Draw back the curtains! Miami Theater Center (MTC), South Florida’s only nonprofit Theater for Young Audiences (TYA) and event venue, reveals a new season of live-performance, transformative adaptations of children’s literature, and educational programming that are affordable and accessible to all.
Miami Theater Center (MTC) is a nonprofit cultural organization located at 9806 NE Second Ave. in the heart of Miami Shores’ downtown district.
MTC begins the 2019-20 season in its intimate 330-seat theater with a reimagination of The Very Hungry Caterpillar on Saturday, Oct. 26, in celebration of the 50th birthday of the classic children’s book.
Through the magic of black light and fanciful puppets, three beloved stories by Eric Carle, award-winning children’s book illustrator and author, are brought to life on stage. The Very Hungry Caterpillar follows the adventures of a very tiny and very hungry caterpillar as he eats his way through a variety of foods on his path to becoming a beautiful butterfly.
High up in the sky, Little Cloud playfully transforms himself into various creatures, while
The Mixed-Up Chameleon, who is bored with his life, tries to emulate the beautiful animals he sees at a zoo before discovering the value in his own unique self. This show is perfect for ages 2-5 years old.
“For parents in search of fun ways to ignite their child’s imagination, Miami Theater Center offers a culturally diverse lineup of professional plays, choreographed dance and music to provide kids with a transformative theater experience,” said Giselle Kovac, MTC’s executive director. “We are thrilled to launch our upcoming performing arts season with an adaptation of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The story is familiar to everyone and the play is beautifully-crafted, which is certain to delight he audience.”
On Saturday, Dec. 7, MTC welcomes local musician Inez Barlatier and her family band to guide kids and parents on a Haitian folklore journey that explores themes of community and gratitude though songs, storytelling and visual arts. Each year, MTC identifies an extraordinary emerging artist to take under its wing as part of its LEAP (Launching Emerging Artist for Presenting) program. Now in its third year, Barlatier is the recipient of this year’s LEAP project.
MTC’s exciting season continues with The Amazing Max who keeps both adults and little ones on the edge of their seats with a spell bounding performance that combines magic and comedy. This high-energy, interactive and all-around entertaining show by Max Darwin has received rave reviews from critics including PBS Kids, which calls The Amazing Max “awesome and hilarious,” and “a little bit of heaven” by the New York Times. The Amazing Max will offer two shows on Saturday, Feb. 8, and is appropriate for audiences 3 and older.
Then, on Saturday, Mar. 7, local phenomenon Dance NOW! Miami introduces families to modern dance with an interwoven theme of earth, wind and fire. Enjoy a beautifully choreographed performance by South Florida’s leading contemporary dance company. This show is perfect for 5 and up.
Based on an award winning classic children’s novel, MTC fans will be on the edge of their seats with Slingsby’s Emil and the Detectives on Friday, Apr. 24, and Saturday, Apr. 25.
During this cinematic story that plays out on the MTC stage, two skilled actors tell the story of young Emil and a group of quick-thinking, resourceful children who work together to uncover and outsmart a true criminal, proving that you should never underestimate the determination of a child. This play is appropriate for ages 8 and older.
To conclude the dynamic season, the award-winning Spellbound Theater of New York returns to MTC on May 9 and 10 to offer an immersive pop-up theater, specifically designed for children ages 0-5 years old. Held in MTC’s “sandbox,” Spellbound artists use original theater, storytelling and puppetry performances to create a sensory experience for very young children.
“Exposing your children early to the arts encourages them to have a lifelong relationship with the theater, helping to foster their creativity, increase their attention and concentration, and develop important critical thinking and life skills,” Kovac said.
Theater tickets are only $15 per adult and per child. VIP tickets are available for MasterCard holders, which include an opportunity to meet the artist, free popcorn and behind-the-scenes backstage tour. For event information and to purchase tickets, visit www.mtcmiami.org.
