New Britain Youth Theater Announces 2011-12 Season

New Britain Youth Theater has announced productions for its 2011-12 season which include the company’s first musical, the world premiere of a holiday play, and an expanded summer program for 2012.

“We noticed a theme as we were choosing shows,” said NBYT Executive Producing Director Darren Farrington, “It’s ‘Anything’s Possible,’ which we’re calling this season. It’s going to include a visit to the North Pole, a Fairy Godmother’s magic, and the world of Dr. Seuss! Our two musicals even have songs titled ‘It’s Possible.’”

The season will open with the premiere of I’M GETTING NOTHIN’ FOR CHRISTMAS by local playwright Denise Clapsaddle, who also wrote last season’s A CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CAROL. In this original play, three children get themselves on Santa’s naughty list, and it takes sneaking to the North Pole and the help of every good elf there to set things right and uncover a mischievous plot. Auditions for ages 7 and up will be held in September with performances in December.

The first musical to be produced by NBYT will be CINDERELLA. In this musical theater adaption, the world’s most magical fairy tale is set to the music of Richard Rodgers with book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II to capture warmth, hilarity, and the hearts of children and adults alike when Cinderella’s slipper fits. This “Getting to Know” title from the Rodgers & Hammerstein Library is adapted specifically for young performers ages 7 through 14. Auditions will be held in January 2012 with performances in May.

In Summer 2012, NBYT will produce SEUSSICAL as part of its Kids on Stage! Summer Program. Favorite books and characters from Dr. Seuss will come to life in this musical fantasy about Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, the Whos of Whoville, and more. With music by Stephen Flaherty and book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, this “Broadway Junior” version is designed specifically for children to perform. Summer program details will be announced in early 2012.

The NBYT TEEN COMPANY will also produce a play, to be announced, during the 2011-12 season. The Teen Company is a program in which teens can become involved in choosing, producing and promoting their own theater.

“We hope that everyone is as excited as we are about the upcoming season,” said Executive Artistic Director David Sousa. “We look forward to having past participants return and having new children, teens and families involved too.”

For more program details and general information about New Britain Youth Theater—including current summer programs which still have places available--please visit the company’s website at www.nbyt.org or call (860) 515-8115.

About New Britain Youth Theater

New Britain Youth Theater was founded in 2010 to provide after-school programming to the Consolidated School District of New Britain, to produce a season of performances by and for children and young adults, and to offer classes and summer programs. The theater reaches children and their families throughout Greater New Britain, Greater Hartford, the Farmington Valley, and beyond. NBYT is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and young adults by encouraging creative thinking, fostering self-confidence and self-esteem, and developing general life skills through involvement in low-cost programs in the performing arts. NBYT operates at Trinity-on-Main Performance Center in downtown New Britain as a home for administration and select performances and educational programs. New Britain Youth Theater is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.