Nashville Children’s Theatre is a community dedicated to bringing inspiring, educational, family-friendly programming to guests of all ages. NCT is the oldest children’s theatre in the country, and they’ve been bringing professional theatre to young audiences for nearly a century. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop, NCT presents Hip Hop Cinderella through May 21, 2023.
Here’s the story: The galaxy has lost its mojo, and it is up to Cinderella and her rapping robot companion Runka to get it back. This futuristic remake of a classic fairytale is complete with a wicked stepmother, two social media-obsessed stepsisters, and a dreamy prince who is throwing a Rap Competition to turn the beat around. “Ella C” attends the rap competition but ends up leaving behind a glittering sneaker that sends the prince and her wicked stepmother on a warp-speed chase throughout the galaxy.
This musical is based on the Brothers Grimm Cinderella fairy tale. Ella C. deals with the grief of losing her father. The Zurka family is wealthy and views themselves as superior to Runka, the house staff they refer to as “the help.” A character is depressed and another promises a therapist that he is not alone. The play runs for 60 minutes, and there will not be an intermission.
Directed by Ernie Nolan, with Choreography by Dominic Moore-Dunson, Maya Riley is Ella, James Rudolph II is Runka, Gerold Oliver is the Prince, Sarah Michele Bailey is a Step Mother, Meggan Utech is a Step Sister, and Jordan Tudor is a Step Sister. Written by Scott Elmegreen, with Music and Lyrics by Rona Siddiqui, and Story Adaptation by Linda Chichester & David Coffman, this World Premiere production is presented through a special arrangement with HipHopMusicals.com.
Coming this fall, Executive Artistic Director Ernie Nolan has announced the 2023/24 season lineup, which is comprised of 6 productions, 5 of which are world premieres for family audiences. “Whether playing on the basketball court or swimming in the deep blue season, our heroes this season celebrate and embrace their unique qualities and personalities. They face the worlds they live in and announce, “I am courageously me!”
The world premiere of STRONG INSIDE, adapted and directed by Tyrone L. Robinson from the best-selling book by Andrew Maraniss, opens September 7 and plays until September 26, 2023. This portrait of fortitude is the inspirational true story of Nashville native Perry Wallace. Recruited and accepted to Vanderbilt, Wallace made history as the first African American to play college basketball in the deeply segregated Southeastern Conference. “Perry’s story asks a powerful question,” says Nolan, “How do you do something you love while surrounded by hate?
Three Little Kittens opens on August 12, 2023, in the NCT Snuggery. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory plays from November 4 through December 17, 2023. The Gingerbread Kid runs from January 27, 2024, until February 25. The Flopsy Bunnies: A Peter Rabbit Adventure runs March 9 – June 30, 2024, in the Snuggery. Disney’s Finding Nemo runs from April 6 – May 19, 2024.
