Families, get ready: Another spectacular season from the Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theater is on its way and it includes some of your very children's books and stories.

The 2018-2019 season will feature six Main Stage shows—which will your youngsters be the most excited about?

Curious George: The Golden Meatball

Sept. 21-Oct. 7: Look out! Curious George is buzzing and bouncing with excitement. The Man with the Yellow Hat can hardly keep up. And why is this mischievous monkey so wound up? Because it’s Meatball Day! That’s the day George helps his great pal Chef Pisghetti make his extra special all-you-can-eat meatballs for crowds of hungry friends. George ends up on a whirlwind adventure that carries him all the way to Rome—home of the world-famous Golden Meatball Contest. This high-energy musical is based on the well-known and well-loved book series by H. A. and Margaret Rey.

Hansel and Gretel’s Gingerbread Games

Oct. 26-Nov. 11: Get ready for a whole new look at Hansel and Gretel. This not-so-grim musical adds a fresh and playful twist to an old, old fairytale. Adapted (extremely) freely from the story by the Grimm brothers, this jaunty journey of songs and laughs follows our two child-heroes along bread crumb trails, through dark and spooky woods, and finally to a house that you can actually eat!

Jack Frost in Santa Land

Nov. 30-Dec. 16: The North Pole has never known a more mischievous elf than Jack Frost, and this year his antics are more rascally than ever. He’s the number one elf on Santa’s list – and I don’t mean his good list. The chilly little scamp is forever upsetting production in the toy factory, tormenting the magic reindeer, and playing every sneaky trick you can think of on Santa himself. It’s a good thing that wise old Mrs. Claus is around to take her two high-spirited boys in hand and save the day – Christmas Day, that is.

This Little Piggy Went to Market

Feb. 1–17, 2019: When Mama Piggy sends her precious piglet off to Boudreaux’s Bayou Market for flour and sugar and eggs – wearing the pretty little dress her grandma made – she reminds her of three things: Be kind to others; obey all the rules; and never stray from the market road. Fairly squealing with excitement, Little Piggy trots off to town, promising to be good. But can such a fun-loving little pig keep her promise?

Charlotte’s Web

March 8–31, 2019: Wilbur the piglet is the runt of his litter. But under the loving care of eight-year-old Fern Arable – and due in no small part to the delicious and plentiful slops on her Uncle Homer’s farm – Wilbur grows up into a fine specimen of a pig. Wilbur is no ordinary pig, and thanks to the acrobatic web-writing of his friend Charlotte, a kindly barn spider, the world soon learns just how “terrific” and “radiant” he is.

The Hobbit

April 26 – May 12, 2019: To Bilbo Baggins, adventures are nasty, disturbing, uncomfortable things that make you late for dinner. Resist as he might, however, the little hobbit is soon swept away—a reluctant hero on the adventure of his lifetime. Travel with him in this new adaptation of Tolkien’s classic tale. There’s a partner’s share of treasure waiting just for you.

Details

Tickets for each show are $12.50 for general admission and $10 for Arkansas Arts Center members. Each show also includes a Pay What You Can preview performance at 7 p.m. the Thursday before opening night.

Information about season ticket packages, including three and six-play packs, is available here.

Showtimes for each production are Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. "Charlotte's Web" will also have spring break matinees March 19-22 at 2 p.m.

For more information on any of the shows or to purchase tickets, visit the Arkansas Arts Center website.