Ahoy! SCT lineup features pirates, zombies, classics

Literary classics, pirate tales and a famous monster film will flare to life at Seattle Children's Theatre, as the nationally respected playhouse for youth rolls out its 2008-09 season.

Artistic director Linda Hartzell has announced the next season of professionally staged plays and musicals aimed at young people, from toddlers to teens. The shows will be staged at SCT's two venues: the main stage Charlotte Martin Theatre and the smaller Eve Alvord Theatre.

"The Green Sheep," Oct. 1-Nov. 2: An interactive play for small children and parents.

"Night of the Living Dead," Oct. 3-Nov. 1: An adaptation of the famous, campy George Romero zombie film aimed at teens.

"Bluenose," Oct. 17-Dec. 14: A pirate tale by Emil Sher, about a trio of red-nosed pirates and a blue-nosed girl.

"The Wizard of Oz," Nov. 21-Jan. 17, 2009: The stage musical based closely on the beloved Judy Garland movie about a trip up the Yellow Brick Road.

"Tomás and the Library Lady," Jan. 9-March 1: Based on Pat Mora's book about a migrant boy learning to speak English and love books.

"Pharaoh Serket and the Lost Stone of Fire," Jan. 30-March 7: An adventure play by John Olive set in ancient Egypt.

"A Tale of Two Cities," March 20-April 12: Based on the classic Charles Dickens novel set during the French Revolution.

"Goodnight Moon," April 10-June 14: An encore of the hit musical based on the popular Margaret Wise Brown storybook.

"I Was a Rat!," May 1-June 14: Based on "His Dark Materials" author Philip Pullman's storybook about a sympathetic rodent who "lodges" with a cobbler's family.

Season subscriptions for renewing SCT subscribers are now on sale, ranging from $72 to $189. New subscriptions are available starting May 8, and individual performance tickets ($13-$40) go on sale July 7 and Aug. 11, depending on the production. More information: 206-441-3322 or www.sct.org.

Misha Berson: mberson@seattletimes.com