RED BANK – A new musical inspired by Kenneth Grahame’s children’s classic, A Wind in the Willows Christmas, will be staged beginning Dec. 8 at Two River Theater. Written by composer Mike Reid with lyrics by Sarah Schlesinger, and book by Mindi Dickstein, the production is having its world-premiere at the Two River’s Rechnitz Theater, 21 Bridge Ave., on Saturday, Dec. 8 and will continue through Sunday, Dec. 30.
There will be a special performance at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, for families affected by Super Storm Sandy. Donors may contribute to a family sponsorship that will provide free tickets to approximately 100 families in need; donors of $500 and $1,000 will receive benefits and recognition as part of the theater’s Backstage Pass program.
Families will be selected through a ticket drawing on Dec. 3.
Families are invited to nominate themselves; anyone may make a nomination.
To contribute to the fund and/or to nominate a family in need, please contact Ellen Hahn, institutional development associate, by Dec. 2 at 732-345-1400, ext. 1830 or by e-mailing ehahn@trtc.org.
The production, which is being sponsored by Investors Bank, is directed by Amanda Dehnert with music direction by James Sampliner.
Commissioned and developed by Two River Theater, the new musical follows the adventures of the story’s beloved characters – Mole, the Water Rat, Dr. Badger, and Mr. Toad – as they discover that home is where your friends are.
A Wind in the Willows Christmas is recommended for ages 5 and older.
The show will be performed at noon on Dec. 8, 26 and 27; 10 a.m. Dec. 12 and 13; 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 19; noon and 4 p.m. Dec. 9, 16, 23 and 30; noon and 7 p.m. Dec. 15, 22, 28 and 29; and 7 p.m. Dec. 11, 14, 20, 21.
Tickets are $25 for patrons under age 18 and $50 to $55 for adults. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 732-345-1400 or by visiting www.trtc.org.
The company of A Wind in the Willows Christmas includes Farah Alvin as Mrs. Otter; Tituss Burgess as Mr. Toad; Nick Choksi as Rat; Kathy Connolly as Weasel/Rabbit; Tom Deckman as Mole; John Garry as Weasel/Rabbit; John Jellison as Dr. Badger; and Dana Steingold as Little Portly.
“Two River’s annual holiday production for families is one of the theater’s beloved traditions,” said Artistic Director John Dias. “This year, we commissioned a new musical that we hope will become part of the canon of great work for younger audiences – and a great experience for adult audiences, too.”
