Cincinnati Playhouse’s Off the Hill touring series begins its 23 – 24 season with a world premiere adaptation of the childhood classic, The Velveteen Rabbit. Playing now through early November, the show will travel to various community centers in greater Cincinnati in addition to schools.
The new adaptation, by Trey Tatum, features a young boy going through the everyday ups and downs of playing with his big sister when he discovers his favorite toy – a velveteen rabbit – to be a source of courage and love. Based on Margery Williams’ classic book, it’s a story about resilience, the power of love and the strength found in playing pretend.
Tatum says the story will resonate for plenty of kids. It’s “about how we tell stories, who we allow to tell stories, and what happens when we’re allowed to set our own narrative,” Tatum says. “There are kids who will see this show who feel like their voice doesn’t matter at home, or isn’t as valued as their siblings. If a kid sees this play and the takeaway is, ‘Hey, I also feel like my voice isn’t heard; I’m not alone,’ it’s OK, it won’t always feel this way,” he adds.
THE VELVETEEN RABBIT is directed by Ariana Moses and performed by Tai Rosenblatt (Little) and Renee Shimsky (Big). The story is recommended for ages 5 and older. Get additional information on each production here.
UPCOMING LIVE PERFORMANCES of ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’
Saturday, October 7
7 p.m.
Lebanon Theatre Company
Friday October 13
1:15 p.m.
Ken Anderson Alliance
Saturday Oct. 14
10 a.m.
ARCO Arts at Price Hill Will
2 p.m.
Artsville
Saturday October 28
7 p.m.
Evendale Cultural Arts Center
Sunday, Nov. 5
10 a.m.
Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum