Beloved Children’s Theatre Announces 24-25 Season Filled with Family Favorites, Beloved Classics, World Premieres & More
Beloved children’s theatre, Magik Theatre, explores friendship, learning, and growing up in a milestone year that debuts new programs and events to connect Magik lovers of all ages.
Celebrating 30 years, more than 300 productions, and millions of audience members, Magik Theatre’s new season shows San Antonio’s beloved children’s theatre company still has that youthful glow! From modest beginnings as a family-run theatre troupe in 1994, Magik quickly became a major player in San Antonio’s performing arts scene, serving some 44,000 patrons annually from their home in iconic Hemisfair. The 2024-25 season continues its mission to create theatrical experiences that ignite imagination, spark curiosity, inspire empathy, and foster a lifetime love of learning in young people with a world premiere, an adaptation of Mo Willems’ wildly popular work, a bilingual journey into loteriìa land, and a cherished holiday tradition. “This season’s shows are journeys of young people learning to read (Lyric and the Keys), discovering more about about family and best friends (¡Loteriìa: Game On! and Elephant and Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), and gaining the tools and confidence to make yourself real (The Velveteen Rabbit),” says Artistic Director Anthony Runfola.
But new productions aren’t all that are in store for Magik fans. Responding to overwhelming community feedback, the organization is creating more ways to engage beyond taking in a show. Stay tuned for a growing slate of classes and school holiday workshops inspired by Magik’s acclaimed summer camps. “We believe in meeting each and every student where they are,” says Magik Managing Director Mel Zarb-Cousin. “Whether they’ve been in theatre or are just giving it a try for the first time … Our class and camp environment is a space in which students can celebrate their ‘glows’ (strengths) and be curious about ways to grow.” The Richard Rosen Scholarship Fund, named for the Magik Theatre’s founder, will make these inspiring educational opportunities more accessible. In its inaugural year, the fund has already awarded $36,000 in scholarships.
Away from their theatre space in Hemisfair, Magik offers two touring productions to schools and other educational institutions that celebrate diverse reading journeys. Eddie and Vinnie, a popular past production featuring a main character with dyslexia, is touring this season with grant funding from the ArchPoint Group. “Eddie and Vinnie struck a chord with me as several of our leadership team at ArchPoint have battled dyslexia and triumphed over their learning disabilities to achieve great success,” said ArchPoint CEO Jesse Edelman. Also on tour is Tomás and the Library Lady, a bilingual production based on an inspiring true story about the power of literacy to achieve your dreams. Educators are also encouraged to plan field trips to any of the 2024-25 season productions for a special student matinee, and Magik’s education department offers guides that align the lessons of each production with TEKS curriculum as well as digital resource guides.
“Our mission is to create student-centered, inclusive, artistically excellent theatre programming to serve our community today and beyond,” says Zarb-Cousin, adding that Magik’s vision for the theatre is “a community hub for creative connection, conversation and entertainment.”
Generous community partners make expanding Magik’s mission possible, and what better way to contribute than attending this year’s “A Night of Magik” gala on September 21? The fabulous fundraiser promises to transport guests with homages to Magik’s 30 year history and some truly hush-hush surprises. Plan to sleep in the next morning, you won’t want to miss the exclusive afterparty.
As always, Magik seeks to serve ALL children with Sensory-Friendly, Pay What You Wish, and American Sign Language Interpreted performances for each production. These measures are in place to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where children can develop a life-long love of theatre and believe in the wonder of Magik.
Magik Theatre Presents: 2024-2025 Season
Performance times vary. Programs and dates are subject to change.
LYRIC AND THE KEYS
Book by Rozanne Shroeder-Arce
Music and lyrics by Jenn Hartmann Luck
Directed by Anthony Runfola
September 28 – October 13, 2024
Recommended for ages 7+
Magik Theatre kicks off its new season with a world premiere! The commissioned musical, written by the associate dean of University of Texas College of Fine Arts’ teacher preparation program with an original folk-guitar score and lyrics by renowned children’s songwriter Jenn Hartmann Luck, tells an inventive tale that resonates with anyone who’s ever faced learning difficulties as a kid. Lyric, a second-grader struggling to read, finds an unexpected teacher in school janitor Mr. Hartley. With the help of his DIY junk robots, Mr. Hartley mentors Lyric, boosting her confidence to overcome her literacy challenges. Catchy melodies and a positive message celebrate believing in yourself and finding the ‘key’ to overcoming any challenge — even learning to read!
THE VELVETEEN RABBIT
By Margery Williams
Adapted by Michelle Hoppe-Long
Directed by Rosa Gardner
November 23 – December 29, 2024
Recommended for ages 5+
There’s no better time than the holidays to believe in a little magic. That’s why Magik Theatre is delighted to reprise “The Velveteen Rabbit,” a timeless classic that captures everything we love about the holiday season. This heartwarming play is based on the beloved children’s story and follows the journey of a shy toy rabbit made from velveteen who longs to become real. Through his adventures with the Boy, the Velveteen Rabbit learns about love, friendship, and the true meaning of being real. The play is set in a cozy and enchanting world and is full of touching moments that will leave audiences feeling inspired and uplifted.
ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE’S WE ARE IN A PLAY!
Based on the “Elephant and Piggie” books by Mo Willems, published by Hyperion Books for Children
Book and Lyrics by Mo Willems
Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
Directed by Jenny Lavery
February 1 – March 23, 2025
Recommended for ages 3+
Gerald the Elephant and Piggie the Pig are “bestus” friends in this rollicking musical based on Mo Willems’ hilarious, award-winning books. When the pals embark on a perfect day out to a party hosted by three fun-loving singing squirrels, Elephant and Piggie realize they approach life’s uncertainties differently. Gerald is worried something may go wrong and ruin their friendship, while Piggie is happier and more excited than ever. And so begins a day when anything is possible, including catchy tunes, lively dances, and plenty of laughs.
¡LOTERIìA: GAME ON!
By Maybelle Reynoso
Directed by Ricky Araiza
May 3 – June 1, 2025
Recommended for ages 6+
Siblings Sam and Kris stumble into the enchanting world of loteriìa in this captivating, bilingual production both English and Spanish speakers can enjoy. When Sam and Kris discover their dad’s pillow fort is actually a portal into Loteriìa, and that he’s trapped there, the pair embark upon a thrilling rescue journey where they realize that the magical realm of Loteriìa has its own set of rules. Along the way they encounter familiar characters like La Rana, La Mano, and El Gallo.
2024-2025 TICKET OPTIONS
Magik Theatre offers multiple ways for patrons to enjoy the best children’s theatre experience in San Antonio. Magik is a cherished arts institution that has been providing families with professional, accessible, literature-based theatre and education since 1994. Located in Hemisfair Park, families can catch the show, enjoy a day of play exploring Yanaguana Garden, grab a meal at one of the many restaurants on site and make Magikal memories. Season subscriptions, Flex Passes, and single ticket sales are available now.
SEASON SUBSCRIPTION PRICING
Four Show Subscription $70 per person (Savings of 30% off single ticket prices)
Three Show Subscription $55.50 per person (Savings of 26% off single ticket prices)
Season ticket holders will also have access to sneak peek performances, special VIP invitations and other surprises throughout the season. No fees to exchange unexpired tickets to another date. Expires June 1, 2025.
FLEX PASS PRICING
- Ten Flex Passes $190
A Flex Pass is a package of 10 tickets that can be used for any production at Magik Theatre. Flex passes can be used any way patrons wish throughout the season. Use them one or two at a time, or all together. No fees to exchange unexpired tickets to another date. Expires June 1, 2025.
SINGLE TICKETS
- $25 for adults
- $20 for children (ages 3-17), Military, Seniors, Educators & Students
- Children under 2 years old are free.
Purchase season subscriptions, flex passes and single tickets online, via phone (210) 227-2751, and in person at Magik Theatre’s Box Office (420 S Alamo, 78205). Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.
If a child under 2 uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general admission ticket. Group rates are available for parties of ten or more people. For questions and further inquiries, contact tickets@magiktheatre.org
MAGIK THEATRE
Magik Theatre creates theatrical experiences that ignite imagination, spark curiosity, inspire empathy, and foster a lifetime love of learning in young people. For more information, visit magiktheatre.org, or Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @TheMagikTheatre.
