The Phantom Tollbooth, comes to Center for the Arts on January 27, at 2 p.m.
One of the newest features of George Mason University’s Center for the Arts 2018-2019 season is a Family Series of performances which introduce children to the fantastic fun of the theater, while entertaining the whole family! The first two shows of the series, the Aga-Boom circus clowns and Mutts Gone Nuts with its acrobatic canine tricksters, played to very enthusiastic theater-goers of all ages. So, join the fun!
The Phantom Tollbooth, to be staged on Sunday, January 27, at 2 p.m., promises to be another intriguing and beguiling hit for all ages. Based on Norton Juster’s famous children’s book of the same name, the storyline is truly engaging. Milo, the young hero is feeling quite bored when a magic tollbooth appears in his room and changes his life. He drives his toy car through it only to arrive in a fantasyland of adventures. Like a Don Quixote of yore, he pursues a glorious quest to rescue Princess Rhyme and Princess Reason from an exile imposed by rival brother kings, while mediating a battle between numbers and letters, withstanding an onslaught of demons, and partaking of many other exciting experiences and challenges. The acclaimed Enchantment Theatre Company is producing this artistic event. According to its website: “Along the way something magical happens to Milo; he discovers the delights of friendship, curiosity and knowledge, and that life — his own life — is filled with endless possibilities … and that with humor, good friends and a little bit of courage, anything is possible.”
The Company uses theatrical artifices such as puppets and masks along with an original musical score to bring the story to life before the eyes of enthralled children and adults. Having begun as a non-profit organization in 2002, the Philadelphia-based company currently is on a North American Tour, which is taking its production of The Phantom Tollbooth to many cities across the United States as well as to several Canadian provinces.
When the show stops at the Center for the Arts, the fun will continue even after the performance, particularly for the young theater-goers. An Artists in Conversation event to follow the program is being planned specifically for the enjoyment of the youngsters in attendance. The artists will engage the children in hands-on activities, and the refreshments will appeal to young appetites. Remember, Friends members at the Contributor Level or higher ($150+) receive invitations to these no-charge Artists in Conversation events. Perhaps this may be a good reason to increase your annual membership to the Contributor Level or higher. If you do it now, you will be grandfathered through to the end of the 2020 Season.
Recommended for children ages 6-11; grades 1-6. The Phantom Tollbooth also is playing at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on the George Mason University Science and Technology campus on Saturday, January 26, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
With tickets priced at $15 for adults and $10 for children, you’re sure to get your money’s worth and to thoroughly enjoy the show. What’s more, experiencing charming theatrics alongside delighted children can be a very special experience for all!