Stay tuned for news on the latest production at the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre
A musical version of the family classic
Original music performed live by Michael Allen Harrison
Adapted for the stage by Portland playwright, Robin Catesby
Oregon Children's Theatre presents The Velveteen Rabbit, a heart and song-filled classic for a new generation -- with Skin Horse, Mouse, Sailboat and the dear Velveteen Rabbit who wants nothing more from his boy than to be loved enough to "become real".
Based on the story by Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit has been given new life through a creative collaboration between Michael Allen Harrison and Portland playwright, Robin Catesby. Using Catesby's original stage adaptation, the two joined forces on the songs with Harrison writing the music and Catesby the lyrics. Together they weave a plot rich in meaning that draws audiences of all ages with the timeless message that love conquers all.
"Anyone who has ever loved a toy very, very much will be drawn to this story," said Stan Foote, OCT Artistic/Education Director and director of the play. "It is universal in its themes of childhood, growing up and the transforming power of love."
Stan Foote directs a powerhouse team of actors: David Cole stars as The Velveteen Rabbit, Colton Lasater plays The Boy, Todd Hermanson plays the Tin Soldier, Rebecca Kimball plays Nana, Marshall Murray plays Jack in a Box, Laurie Campbell-Leslie plays the Sail Boat, Heidi Wilcox plays the Mouse, R. Dee plays Timothy the Lion, and Jerry Foster plays the wise old Skin Horse.
Award-winning set designer, Glenn Gauer, has created a bright and colorful nursery. The Velveteen Rabbit features costumes by Sandra Kauffman, lighting by Peter West and props by R. Dee.
Director Stan Foote is Artistic/Education Director of Oregon Children's Theatre. Stan has taught and directed in Portland for over 25 years. He is the recipient of numerous Drammy awards. Stan has directed several productions for OCT including Holes, Cyrano and Sacagawea among others. Most recently he directed The Diviners (PCC), A Little Night Music (Lakewood Theatre), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Miracle Theatre) and Gilbert & Sullivan's The Gondoliers (Mock's Crest).
David Cole plays the Velveteen Rabbit. David's professional stage career began at age 5. He is now a senior at Wilsonville High School where he has starred in numerous productions, including Godspell, Cabaret, Snow Angel, The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan and The Sound of Music. He has participated in All Northwest Honor Choir and in All State Honor Choir each year, and is a founding member of Lars Started It, a local band. David has performed at various events in the Northwest, including Michael Allen Harrison's Christmas At The Old Church and the Kows for Kids gala, among others. David is featured on Children of the Season, a Christmas CD released in 2003 by MAH Records.
Colton Lasater (age 11) plays The Boy. Colton's most recent performances include the lead role of Addison in the film Addison's Wall and as Michael in Peter Pan (Pixie Dust Productions). Other credits include, Benny in The Boxcar Children (OCT), Freddy Rogers in The Will Rogers Follies (Broadway Rose Theatre), Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol (Portland Center Stage), Justin in No Mercy (Profile Theater) and working with the Portland Opera in the productions of Werther and The Cunning Little Vixen. Colton attends JDZ Middle School in Camas Washington. He was introduced to acting at age 6 through Oregon Children's Theatre.
Michael Allen Harrison is the Composer. OCT has commissioned Michael to write an original score, which he will perform live at each show accompanied by a local quartet. He is a producer, composer, arranger, concert pianist and owner of his own record label (MAH Records), and has approximately 20 albums selling over one half a million copies worldwide.
Read more -->