Calendar of Events
![reluctantdragonlogo (2)](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/reluctantdragonlogo-2.png?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1)
Family Weekend Performance Dates: November 11, 2023
School Matinee Performance Dates: November 6-10, 2023
On Tour: September 11 – December 16, 2023
- How to Train Your Dragon
- The Paper Bag Princess
- The True Story of the Three Little Pigs
Ages 5+
≈1 hour
The Larry and Vivian Snipes Main Stage
Prices: $20/Adult, $15/Child, $10/Members
Adapted by Jeremy Kisling
Based on the story "The Reluctant Dragon" by Kenneth Grahame
What happens when you mash up baseball, video games, and the classic story "The Reluctant Dragon" by Kenneth Grahame? A colorful show that's perfect for the whole family! Join LCT for this world-premiere adaptation by our Producing Artistic Director Jeremy Kisling.
The story revolves around Adrien, who is having a hard time dealing with bullies at school. But in the dream world, Adrien is in control of the story! When a friendly dragon named Diego moves to the hillside outside the town, Adrien finds a true friend. Diego is not like other dragons - he loves poetry and painting and wants to be a good neighbor. But trouble arises when the villagers misunderstand and hire Santiago the Warrior to defeat the "evil" dragon. Adrien must join forces with Diego and Santiago to change the villagers' minds. What better way to do it than a baseball game that mashes up two worlds? Will they be able to convince the villagers that Diego is not a threat and make them see the true beauty of their new neighbor? Join LCT to find out!
*Pay What You Will tickets cannot be purchased online, but can be reserved ahead of time by calling our Box Office at 859.254.4546 x245. Learn more on our Pay What You Will page.
For Educators:
School Matinee Performances
Our School Matinee Performances allow you to bring your students to the theatre for an unforgettable field trip!
Recommended for Grades K-3rd
Curricular Connections: Adaptation, Classic Literature, Fairy and Folktales, Kindness
Monday, November 6 – 10:00am & 11:45am
Wednesday, November 8 – 10:00am & 11:45am
Thursday, November 9 – 10:00am & 11:45am
Friday, November 10 – 10:00am & 11:45am
School Group Rate: $8 per seat with every 10th seat FREE!
Individual Rate: $12 per seat
In-School Touring Performances
This show is also a Touring Production, which means it can travel to your school, library, or other venue and perform there.
Touring Dates: September 11 – December 16, 2023
Things to Know Before the Show
Emotional Intensity
![T2K 5 Scale 1 1 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/T2K-5-Scale-1-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
Action/Stage Combat
![T2K 5 Scale 2 2 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/T2K-5-Scale-2-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
Language
![T2K 5 Scale 0 0 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/T2K-5-Scale-0-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
Sound & Lighting
![T2K 5 Scale 1 1 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/T2K-5-Scale-1-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
![The Best Christmas Pageant Ever](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/best-xmas-ever-1024x1024.png?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1)
Family Weekend Performance Dates: November 25 & December 2-3, 2023
School Matinee Performance Dates: November 27 – December 4, 2023
- Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
- A Christmas Story
- Miracle on 34th Street
Ages 6+
≈1 hour
Performed at The Lexington Opera House
Prices: $25/Adult, $20/Child, $10/Members
Adapted by Barbara Robinson
The Bradley family’s church Christmas Pageant is always the same, year after year – until the Herdmans show up! With “the worst kids in the world” taking the lead roles, this year’s Pageant will be a total disaster. But it might just be the year when the rambunctious, rag-tag Herdmans help their community see Christmas in a whole new way, and prove that even “the worst kids in the world” can change it for the better.
*Pay What You Will tickets cannot be purchased online, but can be reserved ahead of time by calling our Box Office at 859.254.4546 x245. Learn more on our Pay What You Will page.
Proudly sponsored by:
![Ball Homes - LWW](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Ball-Homes-LWW-e1691777408167-300x70.jpg?resize=300%2C70&ssl=1)
For Educators:
School Matinee Performances
Our School Matinee Performances allow you to bring your students to the theatre for an unforgettable field trip!
Recommended for Grades 1st-8th
Curricular Connections: Holiday Traditions, Social Inclusion, Adaptation
Monday, November 27 – 10:00am & 12:00pm
Tuesday, November 28 – 10:00am & 12:00pm
Wednesday, November 29 – 10:00am & 12:00pm
Thursday, November 30 – 10:00am & 12:00pm
Friday, December 1 – 10:00am & 12:00pm
Monday, December 4 – 10:00am & 12:00pm
School Group Rate: $8 per seat with every 10th seat FREE!
Individual Rate: $15 per seat
Things to Know Before the Show
Emotional Intensity
![T2K 5 Scale 2 2 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/T2K-5-Scale-2-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
Action/Stage Combat
![T2K 5 Scale 1 1 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/T2K-5-Scale-1-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
Language
![T2K 5 Scale 2 2 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/T2K-5-Scale-2-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
Sound & Lighting
![T2K 5 Scale 2 2 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/T2K-5-Scale-2-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
The Herdman children are not the nicest kids on the block. You will hear them say unkind things, like ‘You are stupid.” Before they understand the meaning behind the Christmas Pageant, they also poke fun at the story of Jesus sleeping in the manger and not in a nice hotel. Unlike in the book, there are no curse words used in the play.
Our Herdman family starts out a little rough around the edges, but they eventually learn how to treat others with a little more kindness and respect. During the show, you may see them pick on their fellow pageant members, steal their lunch, and even...smoke a cigar (THE HORROR)! Stories like these are a great conversation starter for you and your young person on how to best treat our friends.
During the final dress rehearsal, the characters believe that there is a fire in the bathroom and panic. The characters yell and run out of the Church basement, and there will be pulsing lights and fog. There are firemen who come and try and put out a fire before being knocked over by the Herdmans, and the whole scene ends with a character being accidentally sprayed with a fire extinguisher.
This story is a great way to start conversations about... kindness and trying new things. The Herdmans are known around town...and not for any good reasons. The whole community is concerned that they will ruin their perfect Christmas traditions and are hesitant to even give them a chance. Mrs. Bradley, however, is not going to give up on them. With the help of the Bradley family, we come to understand why the Herdmans behave the way they do and see that they can grow and change if given the chance. We are left with the reminder that in life, everyone deserves a chance and people can surprise you.
We love this story because... it is a timeless holiday story with characters we can all relate to or know in our real lives. Traditions, especially those around the holidays, are so important for a community, and being inclusive can open a whole new world for people who may not feel welcome. We also love seeing the growth of Herdman family, especially Imogene Herdman, who plays Mary in the Christmas Pageant.
UPDATE: Due to artist availability, this event is being postponed and will not take place on December 2nd. We will have more information later if we are able to reschedule it. In the meantime, we will still be accepting winter coat donations on behalf of Believing in Forever! New coats are accepted by the organization between now and Monday, December 4th.
Learn More about the Coat Drive
We invite you to join us for a coat drive benefitting the local non-profit Believing in Forever, which empowers children to become community game changers! As a thank you, Devine Carama of One Lexington is hosting an exciting concert before the Pay What You Will performance of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. This is a FREE event, and we welcome winter coat donations for all ages and sizes.
When: December 2nd
Where: Lexington Children's Theatre, 418 West Short Street, Lexington, KY 40507
Time: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Tickets: No tickets necessary for event. For the 7:00pm performance, call the Box Office at 859-254-4546 x245 to reserve your Pay What You Will tickets or purchase them at the door.
Learn more about The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by clicking on the image below.
Event presented by the PNC Foundation
![Cows Don't Fly and other known facts](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/LOGO_cows.png?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1)
Family Weekend Performance Dates: February 10-11, 2024
School Matinee Performance Dates: February 8-16, 2024
On Tour: January 20 – May 4, 2024
- Blue’s Clues
- Paul Brett Johnson Books
- Shaun the Sheep
Ages 3+
≈1 hour
The Larry and Vivian Snipes Main Stage
Prices: $20/Adult, $15/Child, $10/Members
Adapted for Lexington Children’s Theatre by Larry and Vivian Snipes
Based on The Cow Who Wouldn’t Come Down, The Pig who Ran a Red Light, and The Goose Who Went Off in a Huff
Written and illustrated by Paul Brett Johnson
Between a flying cow, a driving pig, and a goose who wants to join the circus, there’s never a dull moment at Miss Rosemary’s farm! Head just up the holler a bit and join the story yourself in this interactive play based on three books by Kentucky author Paul Brett Johnson.
*Pay What You Will tickets cannot be purchased online, but can be reserved ahead of time by calling our Box Office at 859.254.4546 x245. Learn more on our Pay What You Will page.
For Educators:
School Matinee Performances
Our School Matinee Performances allow you to bring your students to the theatre for an unforgettable field trip!
Recommended for Grades PreK-3rd
Curricular Connections: Animals, Farm Life, Adaptation, Consequences
Thursday, February 8 – 10:00am & 11:45am
Friday, February 9 – 10:00am & 11:45am
Tuesday, February 13 – 10:00am & 11:45am
Wednesday, February 14 – 10:00am & 11:45am
Thursday, February 15 – 10:00am & 11:45am
Friday, February 16 – 10:00am & 11:45am
School Group Rate: $8 per seat with every 10th seat FREE!
Individual Rate: $12 per seat
In-School Touring Performances
This show is also a Touring Production, which means it can travel to your school, library, or other venue and perform there.
Touring Dates: January 20 – May 4, 2024
Things to Know Before the Show
Emotional Intensity
![T2K 5 Scale 0 0 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/T2K-5-Scale-0-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
Action/Stage Combat
![T2K 5 Scale 1 1 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/T2K-5-Scale-1-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
Language
![T2K 5 Scale 0 0 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/T2K-5-Scale-0-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
Sound & Lighting
![T2K 5 Scale 1 1 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/T2K-5-Scale-1-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
![Keeping Mr. Lincoln Keeping Mr. Lincoln, sponsored by Erie Insurance](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/LOGO_lincoln.png?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1)
Family Weekend Performance Dates: February 17, 2024
School Matinee Performance Dates: January 29 – February 7, 2024
On Tour: January 20 – May 4, 2024
- Liberty’s Kids
- Hamilton
- The Who Was? Show/Book Series
Ages 9+
≈1 hour
The Larry and Vivian Snipes Main Stage
Prices: $20/Adult, $15/Child, $10/Members
By Sandra Fenichel Asher
Commissioned for Lexington Children’s Theatre
Get ready to step back in time and immerse yourself in the life of one of America's most legendary figures - President Abraham Lincoln. This biographical play delves deep into the personal and political life of the 16th President of the United States, as told through his own words and the words of those who knew him best. But what's truly unique about this performance is that every actor takes on the role of Lincoln at some point during the play, showcasing how we all "keep" Mr. Lincoln alive by continuing to explore his story and the timeless ideals he embodied. This captivating and thought-provoking play is a must-see for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of one of America's greatest leaders.
Family Weekend Performance Info
This is a One Night Only Show!
Saturday, February 17 – 2:00pm (Pay What You Will)*
FREE Discover More Series Event
Start the Presidents Day fun early and help build a GIANT Lincoln Log Cabin while testing your Lincoln Family and Kentucky knowledge! LCT and the Mary Todd Lincoln House are teaming up on Saturday, February 17th for a FREE Discover More Series event immediately following the 2:00pm (PWYW) performance of Keeping Mr. Lincoln. Win door prizes, take selfies with a cut-out of Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln, and participate in a Lincoln Log building trivia competition, hosted by the Mary Todd Lincoln House team.Saturday, February 17 – 3:00pm
*Pay What You Will tickets cannot be purchased online, but can be reserved ahead of time by calling our Box Office at 859.254.4546 x245. Learn more on our Pay What You Will page.
Proudly sponsored by:
![Erie Insurance NO BKGRD](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Erie-Insurance-NO-BKGRD-e1691765669654-200x200.png?resize=200%2C100&ssl=1)
For Educators:
School Matinee Performances
Our School Matinee Performances allow you to bring your students to the theatre for an unforgettable field trip!
Recommended for Grades 4th – 12th
Curricular Connections: U.S. Civil War, History, Biography
Monday, January 29 – 10:00am & 11:45am
Tuesday, January 30 – 10:00am & 11:45am
Wednesday, January 31 – 10:00am & 11:45am
Thursday, February 1 – 10:00am & 11:45am
Tuesday, February 6 – 10:00am & 11:45am
Wednesday, February 7 – 10:00am & 11:45am
School Group Rate: $8 per seat with every 10th seat FREE!
Individual Rate: $12 per seat
In-School Touring Performances
This show is also a Touring Production, which means it can travel to your school, library, or other venue and perform there.
Touring Dates: January 20 – May 4, 2024
Things to Know Before the Show
Emotional Intensity
![T2K 5 Scale 2 2 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/T2K-5-Scale-2-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
Action/Stage Combat
![T2K 5 Scale 1 1 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/T2K-5-Scale-1-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
Language
![T2K 5 Scale 1 1 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/T2K-5-Scale-1-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
Sound & Lighting
![T2K 5 Scale 1 1 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/T2K-5-Scale-1-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
Wednesdays: March 20 – April 24, 2024
*No class April 3rd due to FCPS Spring Break*
2:35 PM – 4:00 PM
Tuition: $75
Students learn how to approach a character by analyzing dialogue and the script. Students will perform their scenes on the last day of class.
Start the Presidents Day fun early and help build a GIANT Lincoln Log Cabin while testing your Lincoln Family and Kentucky knowledge! LCT and the Mary Todd Lincoln House are teaming up on Saturday, February 17th for a FREE Discover More Series event immediately following the 2:00pm (PWYW) performance of Keeping Mr. Lincoln. Win door prizes, take selfies with a cut-out of Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln, and participate in a Lincoln Log building trivia competition, hosted by the Mary Todd Lincoln House team.
When: February 17th
Where: Lexington Children’s Theatre, 418 West Short Street, Lexington, KY 40507
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Tickets: No tickets necessary for event. For the 2:00pm performance, call the Box Office at 859-254-4546 x245 to reserve your Pay What You Will tickets or purchase them at the door.
Learn more about Keeping Mr. Lincoln by clicking on the image below.
*Note: We also encourage you to participate in more FREE Presidents Day Family Fun on Monday, February 19th at the Mary Todd Lincoln House. Learn more HERE.
![Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pigeon.png?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1)
Family Weekend Performance Dates: March 10, 16-17, & 23-24, 2024
School Matinee Performance Dates: March 5-29, 2024
- Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”
- Curious George
- The Cat in the Hat
Ages 3+
≈1 hour
The Larry and Vivian Snipes Main Stage
Prices: $20/Adult, $15/Child, $10/Members
Based on the book Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
By Mo Willems, Published by Hyperion Books for Children, Script by Mo Willems and Mr. Warburton, Lyrics by Mo Willems, Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, and Dramaturgy by Megan Alrutz
*Pay What You Will tickets cannot be purchased online, but can be reserved ahead of time by calling our Box Office at 859.254.4546 x245. Learn more on our Pay What You Will page.
Whatever you do, don’t let the Pigeon star in a musical! When the bus driver has a small emergency, a very unlikely volunteer shows up to take the driver’s place – a pigeon! But should this small but tenacious bird really be allowed to take the wheel? What do YOU think? Based on Mo Willems’ Caldecott Honor award-winning book, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping with its innovative mix of songs, silliness, and feathered friends.
This production is part of One Picture Book, 1 Lexington! This exciting new initiative, a partnership between Lexington Children's Theatre, First 5 Lex, and the Lexington Public Library, is a shared reading experience where children across our community are invited to read the same book and participate in themed events and activities. Learn more at https://onepicturebooklex.com/
For Educators:
School Matinee Performances
Our School Matinee Performances allow you to bring your students to the theatre for an unforgettable field trip!
Recommended for Grades PreK-2nd
Curricular Connections: Adaptation, Music, Saying No, Responsibility
Tuesday-Friday, March 5-8 – 10:00am & 11:45am
Tuesday-Friday, March 12-15 – 10:00am & 11:45am
Tuesday-Friday, March 19-22 – 10:00am & 11:45am
Tuesday-Friday, March 26-29 – 10:00am & 11:45am
School Group Rate: $8 per seat with every 10th seat FREE!
Individual Rate: $12 per seat
Things to Know Before the Show
Emotional Intensity
![T2K 5 Scale 1 1 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/T2K-5-Scale-1-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
Action/Stage Combat
![T2K 5 Scale 1 1 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/T2K-5-Scale-1-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
Language
![T2K 5 Scale 0 0 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/T2K-5-Scale-0-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
Sound & Lighting
![T2K 5 Scale 2 2 out of 5](https://i0.wp.com/www.lctonstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/T2K-5-Scale-2-650x150.png?resize=650%2C150&ssl=1)
Get Ready For...
- A very fun musical with moments for both young and grown-up folks to enjoy!
- You might have to speak up and tell the Pigeon "NO" - after all, we can't let him drive the bus!
Sensory Moments
Towards the end of the show, there is an opportunity for audience call-and-response as we tell the Pigeon "NO!" repeatedly during the final song. This moment can get quite loud, depending on how many people are attending the performance and how excited everyone gets!
Some limited lighting cues move across the stage, but no flashes or strobe lighting are used in the show. Because this is a musical, the base sound level is a little louder than a play without music because of playing music tracks and amplifying the actors' voices with mics. While we will pull the sound levels back a bit for our Sensory Friendly performance, we still encourage audience members with sound sensitivities to bring their own noise-canceling headphones if you think you will need them! We will have a few available in our lobby for the Sensory Friendly show that can be borrowed as well.
Tuesdays: March 19 – April 23, 2024
*No class April 2nd due to FCPS Spring Break*
2:35 PM – 4:00 PM
Tuition: $75
Every actor must understand how to use the tools of their trade. This class is designed to explore and develop the actor’s tools that allow you to shine.
Tuesdays: March 19 – April 23, 2024
*No class April 2nd due to FCPS Spring Break*
2:35 PM – 4:00 PM
Tuition: $75
Using the book, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, students will explore a story and create their own version using drama, art, music, and dance.