SEASON TICKET GUIDEBOOK
OCT 17 – 18, 2026
OCT 31 – NOV 1, 2026
JAN 30 – 31, 2027
MAR 6 – 7, 2027
Hello, We’re thrilled to welcome you to another exciting season of the Children’s Theater Series at Playhouse Square. There is nothing quite like seeing the joy, wonder, and excitement on a child’s face as the lights dim and the story begins. Whether it’s a favorite character coming to life, an unforgettable adventure, or a lesson discovered along the way, live theater has a unique way of creating memories that last a lifetime. This season is filled with imagination, laughter, music, and stories the whole family will enjoy together. We can’t wait for you to experience each performance and make Playhouse Square part of your family’s traditions throughout the year. Thank you for being a Children’s Theater Series Season Ticket Holder. We’re honored to share these special moments with you and look forward to welcoming you back to the theater all season long. See you at the show! Warm regards,
Daniel Hahn Vice President, Education Playhouse Square
Ocean Blue illustration by Robert Plante.
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AT YOUR SERVICE Our team of Season Ticket Services professionals is available to assist you with all of your account needs. From helping you redeem your benefits to answering any questions you have along the way, please email or call us at the contact information below.
Email: ChildrensTheaterSeries@playhousesquare.org Call: 216-710-6260 (weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) BOOK A PERSONALIZED APPOINTMENT WITH US Need help with your account? Schedule an appointment with us and we will be ready when you are ready.
The Invisible Boy illustration by Patrice Barton.
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SEASON AT A GLANCE
CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG: THE MUSICAL
THE UGLY DUCKLING October 17–18, 2026 | Mimi Ohio Theatre Lightwire Theater brings a classic tale to the modern stage in an unforgettable theatrical experience. Lined with electroluminescent wire, the beloved story of The Ugly Duckling plays out on stage through a cutting-edge blend of puppetry, technology and dance.
October 31–November 1, 2026 | Mimi Ohio Theatre
With dazzling visuals, poignant choreography and the creative use of music ranging from classical to pop, this production brings this story into a new and brilliant light.
Emily Elizabeth absolutely adores her new puppy— the tiny red runt of the litter. But when her GIANT love makes Clifford grow into a GIANT, the family must trade their cramped city apartment for a home on Birdwell Island—where folks aren’t so sure about a house-sized, playful pup.
Everyone’s favorite Big Red Dog, CLIFFORD—bounds onto the stage in a brand-new musical comedy adventure that celebrates friendship, imagination and the magic of unconditional love!
APPROXIMATE RUNNING TIME: 51 Minutes RECOMMENDED AGES: 4–10 This show is non-verbal.
Worried his colossal clumsiness is keeping Emily Elizabeth from making friends, Clifford wishes he never grew so big—and it works! He enjoys a fur-tastic small-dog-sized day... until his adventurous BFF and her new island friends get stuck in a place from which only a BIG red dog can save them.
Sign language interpretation is available for all four shows during the Saturday performances at 11 a.m. Guests who need the interpreter’s assistance should request seats on the right side of the auditorium.
Clifford The Big Red Dog: The Musical is full of extra-large laughs, joy and love—the paw-fect show for Clifford’s growing young fans and nostalgic parents who remember him too. APPROXIMATE RUNNING TIME: 60 Minutes RECOMMENDED AGES: Grades PreK–2 Clifford the Big Red Dog: The Musical © Jeremy Daniel Photography, 2026, featuring: Jimmy Henderson and Chrissa Weir. The Ugly Duckling photo courtesy of Lightwire Theater.
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SEASON AT A GLANCE
OCEAN BLUE
THE INVISIBLE BOY
January 30–31, 2027 | Mimi Ohio Theatre January 30 - 11:30 Sensory Performance
March 6–7, 2026 | Mimi Ohio Theatre This story of kindness shows that the smallest gestures often have the biggest impact.
When Charlie, a young crab, dares to stand up to his older brothers and declare his desire for a different life, he is suddenly swept into danger—snatched by a gull searching for its next meal. But a dramatic shark ambush sends Charlie tumbling into “The Gully,” a deep-sea trench in the Atlantic Ocean where alien-like creatures glow in the darkness and Northern bottlenose whales dive to extraordinary depths.
Meet Brian. No one notices him. No one includes him. He just feels invisible. But everything suddenly changes when a new student named Justin arrives. A bit of creativity helps form a new friendship, unleashing Brian’s lively personality and vivid imagination. This high-spirited musical, complete with fun songs and heartfelt humor, will help us all discover the possibilities that begin with a simple act of kindness.
Journeying through the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific Oceans, Charlie travels alongside migrating whales and sea turtles. Along the way, he learns to survive and adapt, outsmart predators, and navigate the vast underwater world. Charlie discovers that courage, kindness, and friendship can change the course of even the smallest creature’s life.
APPROXIMATE RUNNING TIME: 60 Minutes RECOMMENDED AGES: Grades 5–10
This state-of-the-art, one-hour theatrical experience blends sophisticated puppetry, dynamic digital projection, and captivating original music to transport audiences into a mesmerizing underwater realm. Bursting with fascinating ocean facts, playful humor, and moments of pure awe, Ocean Blue is designed to spark curiosity and ignite the imaginations of children aged 5+.
Sign language interpretation is available for all four shows during the Saturday performances at 11 a.m. Guests who need the interpreter’s assistance should request seats on the right side of the auditorium.
APPROXIMATE RUNNING TIME: 60 Minutes RECOMMENDED AGES: 3–8 The Invisible Boy photo courtesy of Children’s Theatre of Charlotte & The Experiential Theater Company. Ocean Blue illustration by Robert Plante.
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Benefits of being a Children’s Theater Series Season Ticket Holder Same great reserved seats for all four shows Saturday (11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.) and Sunday (2:00 p.m.) performance times to choose from for your convenience Pre-sale and discount ticket opportunities on other great Playhouse Square shows Opportunity to participate in interactive educational workshop for just $7 per show* Additional show-inspired resources shared throughout the year Exchange your tickets for another performance if something unexpected comes up* *Subject to availability.
Email: ChildrensTheaterSeries@playhousesquare.org Phone: 216-710-6260 Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
WORKSHOPS Get more out of your experience with CTS pre and post-show workshops! These forty-five-minute interactive sessions are fun, educational, and led by our professional teaching artists. Tickets are just $7, and only attending children must have a ticket. There is no charge for adults or children not participating in the workshop.
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MOBILE ASSISTANCE TEAM Your season tickets are mobile! Visit playhousesquare.org/mobiletickets for instructions and helpful videos on managing your tickets online. For additional support, contact our Mobile Assistance Team at 216-377-2240 or email mobiletickethelp@playhousesquare.org.
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