On Tuesday, April 30th The Manitoba Theatre for Young People (MTYP) announced their 2024-25 season. Advertised as Adventure Awaits, this next year promises to a fun and engaging season full of exploration, imagination, and education. All six shows that MTYP is presenting are sure to be fun for both children and adults.

The planning for this upcoming season actually took place a while ago as Artistic Associate for MTYP Sarah Flynn says, “It’s actually quite a long process…so Pablo (Felices-Luna) The Artistic Director and I are already working on the season after this…and actually looking at the season after that…because we end up with two or three years plans. Obviously they shift and move, but generally the fall prior to announcing…so in September, October, November is when we are finalizing the shows that are going to happen next season. And then there is all the other behind the scenes work of the board figuring it out, the marketing, social media, and development…all the people that also have to do things around the season. So it is at least a year before we are already talking to people and figuring out what those shows are going to be and planning those seasons.”

If this upcoming season is anything to go by, the folks at MTYP have been very fruitful. They have come up with an fantastic 2024-25 season!

Here are the six plays that they will be performing next year in chronological order:

October 10th to November 3, 2024—Where the Wild Things Are

Based on the classic Maurice Sendak book of the same name, this is a classic show for children that has gone over very well with MYTP audiences in the past. Hang out with the Wild Rumpus, Max, and all the other wild things the exist in the jungle.

Artistic Associate Sarah Flynn discusses Where the Wild Things Are

 

December 6 to December 29, 2024—A Year With Frog and Toad

Based on the hugely popular Frog and Toad children’s stories by Arnold label, this material has been adapted into an engaging and fun musical reminiscent of vaudeville; full of fun stories and characters that audience members will meet as they follow Frog and Toad through a year of their lives.

Artistic Associate Sarah Flynn discusses A year with Frog and Toad

 

January 17 to January 29 2025—Life Cycle

Presented by the Montreal based Dynamo Theatre, this show combines awe inspiring acrobatics, mixed with jaw dropping special effects. The show explores themes of finding out who you are, and the idea of life is like great bike ride. You need to keep pedaling to enjoy it.

Artistic Associate Sarah Flynn discusses Life Cycle

 

February 21 to March 2, 2025—Blue Beads and Blueberries

Based on the folk tale Cap-o’-Rushes, this MTYP produced play explores themes of family, oral traditions, and identity. This play turns an ancient fairy tale into a celebration of Metis Culture. Featuring woven sashes, beading, music, and traditional jewellery this is show that is sure to a feast for the soul and the senses.

Artistic Associate Sarah Flynn discusses Blue Beads and Blueberries

 

March 21 to March 30, 2025—Gruffalo’s Child

Working as a sequel to MTYP’s presentation of The Gruffalo that was presented as part this past year’s season, Gruffalo’s Child’s continues the exploration of life as a Gruffalo in the woods and living with threat of running into the Big Bad Mouse. Encouraging children to use their imaginations, Gruffalo’s Child as presented by Tall Stories of London Theatre Company promises to be a highly entertaining and a charming production.

Artistic Associate Sarah Flynn discusses Gruffalo’s Child

 

May 2 to May 11, 2025—Billie and the Moon

Presented by MTYP Billie and the Moon, explores the childhood ritual of summer camp as viewed through the eyes of Billie. Billie, is awkward, and a bit of a loner. He discovers that one way to find solace is by talking to the moon. “Drawn by the quiet of the lake, Billie begins to talk to the moon. To Billie’s surprise, the moon talks back.” This is show that explores themes of social interaction and encourages children to use their imaginations to find comfort.

Artistic Associate Sarah Flynn discusses Billie and the Moon

 

School Director - Manitoba Theatre for Young People | Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology