Calendar of Events
As of September 5, 2022 masks will be encouraged, but not required, in our building. For more information about how we're keeping our LCT Family safe, click the button below.
Family Weekend Performance Dates: September 25 & October 1, 2022
School Day Matinee Dates: September 27-30, 2022
Audition Dates: August 6-7, 2022
Wanda Petronski’s new classmates think she has a funny name and when they tease her for wearing the same blue dress to school every day, she claims to have a closet full of one hundred dresses at home, all lined up. Even Maddie Reeves, who doesn’t have much more than one dress herself, goes along with the game even though she knows it’s cruel. Can they learn to find the bravery to stand up for what they know is right – even if it means standing alone?
By Ralph Covert and G. Riley Mills
Based on the book by Eleanor Estes
Best enjoyed by ages 8 and up
Location: The LCT Learning Stage
Length of Show: Approximately 1 hour long
Auditions for The Hundred Dresses will take place August 6-7, 2022 and are open to anyone ages 9-18! Learn more on our Auditions page.
Family Weekend Performance Info
Sunday, September 25 – 2:00pm & 6:00pm
Saturday, October 1 – 2:00pm & 7:00pm* (*the 7:00pm show is Pay What You Will)
Purchase Single Tickets Purchase a Membership
*To reserve Pay What You Will tickets in advance of a show, call our Box Office at 859.254.4546 x245
School Day Matinee Info
Tuesday-Friday, September 27-30
10:00am & 11:45am
The Hundred Dresses is recommended for – 3rd-8th grade
Curricular Connections – Immigration, Bullying and Kindness, Compare and Contrast, Imagination
Things to Know Before the Show
About LCT's The Learning Stage Series
The Learning Stage Series debuted in our 2015-2016 season as a way to give more performance opportunities to young artists. Shows in this series are cast entirely with young performers ages 9-18 and designed by high school students with mentorship from LCT's Education Department staff. Productions take place in our Learning Stage, a small 105-seat theatre on our second floor. Seating is stadium-style in a black box type setting where the actors are close to the audience. Tickets are sold general admission so there is no assigned seating.
About The Hundred Dresses
The Hundred Dresses is a short adaptation of the well-known Newbery Honor winning story of the same name by Eleanor Estes. Our characters live in the United States in 1938, the time of the Great Depression. Having prior knowledge of the Great Depression may be helpful for the context of the show.
This story is a great way to start conversations about...
the issues young people deal with every day. The Hundred Dresses shows what it is like to be bullied, to be a bully, and even a bystander. This show also provides a great opportunity to talk to your family about the repercussions of our actions and the outcomes that may affect the rest of a young person's life. This may be a good chance for your to talk to your young person about the signs and forms of bullying as well as being able to move from being a bystander to being a "Rescuer" before a situation escalates.
We love this story because...
it's a relection of true life and teaches us how important it is to be kind to everyone. This story deals with hard topics such as prejudice and classism, but tells it through the eyes of young people as they learn how to be better friends and people. This story is one that has stood the test of time and has done so since 1954 when it was first published.
Sound
More information about sound will be available once this production goes into Technical Rehearsals the week of September 19.
Lighting
More information about lighting will be available once this production goes into Technical Rehearsals the week of September 19.
Intensity
Bullying is an over-arching theme throughout the play. Wanda Petronski is bullied by her classmates because they find her accent and name different. When Wanda tells her new classmates that she has one hundred dresses at home (even though they only ever see her wearing the same worn dress and shoes), they tease her mercilessly. Peggy, Cecile, and Maddie even create a game called the Dress Game where they mockingly ask Wanda about her dresses at home. We see Maddie question her and her friends' actions, but she doesn't stand up to Peggy and the bullying continues, making Maddie a bystander -- someone who does not stand up for others when bullying behavior occurs. This ultimately leads to Wanda dropping out of the school.
Action
This is a story with emotional intensity, not physical intensity. There are no scenes with stage combat or intense action, just one moment with a small "jump scare" when Maddie, Cecile, and Peggy visit Boggins Heights and don't see Old Man Svenson approaching them to say hello.
Language
Wanda Petronski is a young girl who emigrated to the United States from Poland with her father. This is quite an adjustment for a young girl and even more of an adjustment for someone whose first language isn't English. At one point in the story, a boy makes fun of her name saying it sounds like a "Polish Sausage" and makes fun of her hand-me-down appearance. In a letter letting Wanda's class know that she will not be back, Wanda's father says they were called "Pollacks," a racial slur for a Polish person. It is clear from the context of the story that the people saying these things were wrong.
Family Weekend Performance Dates: October 22-30, 2022
School Day Matinee Dates: October 20-28, 2022
Touring Dates: September 12 - December 6, 2022
Some say that a cat is just a cat, but this feminine feline knows she is much more than that! With nothing but a song, her clever mind, and a fabulous pair of boots, Puss sets out to find her way in the world while making a better life for herself and her friend Henry. Join this fancy cat on a journey of imagination, adventure, and true friendship in LCT’s original adaptation of the classic fairy tale.
Adapted for Lexington Children’s Theatre by Jeremy Kisling
Best enjoyed by ages 4 and up
Location: The LCT Main Stage and On Tour
Length of Show: Approximately 1 hour long
Sponsored by: Bank of the Bluegrass
Puss in Boots Digital Playbill
Family Weekend Performance Info
Saturday, October 22 – 2:00pm^ & 7:00pm* (^the 2:00pm show is Sensory Friendly and *the 7:00pm show is Pay What You Will)
Sunday, October 23 – 2:00pm
Saturday, October 29 – 2:00pm
Sunday, October 30 – 2:00pm
Purchase Single Tickets Purchase Sensory Friendly Tickets Purchase a Membership
*To reserve Pay What You Will tickets in advance of a show, call our Box Office at 859.254.4546 x245
School Day Matinee Info
Thursday-Friday, October 20-21
Tuesday-Friday, October 25-28
10:00am & 11:45am
Recommended for – PreK-3rd grade
Curricular Connections – Adaptation, Fairy and Folk Tales, Language Arts, Friendship
Schedule a Field Trip Learn More about Matinees
In-School Performance Info
Puss in Boots is also available to travel to your school or venue as part of LCT's Professional Touring Company. It travels with its partner show for grades 4th-8th, Digging Up Dessa, from September 12 - December 6, 2022. Learn more at the link below!
Things to Know Before the Show
This story is a great way to start conversations about...
our dreams and goals for the future. In Puss and Boots we open seeing Henry who seemingly has nothing. Although, this is not fully true. Henry has a dream for his life, to have a safe comfortable home and someone to share it with. When we are at the beginning, acquiring this feels impossible, but once Henry is paired with a crafty cat, suddenly his dreams fall into place. Though we are not all going to become the person of our dreams with help from a cat in some boots, it is important to let your dreams flourish even when it seems like a faraway destination. In addition, while Puss gets the ball rolling for Henry to get everything he ever wanted, it is up to Henry to become a worthy steward. He must be both honest and open with the Princess and prove his intentions, while helping the people that are now under his responsibility to prosper. It is never a weakness to ask for help, but we also must be ready to put in a little elbow grease on our end to complete the goals we have. We at LCT invite you to dream big and work hard!
We love this story because...
it reminds us of the joy and wonder that comes from friendship. Henry and Puss are an unlikely pair. Henry is simple and honest man and Puss is as clever and calculating as they come. Despite this, they both find companionship within the friendship they create. Not only does Henry see his dreams come true, but he also gains lifelong memories and joy from experiencing a journey with Puss. Most of the sweet, fun, and special times in life happen with friends new and old and we cannot get enough of that feeling.
Sound
More information about sound will be available once this production goes into Technical Rehearsals.
Lighting
More information about sound will be available once this production goes into Technical Rehearsals.
Intensity
Throughout the story Puss has to go through obstacles to help Henry make all his dreams become reality. All the scenes are written and portrayed with students in kindergarten through second grade in mind.
Action
Puss is on a journey to help Henry. While on this journey she must take on a terrible Ogre. While the main “weapon” Puss uses is her sharp wit and clever mind, the two characters do have a fighting sequence after Puss challenges him.
Language
This production includes a sung melody throughout. The audience is encouraged to interact with the music and other aspects of the performance.
As of September 5, 2022 masks will be encouraged, but not required, in our building. For more information about how we're keeping our LCT Family safe, click the button below.
Family Weekend Performance Dates: November 25-27, 2022
School Day Matinee Dates: November 28 - December 5, 2022
Audition Dates: September 22-24, 2022
Join us on a holiday adventure to the North Pole! In this musical adaptation of the beloved television special, Rudolph doesn’t feel like he fits in at Santa’s workshop, so he sets off through the wintry woods to try and find where he belongs. Along the way, he meets many other “misfits” including Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, and of course, the Island of Misfit Toys. Together with his new friends, Rudolph discovers that our differences can be our greatest strengths – and good things come when we lend a helping hand (or hoof!) to those around us.
Music & Lyrics by Johnny Marks
Script Adaptation by Robert Penola
Arrangements by Timothy Splain
Orchestrations by William C. White
Based on the animated television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” adapted from the story by Robert L. May and the song by Johnny Marks. Developed by Character Arts Creations, LLC.
Best enjoyed by all ages
Location: The Lexington Opera House (401 W Short St, Lexington, KY 40507)
Length of Show: Approximately 1 hour long
Auditions for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jr. will take place September 22-24, 2022 and are open to anyone ages 9-18! Learn more on our Auditions page.
Sponsored by: 
Family Weekend Performance Info
Friday, November 25 – 7:00pm
Saturday, November 26 – 2:00pm & 7:00pm* (*the 7:00pm show is Pay What You Will)
Sunday, November 27 – 2:00pm
Purchase Single Tickets Purchase a Membership
*To reserve Pay What You Will tickets in advance of a show, call our Box Office at 859.254.4546 x245
School Day Matinee Info
Monday-Friday, November 28 - December 2
Monday, December 5
10:00am & 12:00pm
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. is recommended for – PreK-5th grade
Curricular Connections – Bullying and Kindness, Adaptation, Holiday Traditions and Celebrations, Individuality
Things to Know Before the Show
This story is a great way to start conversations about...
individuality and insecurities. Hermey is one of Santa’s elves but does not enjoy making toys. Rudolph is a reindeer but has a glowing red nose while everyone else has a solid black nose. For the first part of the story, all Rudolph and Hermey hear is anger, shock, and mockery. It is only when they find community with each other and the Misfit Toys that they begin to consider that their differences are not negatives like they’ve been told. As people, we have a lot of similarities, but we have differences as well. It can be really challenging to view our differences as positives, especially in a world that doesn’t always celebrate them, but the journey of self-love and acceptance brings us more freedom and joy than Christmas morning! On the other hand, we can learn a lot from the residents of Christmas Town, who were so quick to reject a couple of unique qualities without considering that those differences might in fact be strengths. If we could be slower to judge, and more prone to be curious about how all our differences make us stronger, the world might just be a little more joyful.
We love this story because...
it spreads the joy of community and friendship. All throughout the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. the characters work together to accomplish different jobs in Christmas Town. We see Rudolph, Hermey, and Yukon brought together by their shared experiences. They find it nice to have company on their travels, but also discover the special bond that is created between them as they face and overcome challenges together. In addition, Santa and the other Christmas town residents discover that they need every reindeer to make Christmas happen as well as the Misfit Toys that are needed to make boys and girls happy all around the world! Together, we can do amazing things. How will you be a part of your community this Holiday season?
Sound
More information about sound will be available once this production goes into Technical Rehearsals.
Lighting
Rudolph's nose will be illuminated using a red glowing light. There will be fog and haze used in the show. During one scene, a slow “chase” of lights that change colors from left to right across the stage happens for a minute or two.
Intensity
The story follows Rudolph through a world that sees him as “misfit”. This means that Rudolph and Hermey are both struggling with their self-esteem. Together they must journey to discover how their differences make them valuable, even when everyone else is telling them something different. We all have things that make us different from the people around us, and we hope this story helps you talk about how these are things to celebrate and accept about ourselves.
Action
There are several scenes that include the Abominable Snowman trying to attack Rudolph and friends. The Bumble character is played by a large multi-piece puppet that stands about 8 feet tall. Although he might have big chomping teeth, he might not be so cold-hearted! We invite you to come and discover for yourself!
Language
Rudolph is called unkind names by the other reindeer in reaction to his unusual glowing nose. Most of the language is nose-centered and within the theme of Christmas town (I.e., “Misfit” “Nitwit”).
As of September 5, 2022 masks will be encouraged, but not required, in our building. For more information about how we're keeping our LCT Family safe, click the button below.
Family Weekend Performance Dates: December 10-17, 2022
School Day Matinee Dates: December 8-16, 2022
Touring Dates: September 12 - December 6, 2022
Dessa is a modern-day 12-year-old with no shortage of mysteries to solve and fossils to find. But in the aftermath of her father’s death, this smart, funny young scientist struggles to overcome her grief and anger at all the changes in her world. Dessa's unlikely comfort comes from a remarkable new friend, one only she can see and hear – Mary Anning, the 19th-century paleontologist. But why is Mary’s portrait not on the museum wall alongside those of her male counterparts? Dessa decides that she’s going to fight to earn Mary the respect she deserves. With help from her new classmate and once-rival, Nilo, Dessa unearths secrets of the past and present – for Mary’s legacy and her own way forward.
By Laura Schellhardt
Best enjoyed by ages 9 and up
Location: The LCT Main Stage and On Tour
Length of Show: Approximately 1 hour long
Digging Up Dessa Digital Playbill
Family Weekend Performance Info
Saturday, December 10 – 2:00pm
Sunday, December 11 – 2:00pm
Saturday, December 17 – 7:00pm* (*the 7:00pm show is Pay What You Will)
Purchase Single Tickets Purchase a Membership
*To reserve Pay What You Will tickets in advance of a show, call our Box Office at 859.254.4546 x245
School Day Matinee Info
Tuesday-Friday, December 8-9
Tuesday-Friday, December 13-16
10:00am & 11:45am
Digging Up Dessa is recommended for – 4th-8th grade
Curricular Connections – Paleontology, Women's History, The Scientific Method, Friendship, Responsibility, Dealing with Grief
Schedule a Field Trip Learn More about Matinees
In-School Performance Info
Digging Up Dessa is also available to travel to your school or venue as part of LCT's Professional Touring Company. It travels with its partner show for grades PreK-3rd, Puss in Boots, from September 12 - December 6, 2022. Learn more at the link below!
Schedule Your Performance(s) Learn More about Tour
Things to Know Before the Show
About LCT's Touring Performances
Digging Up Dessa is an LCT Touring Performance and when it is not performing on LCT's Main Stage, our Professional Touring Company travels around Lexington and beyond with it and its companion show, Puss in Boots to different schools and venues. These productions are created to be easy to travel and set up in many different types of performance spaces. Because touring productions have smaller cast sizes, you'll also often see the same actor transform themself to play multiple different roles in the same show.
This story is a great way to start conversations about... big feelings and sharing them with others. Throughout the story we see Dessa and her mother, Esther, processing the death of father and husband John. Following her fathers death, Dessa begins conversing with Mary Anning, a paleontologist from a book of scientists her father had gifted her. Dessa avoids questions from her mother and therefore doesn’t share her feelings about the accident and losing her father. Esther, while more outwardly expressive about her loss, doesn’t share the full truth about John with Dessa in an effort to protect her. Throughout the story, both characters, with the help of Mary, choose to share what they’ve been feeling. This gives both Esther and Dessa the opportunity to release feelings that they have been holding in so they can begin to move on together. This production is a great way to begin discovering what talking about our feelings looks like, and how even painful moments can create space for healing.
For resources to help young people talk about grief : https://childrengrieve.org/resources
We love this story because… it shows how powerful, creative, and capable young people are. In this story Dessa is not only processing the loss of her father, but also determined to uncover the truth about sexism in archeology. Adults often think we need to shelter children or shield them from some of the harder truths of life, and while sometimes this is appropriate, we don’t realize how strong and resilient they truly are. Dessa and Nilo both remind us that children can do hard things and we should welcome their questions, realizations, and ideas. We invite you to join us in listening to your young people, you might learn a thing or two!
Lighting
More details about lighting for this performance will be available after our technical rehearsals, the week of December 4, 2022. Audiences can expect simple lighting, used to illuminate actors on stage and highlight key moments.
Sound
This show includes a character, Nilo, who dreams of creating sounds for video games. He records sounds to imitate other things. These recordings are used to create a soundscape for their presentation. Touring performances use a bluetooth speaker and sound recordings to add effects to the story.
Language
In the story, Dessa and Nilo disagree and have a hard time getting along. Their conversations include some general name calling and comments. Dessa is also a student at a new school and experiences some judgment for her behavior, clothes, and love for science. During the show the characters experience a heat wave, Dessa compares the heat to "hot as hell".
intensity
This show follows Dessa who, a year prior, lost her father in a car accident. On multiple occasions, Dessa recalls the accident to try and figure out what happened and get through her mental block of those memories. These moments are traumatic for Dessa herself and could trigger some students - feel free to have conversations with students if necessary.
action
As mentioned, multiple scenes in Digging Up Dessa talk about a car accident. More details about what this will include visually will be available after our rehearsal period, around the week of September 12, 2022.
Tuesdays: October 10 – November 14, 2023*
*No class on November 7th due to FCPS Election Day Holiday
2:35 PM – 4:00 PM
Tuition: $75
Using the book, The Day the Crayons Quit, students will explore a story and create their own version using drama, art, music, and dance.
As of September 5, 2022 masks will be encouraged, but not required, in our building. For more information about how we're keeping our LCT Family safe, click the button below.
Family Weekend Performance Dates: February 11-12, 2023
School Day Matinee Dates: January 30 - February 10, 2023
Touring Dates: February 14 - May 12, 2023
I’ll die with this hammer in my hand, Lord, Lord—
I’ll die with this hammer in my hand.
It was the age of steel drivers and riverboat captains, of telegraphs and travel on horseback, of explosive dynamite and great coal steamers chugging along the rails. The tracks of The Transcontinental Railroad were being laid down faster than you could shake a stick at them – and John Henry knew he had to follow those tracks to his destiny. But when a new invention threatens to take his livelihood and those of all his steel-driving companions, he decides it’s time to take a stand. The race is on between man and machine, and John Henry is committed to the very end – even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice.
Adapted by Larry and Vivian Snipes
Best enjoyed by ages 8 and up
Location: The LCT Main Stage and On Tour
Length of Show: Approximately 1 hour long
Family Weekend Performance Info
Saturday, February 11– 2:00pm & 7:00pm* (*the 7:00pm show is Pay What You Will)
Sunday, February 12 – 2:00pm
Purchase Single Tickets Purchase a Membership
*To reserve Pay What You Will tickets in advance of a show, call our Box Office at 859.254.4546 x245
School Day Matinee Info
Monday-Thursday, January 30 - February 2
Wednesday-Friday, February 8-10
10:00am & 11:45am
Recommended for – 3rd-10th grade
Curricular Connections – Legends, Folk Tales, Music, African-American Literature & Culture, U.S. History, The Industrial Revolution
Schedule a Field Trip Learn More about Matinees
In-School Performance Info
The Legend of John Henry is also available to travel to your school or venue as part of LCT's Professional Touring Company. It travels with its partner show for grades 1st-5th, Anansi the Spider, from February 14 - May 12, 2023. Learn more at the link below!
School Day Matinee Dates: April 11-19, 2023
Touring Dates: February 14 - May 12, 2023
The winds blow, the fireflies glow, and a trickster spider knows just how to get what he wants. But will Anansi stick to his embellished stories of adventure and danger or will he discover that the truth may serve him better? Help the African savannah come to life in this interactive tale adapted for the stage by LCT’s Jeremy Kisling.
Written by Jeremy Kisling
Based on the traditional Anansi Tales
Best enjoyed by ages 6 and up
Location: The LCT Main Stage and On Tour
Length of Show: Approximately 1 hour long
This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Family Weekend Performance Info
Saturday, April 15 – 2:00pm & 7:00pm* (*the 7:00pm show is Pay What You Will)
Sunday, April 16 – 2:00pm & 4:30pm^ (^the 4:30pm show is Sensory Friendly)
Purchase Single Tickets Purchase a Membership Digital Playbill
*To reserve Pay What You Will tickets in advance of a show, call our Box Office at 859.254.4546 x245
School Day Matinee Info
Tuesday-Friday, April 11-14
Tuesday-Wednesday, April 18-19
10:00am & 11:45am
Recommended for – 1st-5th grade
Curricular Connections – African/Caribbean Folklore, Trickster Tales, Honesty
Schedule a Field Trip Learn More about Matinees
In-School Performance Info
Anansi the Spider is also available to travel to your school or venue as part of LCT's Professional Touring Company. It travels with its partner show for grades 3rd-8th, The Legend of John Henry, from February 14 - May 12, 2023. Learn more at the link below!
Family Weekend Performance Dates: May 6-13, 2023
School Day Matinee Dates: May 3-12, 2023
We’re learning about the wild and wonderful creatures who live in the ocean, and YOU are invited to be part of the adventure! There are new friends to make and places to explore all along the reef. Join us beneath the waves in this interactive and imaginative show that’s perfect for ages 2-5!
Devised by Rhonda Bell, Jeremy Kisling, and the LCT Education Department
Best enjoyed by ages 2-5
Location: The LCT Learning Stage
Length of Show: Approximately 30 minutes long.
Family Weekend Performance Info
Saturday, May 6 – 11:00am* & 2:00pm (*the 11:00am show is Sensory Friendly and Pay What You Will)
Sunday, May 7 – 2:00pm
Saturday, May 13 – 11:00am* & 2:00pm (*the 11:00am show is Sensory Friendly and Pay What You Will)
Purchase Single Tickets Purchase a Membership Digital Playbill
*To reserve Pay What You Will tickets in advance of a show, call our Box Office at 859.254.4546 x245
School Day Matinee Info
Tuesday-Friday, May 3-5
Tuesday-Friday, May 10-12
10:00am & 11:45am
Electric Blue: A Tale from the Reef is recommended for – PreK and Kindergarten
Curricular Connections – Ocean Wildlife, Imagination, Hands-on Play, Self-Confidence