adventures as they crossed the wild and often perilous frontier. Join the Ingalls in this adventure (authorized by the Laura Ingalls Estate) as they face the hardships and the triumphs of the wondrous new land, with sometimes only their faith and the love of family to sustain them. (K – 5) Family Ties, Self-Esteem, Language Arts, History, Biography, Women’s Studies

When Mulan learns that her ailing father is drafted into Khan’s army, she protects him by serving in his place. Disguised as a man, she risks everything to maintain family honor and earn the love of her nation. This noble Chinese folk tale, adapted from the epic Chinese folk poem, features an extraordinary heroine, authentic costumes and props, and lovely songs. It also provides an educational journey to the heart and soul of an extraordinary ancient civilization. (K – 5) Art, Folk Tales, Language Arts, History, Multi-Cultural, Tales of Other Lands

3/30/11 – 5/20/11

Songs from the Soul

10/5/10 – 11/23/10

Well, Theatre IV did it again! Wonderful, funny, sensitive, and informative production – what a joy to watch and learn from great enthusiastic, energetic, and friendly performers. ~ Campus Events Coordinator, Wesleyan College, Macon, GA

Book by William Dye, Music and Lyrics by Various Artists This revue of African-American music from slave songs to jazz to blues to rap is not only toe-tapping entertainment, it’s also a vital history lesson that teaches pride, responsibility and respect. The songs illuminate our past and our present as we learn of their transforming impact on our American culture. (3 – Adult) Language Arts, History, Multi-Cultural, Music

1/27/11 – 5/6/11

Enjoy these Holiday Classics!

A Christmas Carol

Helping Hands These shows are specially suited for in-school performances and are therefore value priced to only $3,100 for each school day.

By Charles Dickens Adapted by Steve Perigard Music by Paul Deiss Perhaps the best loved holiday story of all time, our adaptation of Dickens’ classic is particularly suited to children. Watch as Scrooge has a change of heart from one of stone to one of gold as he is visited by the three ghosts of Christmas. All the joy, sentiment and meaning are here, without being too scary for young audiences. (K – 5) Family Ties, Language, Literary Classic, Music, Reading

By Susan Sanford

11/29/10 – 12/23/10

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Book, Music and Lyrics by Bruce Craig Miller Inspired by the timeless poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” and by the real life of its author, Clement Moore, this hilarious musical introduces Santa in a particularly beneficent light. This classic from Theatre IV has been charming audiences nationwide for many years. (K – 5) Family Ties, Folk Tales, Language, Literary Classic, Music, Reading

11/27/10 – 12/22/10

Beatrix Potter’s “The Tailor of Gloucester” Book, Music and Lyrics by Paul Deiss What a treat it is to discover a holiday classic by Beatrix Potter. When a poppycock mayor orders a cherry-colored coat for his Christmas wedding, the poor Tailor of Gloucester works his fingers to the bone. All goes well until the last button when the tailor runs out of silk thread. His faithful pet cat and all the mice that live in the shop, come together on Christmas Eve, the one blessed night a year when animals are given the power of speech, and work together to finish the mayor’s coat for a miraculously happy ending on Christmas Day. (K – 5) Art, Folk Tales, Mythology, Language Arts, Literary Classic, History, Music, Reading

11/29/10 – 12/23/10

Home Sweet Homer: Legends of Ancient Greece Who was Homer? Where was he from? Was he a “he”? Join three would-be “Homers” as they hold their own Olympic contest to see which of them is the one and true Homer of Greece! Each one tries to prove their claim to fame through their knowledge of “The Iliad,” Greek history, and Greek contributions to our world today. Which one is the actual Homer? Hey - it’s all Greek to me! (K – 5) Art, Folk Tales, History, Language Arts, Literary Classic, Multi-Cultural, Reading, Tales of Other Lands 

9/28/10 – 12/19/10

A “Helping Hands” Show.

Booker T. Washington This stirring dramatization of Booker T. Washington’s life is presented with a contemporary energy. We come to understand the life and times of this former Virginia slave, as we learn of Washington’s childhood, his abject poverty, his growing understanding of personal responsibility, his commitment to education, his founding of Tuskegee Institute, and his ultimate role as the foremost voice in black public affairs at the turn of the 20th Century. This vibrant, thought-provoking drama speaks to today’s young audience on their own terms and will inspire many discussions among your students. (3 – Adult) History, English, Language Arts, Multi-Cultural, Public Speaking, History, Reading, Biography, Self-Esteem 

1/27/11 – 1/31/11 & 3/1/11– 3/11/11

A “Helping Hands” Show.

Save Money! Ask Us About Block Booking

Committed to Sponsor Service...

Hugs and Kisses Book and Lyrics by Bruce Craig Miller and Terry Bliss Music by Richard Giersch Co-produced by Prevent Child Abuse Virginia and the Virginia Department of Social Services Nationally acclaimed, this award winning child sexual abuse prevention musical is a proven intervention program for children in grades K through 5. The play sensitively and inoffensively relates the story of a little girl who is sexually abused. During the course of the play, she learns valuable lessons that enable her to seek and obtain help from a trusted adult. Since 1983, this landmark musical has been presented before the National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse, the U. S. Senate Subcommittee on Sexual Victimization of Children, and every school district in Virginia. It is a timetested, early intervention teaching tool and a vital enhancement to your abuse prevention curriculum. (K – 5) Family Ties, Language Arts, Prevention, SelfEsteem, Character Development

• We offer discounts for multiple bookings and block bookers if within 150 miles, which may include waiving the gasoline surcharge. • We offer outstanding professional productions of entertaining plays and musicals carefully connected to the national core curriculum. • New sound systems in 2009. The FAA digital TV Conversion necessitated we update all of our sound systems. As always our sound system are compatible with your house systems or as stand alones. • Online support materials including pictures and study guides at www.TheatreIV.org • Information and support through our toll free number (800) 235-8687 and web site: www.TheatreIV.org • Question-and-answer sessions between our cast and your audience • Meet and greet the cast – At your request • Our plays have a running time of 45 – 60 minutes • We work hard to make our productions easy to book and easy on your staff.

10/1/10 – 11/19/10 and 2/4/11 – 5/6/11

• Load-In just two hours before 1st scheduled performance • Breakdown in just 1 hour or less

Theatre IV is a nonprofit 501(c)3 charitable organization. We are grateful for the generous philanthropic support of our institutional contributors. Support them because they keep the arts alive:

Altria Group Arts and Cultural Funding Consortium ArtsFund Bank of America Barrett Capital Management, LLC Business Consortium for Arts Support Camp Family Foundations Car Pool Auto Wash LLC CarMax Foundation Commonwealth of Virginia CSX Corporation Dominion E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation Elis Olsson Memorial Foundation Ferguson Enterprises Franklin Southampton Charities Gay & Erskine Love Foundation George J. Effie L. Seay Foundation Harrison Family Foundation Hunton & Williams J. Read Jr. & Janet Dennis Branch Fund of The Community Foundation

Kathryn & W. Harry Schwarzschild Fund

Richmond Rotary Club Ruth Camp Campbell Foundation

Kraft Foods, Inc.

Swedish Match North America, Inc.

Land America Financial Group, Inc.

The Cameron Foundation

Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, Inc.

The Community Foundation, Serving Richmond & Central Virginia

McCandlish Holton

The Rosenthal Foundation

McGeorge Car Co.

The William B. Thalhimer, Jr. & Family Foundation

McGuire Woods LLP

Tuckahoe Woman’s Club

Midlothian Rotary Club, Inc.

Ukrop Foundation

Newport News Arts Commission

Ukrop’s Super Markets, Inc. & First Market Bank

Niamtu, Alexander, Keeney, Harris & Associates

Union Bank & Trust

Nordstrom

Universal Leaf Foundation

Obici Healthcare Foundation

Virginia Commission for the Arts

Portsmouth Community Foundation

Wachovia Foundation Wal-Mart

Portsmouth General Hospital Foundation

Weinstein Properties

PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP

Williams, Mullen, Clarke & Dobbins

Printpack Inc.

If you are in Richmond, VA, be sure to see our Main Stage shows at the Empire Theatre and at Barksdale Theatre. Call 804 344 5040 for tickets!

Robins Foundation

Keystone Builders Resource Group

Macaulay & Burtch, PC

• Minimal tech requirements

Property Investment Advisors

Williamsburg Area Arts Commission

R.E.B. Foundation

York County Arts Commission

JetBlue

Become one of our supporters and keep the arts alive. To make a donation, call (804) 783-1688 ext 27

A MESSAGE FROM ERIC: You are the reason we do what we do. Enlightening children through theatre is a gift that cannot be equaled. Thank you for continuing to enhance the lives of the youth of your community and for letting us be a part of that.

Call Us Today! We look forward to bringing our value packed productions to your venue. Call Eric Williams today at (800) 235-8687 or email at

Visit us online at www.TheatreIV.org [email protected] or call Eric Williams at (800) 235-8687

www.TheatreIV.org

114 West Broad Street • Richmond VA 23220

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