INSIDE OUT
by Meg Quinn, TOY Artistic Director

Because children in WNY suffer one of the highest rates of obesity in the nation, TOY is producing the most important play of our 39 year history…INSIDE OUT!

Opens: Friday, November 5, 2010 at 7pm
Saturdays & Sundays at 2 pm
November 6, 7, 13, 14
Recommended for Ages 7+

When Tom is accidentally involved in a clandestine government operation, he becomes trapped in the body of another kid. Tom meets the team of workers who exist in that body and are responsible for managing the food choices dumped in there. An emotional learning experience follows. Using every theatre trick and tool to heighten learning styles, Inside Out shows the audience the inside effect of sugar and greasy fast food; demonstrates the action of calories in/calories out, depicts how plaque blocks arteries, and much more!

Theatre of Youth has a unique expertise to help children understand why they should change unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise. Be one of the families who participate in Inside Out!

A LITTLE HOUSE CHRISTMAS
Adapted from the series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Opens: Friday, December 10, 2010 at 7 pm
Saturdays & Sundays at 2 pm
December 11, 12, 18, 19
Recommended for Ages 5+

Laura Ingalls Wilder has charmed generations of readers with wholesome adventures about what it was like to live two centuries ago, in the land of covered wagons.

Join the Ingalls on Christmas Eve when they invite friends and neighbors to their new home. Although Laura's good behavior is tested by busybody Nellie Olesen, she and her sister do their best to help Ma and Pa trim the tree and prepare a marvelous dinner. When an approaching winter storm threatens to postpone Santa’s visit, Pa tries to make it to town for supplies. By Christmas Eve he still hasn’t returned! Based on several events from the ‘Little House’ books, this heartwarming adventure shows how, with help from a surprise visitor, Laura and Mary learn the true meaning of Christmas!

NUMBER THE STARS
Adapted from the Newbery Award-winning book by Lois Lowry.

Opens: Friday, February 4, 2011 at 7pm
Saturdays & Sundays at 2 pm
February 5, 6, 12, 13
Recommended for Ages 8+

On September 29, 1943, Danish freedom fighters of all ages risked everything in daring, hurried rescue attempts of Denmark’s entire Jewish population. This fictionalized account of one such escape story is brought to life through the eyes of 14-year-old Annemarie Johannesen. The Johannesen family harbors Annemarie’s best friend, Ellen Rosen, on the eve of the round-up and helps smuggle Ellen’s family out of the country to safety. The courage, ingenuity and love wielded by two young best friends makes this a very inspiring and unforgettable young adult drama.

TALES OF A FOURTH GRADE NOTHING
Adapted from the book by Judy Blume

Opens: Friday, March 25, 2011 at 7 pm
Saturdays & Sundays at 2 pm
March 26, 27, April 2 & 3
Recommended for Ages 6+

Peter Hatcher's little brother is a big problem. Farley Drexler Hatcher—"Fudge"— causes chaos in Peter's life at every turn, through a disastrous school project, an impromptu haircut, and . . . wait! Where's the pet turtle? Based on the delightful book by Judy Blume, your family will enjoy seeing the first installment of the FUDGE series hilariously come to life!

HOW I BECAME A PIRATE
Based on the book by Melinda Long
Illustrated by David Shannon

Opens: Friday, May 13, 2011 at 7pm
Saturdays & Sundays at 2 pm
May 14, 15, 21, 22
Recommended for Ages 4+

AARRRRGH! Really, who doesn't want to be a pirate? When young Jeremy Jacobs and his exceptional digging skills are recruited by Captain Braid Beard for treasure burying purposes, Jeremy thinks the pirate life is for him. Until he realizes that the simple things in life, like a kiss and a warm tucking in at night are those that are most important. How I Became A Pirate is a wonderfully fun musical adventure about finding one's own heart - a path that can't be found on a treasure map.