The younger theatre-going crowd will be lured by traditional storylines adapted for 2009
Children's theatre producers Sarah Somerville, of Phineas Phrog Productions, and Tim Bray, of Tim Bray Productions, are keeping a watchful eye on ticket sales and expenses as they prepare to launch their first shows of the year.
Somerville and Bray acknowledge that the economic outlook is having an impact on their businesses, which already compete against a myriad of other attractions in the hotly contested children's entertainment market.
"We maintain really low ticket prices and at times like this I think a bit of escapism, which is what you get when you see a live show, helps everyone," says Somerville.
Both she and Bray are determined to ride out the challenging financial times and continue providing high quality, affordable theatre for children, starting with their Easter holiday productions.
Phineas Phrog continues to put a modern spin on traditional fairytales in its production of Rapunzel, with Somerville in the leading role. In its version, a little Kiwi gets the chance to befriend the long-haired Rapunzel. When she is captured by a wicked witch, it's up to Little Bird to teach the handsome prince how to climb an ivory tower and find enough courage to face his foe.
"It's a very magical and sparkly production which supports children in using their own imaginations, something I really encourage," says Somerville.
Tim Bray Productions takes its inspiration from popular children's literature to stage four of Beatrix Potter's classic tales: The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck and the lesser-known The Tale of the Pie and the Patty-Pan.
Describing The Tale of the Pie and the Patty-Pan as a farce for children, Bray says he chose it partly because it worked with the characters in the other tales but also to introduce audiences to another Potter tale.
He has long wanted to stage a Beatrix Potter production, saying audience surveys list it as one of the shows to which parents and caregivers want to take their children.
However, securing the rights has been a lengthy process with approval needed for nearly every aspect of the production.
"The process has kept us sharp because the copyright holders are very protective of the look, the feel and the heritage of Beatrix Potter's writing and characters.
"I say, 'good on them', for protecting that heritage and keeping it alive for new generations to enjoy."
Bray's company has lost three corporate sponsors and grants from funding organisations have been cut.
"We had a fantastic year last year but also a very expensive one. Around 21,000 people saw our shows - and our pre-sales for this year are strong - but we grew the number of shows and we toured which added to our costs.
"We just have to work harder and work smarter while maintaining quality and value for money for our audiences. I am sure there are people out there who may want to help us out but it's just a matter of finding them."
LOWDOWN
What: Rapunzel
Where and when: Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna, April 13-17
What: Peter Rabbit and other Tales
Where and when: PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna, April 14-24
