South Carolina Children’s Theatre (SCCT) is ecstatic to announce the lineup for their 2021-2022 MainStage Season—the first season to be produced in its entirety at SCCT’s brand new Theatre Arts and Education Center for Children.
The five-show season will open in October with the heartwarming story of SPOOKLEY THE SQUARE PUMPKIN- THE MUSICAL (October 22-31, 2021). Your family will be treated to the kindness-counts tale of a non-traditionally-shaped pumpkin who comes to terms with his square-ness. This will mark the first time SCCT has produced this show, with book and lyrics by Joe Troiano and music by Jeffrey Zahn. SPOOKLEY will be directed by long-time SCCT collaborator, Lauren Imhoff. Imhoff is no stranger to the SCCT stage. She has directed several shows for SCCT—most recently, KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY MUSICAL on SCCT’s 2nd Stage. She is also a gifted choreographer, creating the dance numbers for 2019’s ELLA ENCHANTED, A YEAR WITH FROG & TOAD, and SCCT’s first ever, CHARACTERS IN CONCERT.
Following SPOOKLEY, the beloved musical, ANNIE (November 26-December 19, 2021), will take stage on the Bell Mainstage. With a book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin, this will mark the sixth mounting of the orphan-finds-a-home tale by SCCT, most recently produced by the theatre in 2013. SCCT is also excited to welcome back nationally-syndicated radio show host, Mike Gallagher, who will be reprising his role as Daddy Warbucks. It will be co-directed by SCCT’s Artistic Director, Matt Giles, and Education Director, Betsy Bisson. Bisson previously played the role of Ms. Hannigan, opposite Giles’ Rooster, and has also directed the show. Her most recent SCCT directorial credits include ELLA ENCHANTED, A YEAR WITH FROG & TOAD, and SHREK THE MUSICAL. Giles, who assumed artistic leadership of SCCT in March 2020, recently directed GO, DOG. GO! and led the restaging of Kim Granner’s production, GLOW TALES- A BLACKLIGHT PUPPETRY EXTRAVAGANZA!
“It has long been our dream to bring ANNIE back to our stage once we opened our new facility,” says Giles. “This show has such a storied history at SCCT and we cannot wait to produce this piece in the new theatre. And what better way to celebrate the holidays than with Annie and Daddy Warbucks?”
January, 2022 will mark Giles’ return to the director’s chair for the 2021-2022 season with ROBIN HOOD (January 28-February 6, 2022), by British playwright Greg Banks. Another first-time production for SCCT, this classic tale of good vs. evil will be a treat for children and adults alike. Our fresh take on the beloved classic combines daring fights and iconic characters with a healthy dose of quick-witted, slapstick comedy. This adaptation is sure to keep every audience member at the edge of their seat.
“I can’t wait to bring this show to SCCT,” says Giles. “I’ve had the privilege of seeing this show come to life on stages in New York and Seattle and I can say with confidence that SCCT audiences are in for a real treat. We have some wonderfully creative plans for this show and I can’t wait to share it with our community.”
In March, SCCT is thrilled to bring Dr. Seuss’s story of THE CAT IN THE HAT (March 4-13, 2022) to the stage. Education Principal Teaching Artist, Traysie Amick, will headline the cast as ‘Cat’ and will have audience members bouncing out of their seats with her jubilant performance. DR. SEUSS’S THE CAT IN THE HAT was adapted for the stage by Katie Mitchell and will be directed by Betsy Bisson. The creativity of this fantastic duo is sure to make this performance a season favorite.
The season will wrap up in May with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic, THE SOUND OF MUSIC (May 6-22, 2022). The final show of the season will also be directed by Giles. This legendary musical is coming to the SCCT stage for the 5th time and was most recently produced in 2012. Audiences will, once again, fall in love with the melodies and characters of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s masterpiece during SCCT’s production.
“I can’t fathom a more fitting way to end our season,” says Giles. “We’re going to be producing a fresh take on this piece, while staying true to the musical we’ve all grown to know and love.”
Tickets for our 2021-2022 season can be purchased individually, starting on September 1st, 2021. Please subscribe to our email here or check our website regularly for reminders. Due to ongoing COVID precautions, season subscriptions will not be offered this year.
South Carolina Children’s Theatre is committed to providing a safe space for all of our program participants. The health and well-being of our students, patrons, and staff remain our top priority. We are continuing to evaluate all health data and CDC recommendations to make informed, intentional decisions about capacity and masking. Click here to see our current precautions.
About SCCT’s Headquarters
South Carolina Children’s Theatre recently opened their new Center for Theatre Arts and Education. Despite COVID, SCCT has been able to safely welcome students and patrons into the space with social-distancing precautions, a reduced seating capacity, and 5 newly installed Bipolar Ionization Units. The facility, located at 153 Augusta Street, serves as the headquarters for the organization. All SCCT MainStage and 2nd Stage performances, as well as education programs, will take place at the center, bringing all three pillars of SCCT’s mission—performance, outreach and education—under one roof for the first time in the organization’s history.
About South Carolina Children’s Theatre
Since 1987, South Carolina Children’s Theatre has impacted the lives of children and families in South Carolina through theatre, educational classes and workshops, and accessible outreach initiatives. Each year, SCCT produces and performs high-quality, live theatre, featuring children and adults. SCCT also offers additional shows for younger audiences and other special events on the theatre’s 2nd Stage.
In addition to performances, SCCT offers professional, year-round education in the dramatic arts for children ages 3 to 18 and educational outreach to under-resourced, special needs, and hospitalized children.
The mission of South Carolina Children’s Theatre is to educate and stimulate the minds and imaginations of young people and their families through participation in high-quality theatre, year-round education, and accessible outreach.
SCCT moved to their permanent home at 153 Augusta Street in April 2020.
To learn more about South Carolina Children’s Theatre, visit www.scchildrenstheatre.org.
