General Information

Beauty and the Beast
September 29 - November 7, 2008

Our new retelling of this beloved tale of enchantment finds Beauty and her father in Mexico, a land steeped in folklore and magic. Beauty has an important lesson to learn from the beasts of the forest. Father comes face to face with a creature from the legends of his childhood. What hides behind the horrible face of the Beast? Can Beauty overcome her past and learn the meaning of true beauty? The classic story of friendship and kindness unfolds in a colorful musical adaptation presented in English and Spanish. A bi-lingual English/Spanish musical adaptation by Alex "A.C." Gardner.

Two young children have received many wonderful gifts for the holidays but are still unhappy and want more. Their wishes are granted when a mysterious package appears with a magical fairy inside. Their wild adventures help them understand that there are many more important things than gifts. A heartwarming story about the true meaning of the holidays by Alvaro Saar Rios.

The story of Kian Long, the slave and lifelong companion of Jane Long, one of the first white women to settle in Texas. Kian was a young teen when they arrived in Texas in late 1820 and together they survived some of the most harrowing and exciting struggles in Texas history. Kian’s journey with Jane Long begins with a rough river trip down the Mississippi and leads the duo through Louisiana, Texas and Mexico. Along the way Kian encounters many of the political and military leaders of the day, including Stephen F. Austin, Mirabeau Lamar, the Baron de Bastrop and Santa Ana. She meets other African Americans, free and enslaved, and recounts for us the days of the Texas Revolution in the 1830s through the Civil War 30 years later – all seen through the eyes of a slave. A Black History Month production by Shirley Marks Whitmore. 

Every day the children gather in the town square to hear stories from their most beloved storyteller Mr. Wantu. Today is no different except for one thing. Mr. Wantu is in the top of a tree and won't come down! Will he come down if the children tell him stories for a change? Well, there's only one way to find out. A collection of tales from India, China and Japan.

Three Billy Goats Gruff
April 20 - May 30, 2009

All the three billy goats want to do is get across the bridge so they can eat the grass on the other side, but there’s a grumbly, grouchy, bully of a Troll under the bridge who is determined not to let them pass. They do finally get across, and even make a new friend in the process. A rollicking musical production by Kevin M. Reese.

This new adaptation brings Alice, White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, Caterpillar, Dormouse, Doorman-- and it is even narrated by Lewis Carroll himself. Lots of fun, clever word play along the lines of Carroll's original text! Alice discovers that a land without rules and logic is not really a Wonderland at all. A very "child-friendly" musical adaptation that is perfect for the whole family. Adapted by Kevin M. Reese. 

Storytelling Performances
Available all Season

Who discovered chocolate, corn, avocado, pineapple and many other foods we enjoy today? Epig, The Aztec Princess takes you on a journey through time and fantasy. Her amazing adventures celebrate and explore the rich history of Mexican Culture.

Mr. B. B. Wolf is up to new tricks as he runs for President of Fairytale Land. His opponents accuse him of many evil deeds. Did he really huff and puff or is it just a huge misunderstanding?

Story Theatre
Told by
Tracey Wheat

Express Children's Theatre
446 Northwest Mall
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 682-5044

expresstheatre@sbcglobal.net

Express Children's Theatre is Company-in-Residence at
Houston Community College Central Fine Arts Department