Bushnell Children's Theatre 2025 - 2026 Season Announced

Press release

Hartford, CT... The Bushnell is delighted to announce the return of Bushnell Children’s Theatre (BCT), our children’s programming, to The Belding Theater for another exciting season!

Kristin Davis, Senior Director, Education, Talent & Business Development at The Bushnell, stated "While this youth-based programming continues to serve as eagerly anticipated field trips for many schools in and around the region, this season’s lineup affords additional opportunities for more inclusive performances to allow for families, neighbors, and friends to attend together."

The curtain will rise to reveal the 2025-26 season of Bushnell Children’s Theatre (BCT) beginning on Thursday, October 9, 2025, with the presentation of Hispanic Folktales. Next will be school performances of Pinkalicious on Friday, October 24, and a Saturday, October 25 matinee performance and post-show discussion. This inspiring and invigorating performance will be followed by the equally enjoyable, and not-to-be-missed engagements of Maddi's Fridge and Stone Soup. Additionally, in the spirit of the giving season, The Bushnell's Education Department will generously partner with local food pantries from surrounding school districts to provide increased support and essential resources for families in need.

Continuing in February 2026, the BCT series returns with a presentation of George Washington Carver and Friends followed by HERO, The Boy from Troy; Shaun Boothe and the Unauthorized Biography Series; We Can Do It/Celebration of Women's History and finally Cinderella/Jack and The Beanstalk. See below for production times and details.

For Individual tickets, please visit Bushnell.org, call The Bushnell Box Office at (860) 987-5900, or visit The Bushnell Box Office at 166 Capitol Avenue in Hartford, CT. For school group ticket sales, please call Audrey Aitken at (860) 987-6052.

To find additional information about these programs, group and individual ticket availability and more please visit Bushnell.org

About the Productions

Hispanic Folk Tales

Thursday, October 9, 2025
10:00 AM and 12 PM
Autorino Great Hall

A delightfully entertaining and bilingual performance celebrating the rich tapestry of Hispanic folktales! Through colorful costumes, engaging songs, and playful storytelling, timeless tales such as Juan Bobo, The Rabbit and the Coyote, Las Tres Hilanderas and La Cucarachita Martina, spring to life on stage. This vibrant show weaves together humor, lessons and cultural treasures, passed down through generations. (Grades PreK-3)

Pinkalicious

Friday, October 24, 2025, 10 AM and 12 PM
Saturday, October 25, 1 PM Matinee
Belding Theater

The endearing and captivating tale of the little girl who could not stop
eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her overindulgence lands her in the doctor’s office diagnosed with Pinkitis, and much to her delight, she turns pink from head to toe! Based upon authors Victoria and Elizabeth Kann's well-known book, this fun-filled pink experience teaches the power of self-control, and the importance of moderation, and listening to your parents!

Pinkalicious VIP Post-Show Saturday, October 25, 1 PM Matinee/2 PM - Post Show. VIP experience includes a group photo with the cast, a touch-tour of the
stage set and props, and an exclusive "Perfectly Pink" at The Bushnell swag bag!

Maddi’s Fridge

Friday, November 10, 2025
10:00 AM and 12 PM
Belding Theater

Based on the children’s book by Lois Brandt, an awareness of food insecurity is unveiled through a thoughtful, warm and enjoyable story of the relationship between two young friends, Sofia and Maddi. Conversations about friendship, empathy, and kindness will be easily encouraged by way of the humorous and heartfelt message delivered in this performance. (Grades 1-5) A brief Q&A session will immediately follow the performance, approx. 10 minutes.

Stone Soup

Friday, November 14, 2025
10 PM and 12 PM
Hall: Autorino Great Hall

This heartwarming and imaginative performance brings to life the classic folktale of Stone Soup, where a mysterious traveler inspires a village to open their hearts—and their pantries. With humor, creativity, and a touch of magic, the story unfolds as each villager adds something small to a simple pot of water and a
stone. Together, they discover the joy and power of sharing, proving that when a community comes together, amazing things can happen.

George Washing Carver and Friends

Thursday, February 5, 2026 (Snow date, Friday, February 6, 2026)
10 AM and 12 PM
Autorino Great Hall

Join the remarkable George Washington Carver as he takes center stage in this engaging celebration of Black history and achievement. Audiences are introduced to influential leaders who changed the course of history—from entrepreneurs and athletes to legal pioneers. Through storytelling, humor, and
interactive moments, this inspiring performance highlights the brilliance, determination, and impact of figures like Madame C.J. Walker, Jackie Robinson, and Thurgood Marshall.

Hero: The Boy from Troy

Tuesday, March 3, 2026
10:00 AM and 12 PM
Belding Theater

While stuck in detention, a student, Jayden, ends up with a book that takes him on an inspirational, entertaining, and musical journey. On his “walk” through the decades, he learns of how a young John Lewis was moved to protest injustice and ultimately become a leader and American hero. As Jayden relives John’s past, he experiences what it was like for John to first meet Rosa Parks and Dr. King, and he eventually comes to realize that he too can take a stand, and help to influence the struggle for social, political, and overall equality and justice among all people. (Grades 3-6) A brief Q&A session will immediately follow the performance, approx. 10 minutes.

Shaun Boothe and The Unauthorized Biography Series

Thursday, March 26, 2026
10 AM and 12 PM
Belding Theater

Combining biographical hip-hop songs and documentary-style music videos,
The Unauthorized Biography Series is an explosive and motivational musical
presentation. It awakens the greatness that lives within us all and celebrates
some of the world’s greatest cultural icons including Serena Williams, Malala
Yousafzai, and Muhammad Ali. Grades: 4-9 (A 10-minute Q&A session will
immediately follow the performance).

We Can Do It: A Celebration of Women's History

Friday, March 27, 2026
10 AM and 12 PM
Autorino Great Hall

Full of heart, heroism, and hope, We Can Do It: A Celebration of Women’s History is a dynamic and enjoyable tribute to the women who changed the world—and those still shaping it today. From fearless pioneers and history-makers to everyday heroes, this inspiring performance brings their stories to life with
passion and purpose.

Cinderella & Jack and The Beanstalk

Tuesday, May 12, 2026
10 AM and 12 PM
Autorino Great Hall

Get ready for a whimsical journey as two beloved fairytales take the stage in one unforgettable show! Cinderella & Jack and the Beanstalk invites young people into a world of imagination, where dreams grow tall and kindness conquers all. Join Cinderella as she rises above her stepfamily’s schemes, and cheer for Jack as he climbs into the clouds to face a giant challenge.