"The Boxcar Children" November 30, 2007

American writer Gertrude Chandler Warner might be delighted to know that her best-known work, The Boxcar Children, will be performed by children and adults from her own home state.

“The Boxcar Children” opens at Hartford Children’s Theatre (HCT) on Friday, Nov. 30 and runs through to Sunday, Dec. 16.

Originally published in 1942 by Warner, who grew up in Putnam, “The Boxcar Children” depicts the life of four young children who choose to start a life of independence after their parents die. The four Alden siblings run away from their “cruel” grandfather and make their home in an abandoned railroad boxcar. The children discover the rewards and perils of life on the run, as well as the joy of keeping their family together.

Directed by Joni Weisfeld of Middletown, the production is recommended for ages 6 and up. The show will feature youth performers Eric Esposito of Hamden as Henry, Sophi Veltrop of Simsbury as Jessie, Hayley Keller of Monroe as Violet and Erin Courtney of Manchester as Benny; and adult performers Carolyn Carter of Hartford, Bruce Terrill of Southington, Claire L. Semchenko of Vernon and Doug Oliphant as Sam.

This is Weisfeld’s director debut with the Hartford Children’s Theatre. Her past director acclaim includes “Macbeth” and “Chicago,” both with the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts.

This is the second production of the theatre’s 2007-08 Lincoln Financial Main Stage season.

Where: Hartford Children’s Theatre, 360 Farmington Ave., Hartford, CT 06105

When: Fri. 7:30 p.m.; Sat. 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. All matinees, except for the final performance, will feature a talkback session with the actors and select production team members, during which audience members can provide feedback and interact.

Cost: Tickets are $16 for adults and $13 for children (13 and under). Call the box office at 860-249-7970, ext. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays; after hours please leave a message.

For more information: Visit www.hartfordchildrenstheatre.org for additional details or call the box office at 860-249-7970, ext. 16.

The mission of Hartford Children’s Theatre is to enrich the lives of the children of Greater Hartford by providing access and exposure to high quality theatre for young audiences and related educational opportunities.

Official Website: http://www.hartfordchildrenstheatre.org