This Wonderful Theatre, Magik Theatre, is Delighted to Bring the Timeless Tale of The Velveteen Rabbit to Families this Holiday Season
This Wonderful Theatre, Magik Theatre, is delighted to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the beloved tale of friendship and love.
The holidays are all about family, love, hope, and a little magic. Magik Theatre will celebrate all of that and more with its production of The Velveteen Rabbit, taking place from November 19-December 24. Written by Margery Williams and adapted by Michelle Hoppe-Long, this classic, heartwarming tale about a child’s favorite toy that comes to life has been delighting both the young and young-at-heart for 100 years, thanks to its timeless message. Revisit this family favorite for yourself, or share it with a whole new generation during the theatre’s special rendition. Opening night will kick off with festive holiday happenings. Families can sip warm hot cocoa and take part in interactive experiences including themed arts and crafts.
“There’s no better time than the holidays to add a little Magik to your life,” says Runfola. “And there’s no more magical story than that of The Velveteen Rabbit.”
A RABBIT’S TALE
From the time it was published in 1922, the story of The Velveteen Rabbit has touched the lives of readers young and old. It tells the story of a boy and his stuffed rabbit that, like many a beloved toy, grows more worn and bedraggled with love until one day, it becomes “real.” The story strikes a universal chord with its message of love and friendship, reminding us that it is only through vulnerability and opening ourselves to the connection that we become our authentic selves.
“This story is more poignant for audiences today than ever before,” says Rosa Gardner, “We live in a world where so many of our interactions are virtual that it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s not when it comes to our relationships. The Velveteen Rabbit reminds us that we need real connection to become who we are meant to be.”
MAGIKAL MOMENTS FOR ALL
Just as the story of The Velveteen Rabbit has delighted generations of the same families for decades, so has Magik Theatre. Children who once filled the seats are now bringing their children and grandchildren to experience the joy of seeing the stories they love brought to life on stage by professional actors.
“Older generations will fondly remember the first time they heard the story of The Velveteen Rabbit, or read it to their children,” says Frank Villani, CEO of Magik Theatre. Now they can experience it in a new way while sharing it with their families through theatre. It’s a full-circle moment.”
BEHIND THE MAGIK
This production of The Velveteen Rabbit marks the directorial debut of one of Magik Theatre’s veteran actors, Rosa Gardner. A member of the company since 2016, Gardner has been entertaining audiences with her outstanding performances in Junie B. Jones: Toothless Wonder, Charlotte’s Web, Snow White, and Knufflebunny, to name a few. Now she is directing her own talented team. Rounding out the cast are John Michael Hoke as Nana and the Velveteen Rabbit, Alyssa Cavazos as The Child, and Alaia Adriana as Mother and The Fairy. The crew includes Stage Manager, Alyssa Snow, Scenic Design by Chris Boneta, Costume Design by Sarah Steele, Lighting Design by Armando Chavez, Sound Design by Carolyn Orosco, and Original Music and Arrangements by John Michael Hoke.
Magik Theatre is committed to educating through entertainment—and no child or family is ever left out. “We are here to make theatre accessible to every family and take away any barrier that exists,” says Villani. In keeping with that commitment, the 2022-23 season boasts some upgrades to include the following special performances below.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
American Sign Language Interpreted Performance
Saturday, Nov. 26, 2 p.m.
Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary sign language interpreter, will be available during this performance for patrons that require ASL as their primary form of communication.
Sensory-Friendly Performance
Saturday, Dec. 3, 10:30 a.m.
Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming environment for people who are on the autism spectrum or who have other sensory sensitivities. By modifying elements of the production to accommodate individuals with sensory needs, we create a welcoming space where families and friends of those with autism or other disabilities can enjoy an authentic performance experience together.
Pay What You Wish Performances
Friday, Nov. 25, 2 p.m. & Friday, Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m.
Magik’s way of giving back to the community and providing an opportunity for families to experience live theatre with a donation of any amount.
Mask Required Performances
Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 10:30 am, Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 pm & Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 2 pm
If you would like to attend a mask-required performance, this option is for you! We have adopted a model that allows us to go above and beyond standard schedules. It also provides you with peace of mind knowing that all of our performers and staff continue to follow strict health and safety protocols including the option to select your experience while in the theatre.
To view Health & Safety Protocols, visit https://www.magiktheatre.org/covid-19-updates/
TICKETS TO THE SHOW
2022-23 Season Subscriptions and Flex Passes are on sale now, priced at $48, $60, $75, and $87. Single Tickets are $18.50 for children (ages 2-17), Military, Seniors, and Educators | $22.50 for adults | Children under 2 years old are free. Season Subscriptions, Flex Passes, and Single Tickets are available at: https://www.magiktheatre.org/the-velveteen-rabbit/ or by calling (210) 227-2751. You can also purchase at the box office, 420 S. Alamo, from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. 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 offered to parties of ten or more people. For questions and further inquiries contact info@magiktheatre.org.
ABOUT MAGIK THEATRE
A professional theatre for young audiences established in 1994, Magik Theatre’s mission is to use the power of theatre to create Magikal storytelling for children that Activates imagination, Grows young minds, and Inspires creativity and a love of learning that is the Key to a more literate future for our community. For more information, visit magiktheatre.org, or Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @TheMagikTheatre.
