Staff reports | Happenings & Events
Childsplay Theatre has announced its 2025–2026 season lineup, featuring four productions that explore imagination, resilience and storytelling.
The season marks the final chapter for longtime Artistic Director Dwayne Hartford, who will debut his original musical adaptation of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, according to a press release.
“As I step into my final season with Childsplay, it’s deeply meaningful to close this chapter with the Edward Tulane musical,” Mr. Hartford said. “This story of transformation and rediscovery mirrors my own journey here. Adapting it into a musical has been a labor of love, and I can’t imagine a more fitting farewell than sharing this production with the community that has inspired me for so many years.”
Based on the novel by Newbery Medal-winning author Kate DiCamillo, the musical follows Edward Tulane, a porcelain rabbit who learns the meaning of love and connection through a series of life-changing encounters.
Season highlights include:
•Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, 2025
Adapted by Robert Penola from the animated television special, with music and lyrics by Johnny Marks.
•The Diary of Anne Frank
9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13 to 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, 2026
Written by Wendy Kesselman, based on the book by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett.
•Hare and Tortoise
9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3 to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2026
Written by Brendan Murray, produced by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences.
•The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane – The Musical
9 a.m. Monday, April 21 to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 17, 2026
Based on the book by Kate DiCamillo, with music by Kyle Sorrell and book and lyrics by Dwayne Hartford.
In addition to its mainstage productions, Childsplay offers academy classes, workshops and acting opportunities for youth ages 4 to 18. Programs include week-long, month-long and semester-long sessions that culminate in student performances.
