Boston Children's Theatre's 'THE VELVETEEN RABBIT' at Endicott College Dec 6 - 21

A rocking horse that talks, boats that dance, a toy soldier that marches and a soft, endearing rabbit who changes a young boy’s life. This is all part of the magic created on stage in Boston Children’s Theatre’s (BCT) annual production of the classic children’s story THE VELVETEEN RABBIT. Returning for a 6th season, THE VELVETEEN RABBIT will be performed this year at Endicott College’s Manninen Center for the Arts in Beverly from December 6 – 21.

By combining the unique art of puppetry with live actors on stage, THE VELVETEEN RABBIT captures the essence of the holiday spirit with memorable characters and beautifully hand-crafted puppets designed by Marjorie Tudor of the Tasha Tudor Family. “We are so proud to bring such a heartwarming story to our audiences each year during the holiday season,” said BCT Executive Artistic Director Burgess Clark. “The magic and joy of The Velveteen Rabbit appeals to all ages and it’s wonderful to see multi-generational families come together to enjoy this touching tale of friendship, love and loyalty. We are especially excited this season to bring one of our most cherished productions to new audiences on the North Shore.”

Adapted by Clark from the classic children’s book by Margery Williams, THE VELVETEEN RABBIT tells the moving and amusing story of a friendship and love between a boy and his beloved Velveteen Rabbit. Audiences follow the boy and his stuffed rabbit on a journey that ends with a life lesson that is guaranteed to warm the heart.

Directed by Jay Pension, THE VELVETEEN RABBIT features young actors from 10 area communities. The cast includes Amesbury student Carly Gendell as ‘Boy’; Beverly actress Katie Clarke as ‘Nana’; Lexington student Chloe Thorburn as ‘Rabbit’; Peabody actress Jenney Dale Holland as ‘Margery’; Quincy student Alex Cox as ‘Wooden Lion’; Sudbury student Owen Sherrin as ‘Skin Horse’; Tyngsborough student Cameron Perrin as ‘Velveteen Rabbit’; Wayland student Sophie Stowell as ‘Fairy’; Winthrop student Heather Buccini as ‘Rabbit’; and Worcester student Sima Kasten as ‘Tin Soldier’.

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT will be performed at Endicott College’s Manninen Center for the Arts, 376 Hale Street, Beverly, MA. Performances are December 6 at 2:00 pm; December 7 at 6:00 pm, December 13 at 4:30 pm, December 14 at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm, December 20 at 2 :00 pm and 4:00 pm, and December 21 at 12 noon and 2:00 pm. Tickets are $27.00 and can be purchased by visiting the BCT website at www.bostonchildrenstheatre.org or calling the BCT Box Office at 617-424-6634, x222. Grandparents Packages are also available that include 2 tickets to the show, a special souvenir and a photo with the cast. School groups can also reserve tickets for weekday performances by contacting the BCT Box Office.

About Boston Children’s Theatre

For over 60 years, Boston Children’s Theatre has served as one of the regions premier not-for-profit theaters. Named Best of Boston® 2013 and 2012 by Boston Magazine for Best Children’s Theatre, BCT’s mission is to provide access to exceptional theatrical experiences dedicated to fostering the artistic and personal development of diverse youth, with a focus on professional training and the development of new works. Programs at Boston Children’s Theatre provide a unique chance for self-discovery and individual expression in a supportive, and productive environment. At BCT, talented and motivated students gather from across traditional boundaries and nationalities to learn about themselves, each other and the world as they create some of the finest theatrical productions in New England.