Children's Performance Troupe begins season with 'Busytown'

Thu, Jul 29, 2010    to del.icio.us

HOLLAND — Hope Summer Repertory Theatre's Children's Performance Troupe began its season June 23 with "Busytown," based on the children's picture books by Richard Scarry.

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"Busytown" is always buzzing with activity, and everyone is asking "what do people do all day?" Huckle Cat takes you on a whirlwind tour of his neighborhood. There is so much to see and do and many wonderful friends to visit. Huckle introduces you to Sargent Murphy, Farmer Alfalfa, Stitches the Tailor, Captain Salty, Betsy Bear, Lowly Worm and many more.

CPT continues this summer with "The Brand New Kid" based on the book by news anchor Katie Couric, which opened on July 14. Lazlo S. Gasky starts second grade in a new city, in a new country and feels awfully lonely until popular Ellie McSnelly decides to look beyond his accent and give him a chance, even if it means risking her own reputation. This new musical addresses a common problem that school children everywhere can relate to: teasing.

Directing both shows this year as well as "A Year With Frog and Toad" is James Saba, an HSRT favorite, hailing from New York City. Past shows he directed include "The Cmplt Wks of Wm Shkspr... Abrdgd," "Click, Clack, Moo," "Charlotte's Web," "Forever Plaid," "Petite Rouge," "Lost In Yonkers," "Junie B. Jones," "The Shakespeare Revue, Scapin," "The Two Gentlemen of Verona," "Sylvia" and more than 25 productions for the Children's Performance Troupe.

Performances for "Busytown" continue at 10:30 a.m. in the Studio Theatre on July 30, Aug. 4, 9 and 13; and at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 6 and 11.

"The Brand New Kid" continues at 10:30 a.m. in the Studio Theatre on Aug. 2, 6 and 11. Performances held at 1:30 p.m. will be on Aug. 4, 9 and 13.

Tickets are on sale through the DeVos Fieldhouse and DeWitt ticket offices. Prices range from $10-$26 for musicals and $8-$19 for plays. Season tickets, ranging from $48-$85, are also available. A Family Four Pack including tickets for two adults and two children is available this year for $55.

The ticket office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturdays, opening at noon. On performance dates, the DeWitt Ticket Office will be open through intermission. The ticket office is located in DeWitt Cultural Center at 12th Street and Columbia Avenue. For tickets, call the ticket office at (616) 395-7890.

For more information, visit the HSRT website: www.hope.edu/hsrt

The DeWitt Theatre is located at 141 E. 12th St. The Knickerbocker Theatre is located in Holland's downtown on Eighth Street.