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VELVETEEN, A NEW MUSICAL

Based on the book by Margery Williams

Produced by Playhouse Square 

From Cleveland, OH

Resources
About the Company

Inspired by the beloved book, this new magical musical Velveteen introduces us to Lulu, her gran, her beloved toys, and a nest of legendary rabbits. Lulu confronts big change, having just moved in with her Gran. To make things a little more comfortable, Gran gives her a velveteen rabbit – just like the one her mom had. Velveteen and Lulu form a special bond, making some of the other toys jealous and leaving Velveteen wishing he could live outside with the “real” rabbits he meets through the window. As Lulu grows up, Velveteen ultimately finds a sense of belonging, discovering the power of love and what it means to be Real.

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Placing a hundred-year-old story in the modern day, the production brings magic and transformation to life onstage with a visionary set and playful costumes. Join us for an enchanted retelling of a timeless tale that will resonate across generations. Velveteen –at times thoughtful, playful at others–is an uplifting story about the importance of being your authentic self.

Best for: Grades PreK-4th

Audience Size: Medium & Large  Venues

Please contact us to watch a full length archival recording.

Curriculum Connections

Curriculum Connections

  • Fine Arts: Performance, Drama, Music and Composition

  • Language Arts: Storytelling, Character, Adaptations, Creative Writing

  • Science: Rabbits

  • Emotional/Social Development: Relationships, Friendship, Identity, Imagination, Emotional Literacy, Risk Taking, Self Esteem, Aspirations

Outreach & Workshops

With advance notice, the company may be able to offer a post-show Q&A in your venue for students or children. Please contact us if this is something you'd like to explore.  The company does have some digital pre and post-show video resources that we'd be happy to share.

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“Relaxed” or “Sensory Friendly” Performances

This performance is also available as a “sensory friendly” or “relaxed” performance if arranged with the company in advance and with specific direction as to what adjustments are necessary for your venue.

Outreach

Minimum Tech Requirements

  • Load In Time: 4 hours (if lighting pre rig is done)

  • Crew Needs: 3 electricians, 1 sound technician, 2 carpenters for load-in. During performance, 1 sound op to mix, A2, Electrician, 1 deck hand.

  • Min. Stage Size: 35’ width x 25’ depth x 12’ height, no wing space required.

  • Sound Needs: 6 wireless mics in venues where capacity is more than 200

  • Load Out Time: 1 hour

Min Tech

Artistic Team

Artistic Team

Music and Lyrics by Molly Andrews-Hinders   

Libretto by Molly Andrews-Hinders & Ananias Dixon   

Additional Written Materials by Daniel Hahn & Treva Offutt   
Orchestration and Musical Transcription by Matthew Dolan  

 

Director: Joanna May Cullinan  
Assistant Director: Ananias J. Dixon  
Music Director:  Anthony Trifiletti   
Stage Manager: Tyree Franklin  

Assistant Stage Manager: Kenedy Brooks  

Choreographer: Jailyn Sherell Harris  
Set Designer: Ian Petroni  
Lighting Designer: Jeremy Benjamin  
Costume Designer: Inda Blatch-Geib  
Puppet Designer: Lady Bats Puppets  
Props Master: Venchise Phillips   
Producer: Daniel Hahn  

Director of Education: Treva Offutt  
Director of Production: Penny Zaletel  
Line Producer: Molly Andrews-Hinders  
 

Piano: Anthony Trifiletti 

Bass: Jason Stebelton 

Cello: Olivia Potash 

Reeds: RJ Rovito 

Drums: Justin Hart 

 

The touring team will comprise 6 performers, 1 Touring Production Stage Manager, and 1 ASM/Understudy. TBA.

Critical Acclaim

Critical Acclaim

“The students are talking about it throughout the halls!” – Mrs. Kowalczyk

 

“Velveteen is a fantastic K-2 show. Our students loved how interactive it was and it was very age appropriate.” – Sierra Ford

 

“This was a special experience.” – Meghan Bailey

 

“The PreK children really enjoyed the singing and interactivity of the musical/play.” – Cassandra Thompson

Company Background

About

Playhouse Square, the premier U.S. home for touring Broadway, is a globally recognized arts district and proud home of eight resident companies. A not-for-profit presenter and producer of performing arts experiences located in Cleveland, OH, Playhouse Square is a champion of arts education and has partnered to commission many performances for young audiences including NORTH (2022); the New York Times bestseller WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA? (2020); the NEA award-winning CARTOGRAPHY (2019); HANSEL & GRETEL (2017); AIRPLAY (2016); and multiple virtual productions.  “Velveteen, A New Musical” is the first show Playhouse Square has created and self-produced for young audiences.

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For more information, please visit the company’s website.

Past Productions
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