
HOLDEN & ARTS ASSOCIATES
SHARING STORIES AND CREATING PARTNERSHIPS SINCE 1983
VELVETEEN, A NEW MUSICAL
Based on the book by Margery Williams
Produced by Playhouse Square
From Cleveland, OH


photo credits to Ben Giulivo & Grace Swank

photo credits to Ben Giulivo & Grace Swank

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.
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
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Fine Arts: Performance, Drama, Music and Composition
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Language Arts: Storytelling, Character, Adaptations, Creative Writing
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Science: Rabbits
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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.
“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.
Minimum Tech Requirements
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Load In Time: 4 hours (if lighting pre rig is done)
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Crew Needs: 3 electricians, 1 sound technician, 2 carpenters for load-in. During performance, 1 sound op to mix, A2, Electrician, 1 deck hand.
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Min. Stage Size: 35’ width x 25’ depth x 12’ height, no wing space required. White syc needed.
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Sound Needs: 6 wireless mics in venues where capacity is more than 200
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Load Out Time: 1 hour
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
“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
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.
For more information, please visit the company’s website.