2012-13 show schedule.

There will be no printed distribution of this information for the 2012-13 shows, just an announcement email.  Click here for an order form and fax to (575) 336-5500.  (Other options, click here for a higher resolution .pdf order form, or here to open a .jpg of the image for printing.)

View a video scrapbook of Spencer Class Acts programming.

Windwood Theatricals presents
“Treasure Island”

Thursday, October 25 at 10:30am & 1pm

Script by David Morgan
Adapted from the book by Robert Louis Stevenson
Music by Ricky Hernandez
Length of Performance: 60 minutes
Recommended grades: K-8 Curriculum base: English language arts (ELA), mathematics, science, social studies, music, art, and drama

Sail aboard the HMS Hispaniola with young Jim Hawkins for a daring adventure on Treasure Island. In a conflict between good and evil, Jim courageously faces danger, learns that evil can masquerade as good, and matures from a boy into manhood. Join him, the good doctor, the squire, sinister Blind Pew, marooned Ben Gunn, the infamous Long John Silver and a colorful crew of buccaneers for this exciting musical adventure.

Established in 2000 by veteran agent Paul Bartz, Windwood Theatricals represents an eclectic blend of mainstream theatrical properties that have been produced on Broadway, Off-Broadway and in theaters around the world. Newly developed works are also sought. Windwood Theatricals also represents several special attractions.

Theatreworks USA presents
“Ramona Quimby” (Two Beans Productions)

Wednesday, February 27 at 10:30am & 1pm

Book by Beverly Cleary
Stage adaptation by Len Jenkin
Music by Daniel Messé
Length of Performance: 60 minutes
Recommended grades: K-8
Curriculum base: Children’s literature, creative imagination, problem solving, family dynamics, drama.

"Moves as quickly as Ramona's imagination -- refreshingly inventive." -- Laurel Graeber, The New York Times

Hold onto your hats as you follow the latest breathless adventure of the world’s most exasperating but lovable third-grader, Ramona Quimby! Ramona has been a favorite of elementary school readers since the 1955 publication of Newbery Award-winning writer Beverly Cleary’s Beezus and Ramona. She now comes to life on the stage in Two Beans Productions’ Ramona Quimby.

While intended to tickle the funny bone, the play also incorporates issues that touch on the lives of real families. Ramona’s life is a mess! Her teacher hates her, older sister Beezus is a pain. Aunt Bea may marry a dork, and Dad just lost his job. Life is no picnic, and growing up isn’t easy. But with the help of her loving and patient family and friends, Ramona takes on life’s daily challenges -- as audiences laugh and cheer her on.

Theatreworks USA toured director Rob Barron’s production of “Ramona Quimby” from September 1998 through May 2007. In September 2011, Two Beans Productions (under Barron’s Artistic Direction) launched a new national tour of this play (based on the original Theatreworks staging and production design) to introduce a new generation of children to Beverly Cleary’s classic characters. Cleary’s award-winning books were dramatized by Obie-winning playwright Len Jenkin, and incidental music for this production is by Daniel Messé. The production is directed by Two Beans Productions artistic director Rob Barron (Theatreworks USA’s Charlotte’s Web, Romeo & Juliet, Two Beans’ Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, James & the Giant Peach), with costume designs by Anne-Marie Wright and scenic design by John Farrell.

For information (including study guides): http://www.theatreworksusa.org/show_detail.cfm?show=1061

Theatreworks USA presents
“Skippyjon Jones”

Tuesday, April 2 at 10:30am & 1pm

Book by Judy Schachner
Libretto & Lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila
Musical score by Eli Bolin
Length of Performance: 60 minutes
Recommended grades: pre-school up (ages 4 and up).
Curriculum base: Children’s literature, creative imagination, problem solving, drama.

Skippyjon Jones is a little kitten with big ears and even bigger dreams! Sometimes he pretends to be a bird, sometimes he pretends to be a llama, and sometimes he pretends to be a whale…Anything BUT a Siamese cat!

His Mama sends him to his room so that he can think about behaving like the cat he really is.
While bouncing on his big boy bed, Skippyjon’s wild imagination takes over again as he catches his reflection in a mirror. “Holy guacamole,” Skippyjon exclaims. “My ears are too big for my head, my head is too big for my body. I am not a Siamese cat – I am a CHIHUAHUA!”

He dons a mask, a cape, and an accent, and transforms into Skippito Friskito, the greatest canine sword fighter in old Mexico! But when the local pack of chihuahuas is terrorized by the gigantic bee, will Skippyjon be a ‘fraidy-cat or the top dog?

“Skippyjon Jones,” based on the book by Judy Schachner, features a libretto and lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila (Drama Desk nominee for Altar Boyz and Theatreworks USA’s Click, Clack, Moo) and a score by Eli Bolin (“Sesame Street,” Theatreworks USA’s We the People). The show is directed by Peter Flynn and choreographed by Devanand Janki (the director-choreographer team behind Theatreworks’ Junie B. Jones, Henry and Mudge, and Nate the Great). The show features costumes by Tracy Christensen (Souvenir and Shrek on Broadway, Lortel nominee for Theatreworks’ Seussical) with sets by Rob Odorisio (three-time Emmy nominee for “The Guiding Light,” Theatreworks USA’s If You Give a Mouse a Cookie).

For more info (including a study guide) go to http://www.theatreworksusa.org/show_detail.cfm?show=1546

American Family Theater presents
“Beauty & The Beast”

Tuesday, April 23 at 10:30 A.M. & 1 P.M.

Book & Lyrics by Bob Penola,
Music by Todd Johnson
Musical adaptation based on the classic tale by Madame Le Prince de Beaumont (1756)
Length of Performance: Approx. 70 minutes
Recommended grades: pre-school through 5th
Curriculum base: Children’s literature, fairy tales, geography, drama, music

“Beauty & the Beast” is a centuries-old classic bursting with magic, energy, love and wonder. Presented by the professional touring troupe American Family Theater, this musical adaptation features snappy songs and dances, lush 17th century costuming and six characters brimming with passion and pathos. Set in provincial France, “Beauty and the Beast” is about a quiet and virtuous girl named Beauty, a motherless girl with two selfish sisters who becomes the captive of a Beast who lives in a castle. In time her father comes to rescue her, but just when she’s escaping she remembers the kind­nesses the Beast has shown her and she rushes back to him just as he lay dying with a broken heart! She proclaims her love and with her kiss – which breaks an evil spell – the Beast is transformed back into the handsome prince he was once upon a time. The two marry and everyone lives happily ever after – teaching us the old adage to “never judge a book by its cover!”

ORDERING PROCEDURES

STARTING AUGUST 30 ORDER BY FAX OR MAIL: No phone orders are taken. Fax the Spencer Theater Box Office at 336.0055, or mail to 108 Spencer Rd., Alto, NM 88312 to reserve seats for your class. Classes should have one chaperone for every 15 students.

PAYMENT OR A SCHOOL PURCHASE ORDER NEEDS TO BE SENT TO THE SPENCER WITHIN 10 DAYS: orders will not be held unless payment or a school purchase order is received within 10 days of the date an order is made.

IF ORDERING FOR SEVERAL CLASSES we require that you include a separate list of the teachers’ names, grade level and number of attendees per teacher. This will enable classes to be admitted to the performance quickly.

WE WILL SEND CONFIRMATION and a ticket voucher for the total number of students and adults on the order. We will also bill the school district for the purchase order amount.

IF ADDITIONAL TICKETS ARE NEEDED a second order and a second purchase order or payment is required.

HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS/ PARENTS: payment needs to be attached with your order for every individual attending a performance. Credit cards are accepted.

ALL SALES ARE FINAL: we are not able to give refunds. Only if a school officially closes (due to weather, etc., etc.) on the day you planned to attend a Class Acts performance will the theater allow an exchange for another performance within the same season. Official notification in writing from the school principal within 3 business days of the performance will be necessary before any adjustment to your account can be made.

BUS ARRANGEMENTS: transportation must be arranged by the teacher or principal. Schools in the districts of Ruidoso, Capitan, Carrizozo, Corona, Mescalero and Hondo may be reimbursed for busing costs through a grant from the Hubbard Foundation. Forward your busing invoice to: Spencer Theater, Attention: Business Office, 108 Spencer Rd., Alto, NM 88312.

STUDY GUIDES: there are links on the Spencer Class Acts website to .pdf study guides on the performances.

GRADE LEVELS: the theater staff recommends appropriate grade levels for each performance. Teachers at other grade levels may consider bringing their students to a performance if they find the material suitable. However, please be advised that students more than three grade levels from those recommended may experience some dissatisfaction.

Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts offers special “Class Acts” performances strictly for the benefit of school children throughout the region. The programming is designed to enhance arts appreciation and education curriculums, and to introduce students of all ages to professional, live performing arts. Students and chaperones may attend school performances for only $5 per ticket and bus transportation for Lincoln County and Mescalero students is subsidized through a grant from the R.D. & Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation. Class Acts programming fulfills the Spencer’s core belief that the performing arts are a vital ingredient for a healthy community, an indispensable tool for a civilized society and positive form of education. Through the magical wonder of dance, song and dramatic dialogue, the performing arts enhance all realms of curriculum in a most aesthetic manner, heightening learning as well as appreciation for living. Look for “curriculum guidelines” online for these shows for ideas about incorporating performance content into your classroom studies. Teachers and students may also be mailed study guides for the events they choose to attend. All of us at the Spencer Theater look forward to seeing you at these entertaining and educationally rich performances. For additional information regarding Class Acts programming, please call the Spencer Box Office at 505.336.4800.

HUBBARD FOUNDATION GRANT GETS STUDENTS TO THE THEATER ON TIME. To receive a reimbursement, forward your busing invoice to: Spencer Theater, Attention: Business Office,108 Spencer Road, Alto, NM 88312. A grant from the R.D. & Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation keeps the buses rolling from Lincoln County and Mescalero schools to the Spencer Theater, delivering thousands of children to the educational magic unfolding on the world-class stage. This locally operated philanthropic foundation plays an invaluable role in the programming of all Class Acts performances, because without safe, organized and timely transportation of school children, shows would be delayed or difficult to schedule during school hours. The Hubbard Foundation grant also covers the publication costs of the “Class Acts” newsletter, which is distributed to elementary and secondary schools in Ruidoso and Lincoln County, Mescalero, Alamogordo and Tularosa, Roswell, Artesia, Hobbs, Clovis, Silver City, Deming and other communities throughout south-central New Mexico. School children from these communities have attended Class Acts programs since 1997, and our hope is that they will return again and again, understanding the performing arts are a vibrant and vital resource for intelligent, creative expression. Bus Arrangements provided through the Hubbard grant are reserved for schools in the districts of Ruidoso, Capitan, Carrizozo, Corona, Mescalero and Hondo.