Arden Children’s Theatre Announces 2024/25 Season
ARDEN CHILDREN’S THEATRE ANNOUNCES SHOWS FOR THE 2024/25 SEASON, PETER PAN AND THE HOBBIT WITH SINGLE TICKET SALES AVAILABLE AUGUST 22
Philadelphia, PA | August 6, 2024—Arden Children’s Theatre invites families to enjoy two enchanting productions that promise to captivate audiences during its highly-anticipated 2024/25 theatre season. Starting August 22, theatre lovers can purchase individual show tickets for their families to see the Arden Children’s Theatre’s upcoming performances of Peter Pan and The Hobbit.
Arden kicks off its children’s theatre season with a fresh, clever retelling of Peter Pan beginning November 27, just in time for the holidays! Directed by Obie and Barrymore Award-winning artistic director Whit McLaughlin, audiences will be whisked away to Neverland, a magical island where fairies and pirates rule and where there are no parents or chores. This production brings J.M. Barrie’s timeless characters to life in a way that will dazzle audiences, both young and old. Join Wendy Darling, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, the Lost Boys, and a very hungry crocodile on an unforgettable journey. The vibrant adaptation by Douglas Irvine is perfect for introducing children and grandchildren to the beloved story of Peter Pan. The show runs through January 19, 2025, and is intended for audiences ages six and up.
In the spring of 2025, Arden Children’s Theatre invites audiences on a thrilling adventure with The Hobbit, directed by Philadelpha-based artistic director Rebecca Wright, beginning April 2. The new telling of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic tale promises excitement and wonder as audiences follow Bilbo Baggins on his journey through freezing mountains and frightening forests. Encounter fierce and fantastic creatures along the way and discover the true meaning of courage and friendship. With its fast-paced storytelling and magical surprises, this rendition of The Hobbit, adapted for the stage by Greg Banks, is sure to delight and inspire. The show runs through May 25, 2025, and is intended for audiences ages seven and up.
“We are thrilled to be staging new productions of Peter Pan and The Hobbit this coming season,” says Producing Artistic Director Terrence J. Nolen. “Both of these beloved stories encourage kids to venture out into the world and seek new adventures, embodying the idea that life is more exciting and rewarding when you make your world bigger! These productions will be led by two directors who have created incredible work for Arden Children’s Theatre — Whit MacLaughlin, who just returned from directing Charlotte’s Web for the National Theatre of Turkey, and Rebecca Wright, whose use of music and movement brought Red Riding Hood and Pinocchio to such vibrant life. Arden Children’s Theatre introduces so many kids to live theatre for the very first time, and we can’t wait to get young audiences excited about new adventures and inspiring quests!”
Audiences can purchase tickets to see both shows at a discounted rate of $50 through the Children’s Theatre Earlybird Package from now until August 22nd. Individual tickets for Peter Pan and The Hobbit are available beginning August 22 starting at $32. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the magic and wonder of Arden Children’s Theatre this season. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here or call the box office at 215-922-1122.
The Arden Theatre Company’s 2024-25 Children’s Theatre Productions:
Peter Pan
Adapted for the stage by Douglas Irvine
Directed by Whit MacLaughlin
November 27 – January 5, 2025
Join Peter Pan on an adventure to Neverland, a magical island where there are no parents, no chores, and fairies and pirates rule! Introduce your children and grandchildren to the characters you love from J.M. Barrie’s timeless masterpiece: Wendy Darling, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, a horde of Lost Boys, and one very hungry crocodile. With fairy dust and your child’s imagination, the Arden flies to Neverland this holiday season! Arden Children’s Theatre presents a brand-new production that celebrates the joy of storytelling and the power of imagination!
The Hobbit
Adapted for the stage by Greg Banks
Directed by Rebecca Wright
April 2- May 25, 2025
Our unlikely hero, Bilbo Baggins, would much rather be sitting in his cozy Hobbit Hole with a cup of tea and a plate of bacon and eggs. However, he somehow finds himself on a magically mystical adventure. Staged with speed and surprises, you’ll be delighted by this exciting new telling of Tolkien’s beloved story as Bilbo travels through freezing mountains and frightening forests, meeting all sorts of fierce and wonderful creatures — some who want to eat him and others who turn into dear friends. And discovers that some things are truly worth fighting for.