We are happy to announce several theatre productions happening throughout our school systems this spring! Almost 2 years after the coronavirus pandemic caused departments to seek other means of performing, we are ready to showcase Mountain Brook’s most talented students on stage again! 

Mountain Brook High School Theatre will be performing Stephen Sondhiem’s classic, Into The Woods, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondhiem, book by James Lapine. The show will run from Thursday, April 7th through Saturday, April 9th.  Showtimes are Thursday through Saturday nights at 7:00 p.m. with an additional matinee on Saturday at 2:00p.m. Tickets are $10 online and can be purchased through MB Gofan website.

A modern retelling of the Grimm’s Brother classic tales, the original production was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, winning 3 categories in Best Score (Stephen Sondhiem), Best Book (James Lapine), and Best Actress (Joanna Gleason).  James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim's fractured fairy tale about a Baker and his Wife, an indecisive Cinderella, a scrappy Little Red Ridinghood, Two Charming Princes, a day-dreaming Jake, and a Witch – who raps are just a few of the characters among others in this twisted, light-hearted, fairy tale. This quirky adventure takes place as these characters, each with different quests, set out to The Woods their wishes granted. However, all wishes granted come with a price. What begins as a lively presumptuous fantasy becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children.  The show features performances by high school students both onstage and off. Come out and be a part of a truly one-of-a-kind theatrical experience as Mountain Brook High School Theatre steps out of the dark and back into the spotlight! 

For more information about MBHS theatre, please contact Jane Ganey (ganeyj@mtnbrook.k12.al.us). Production is presented through licensing and special arrangements by Musical Theatre International (MTI, inc). 421 West 54th Street New York, NY 10019 (212) 541-4684. 

———————————

Mountain Brook Junior High will be producing Disney’s and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins, Jr with musical and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B Sherman, and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthoney Drews, and a script by Julian Fellowes. Showtimes are Friday, April 22nd at 7:00pm and Saturday, April 23rd at 3:00pm and 7:00pm at the Mountain Brook High School Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $15 online and can be purchased through GoFan.

Bert, a jack-of-all-trades, invites us into the world of London, England in 1910 — and, specifically, into the dysfunctional home of the Banks family. Jane and Michael, the young Banks children, have sent yet another nanny packing, dismissing these children as hopelessly and irrevocably spoiled and misbehaved. With a father who works constantly and mother who is always distracted, Jane and Michael have suffered without strong caretaking forces in their lives. Then the magical Mary Poppins flies in on the wind with her parrot umbrella, bringing with her a combination of whimsy, magic, and disciplined common sense to the children’s lives. Together, they go on memorable and magical adventures — and also learn the importance of a tidy nursery and of taking the medicine they need (with a spoonful of sugar, of course). Mary Poppins’ transformational influence does not stop with the children — eventually, she teaches the grown-ups, as well, to open up and realize that “anything can happen if you let it.” For more information on Mary Poppins, Jr. or theatre at MBJH, contact Caitlin Aldridge (aldridgec@mtnbrook.k12.al.us). Production is presented through licensing and special arrangements by Musical Theatre International (MTI, inc). 421 West 54th Street New York, NY 10019 (212) 541-4684. 

———————————

Crestline Elementary’s 6th grade class is excited to be presenting Disney’s Aladdin, Jr., music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, & Chad Beguelin and book by Chad Beguelin.  The entire sixth grade class participates in the show. It is a tradition they look forward to throughout their years at Crestline. Whether on stage, back stage, or working in the tech booth, each student finds a way to use his or her talents to contribute to the production. It is a bonding experience and a great opportunity for collaboration and growth prior to moving to junior high.

There will be six performances from Tuesday, May 10th through Thursday, May 12th. A daytime performance for family and community will take place Thursday, May 11 at 1:00. No admission will be charged for the daytime show. Evening performances are May 11 and May 12 at 6:30. After tickets are made available to sixth grade families, the remaining tickets will be sold at the door each evening. For more information, contact music directors Laura Butler and Janet Nelson (butlerl@mtnbrook.k12.al.us or nelsonj@mtnbrook.k12.al.us ).  Production is presented through licensing and special arrangements by Musical Theatre International (MTI, inc). 421 West 54th Street New York, NY 10019 (212) 541-4684. 

———————————

At Mountain Brook Elementary, the sixth grade theatre elective will be producing The Day Aliens Attacked Valley Creek, an adaptation of Stephen Frankenfield's The Day the Aliens Attacked Fairfield. “In a place where nothing ever happens, at least not since Billy Myers got that nasty papercut a decade ago, most townsfolk are okay with their humdrum ways, with the exception of a pair of vain newscasters, a few fringe skywatchers, and a kooky grandfather living in a galactically fantastic past. However, the winds of change are about to descend on this town faster than a delivery from the town’s famous Flying Saucer Pizza.  A couple of love-struck teens report an alien sighting, and the town finds itself in a frenzy.  Luckily, the members of SAWPE (that’s the Society of Alien Watchers to Protect Earth) are selling tinfoil hats to help protect everyone.  Even the president comes to this sleepy burg, but not everyone in town agrees with his plan to attack the space-traveling Zordonians. It’ll be up to a brave little girl and her unwavering grandpa to stop a war of the worlds in this ridiculously silly one-act comedy that’s out of this world!” Show dates are May 12th at 8:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and May 13th at 9:00 a.m. For more information, contact director Tyler Pilz (pilzt@mtnbrook.k12.al.us).