Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates
A world premiere by LAURA EASONAdapted from the novel by MARY MAPES DODGE
Directed by WHIT MACLAUGHLIN
On the F. Otto Haas Stage
November 24, 2015 – January 24, 2016
A great skating contest is announced, and the winner will receive a shiny pair of silver skates. But will Hans and his sister, with their wooden skates, be able to compete against children who own steel blades? Set in 19th century Holland, this new production celebrates the importance of grit and determination, the value of generosity, and the thrill of flying down the ice on a pair of skates.
Most enjoyed by families with children ages 6 and older.
Audience Enhancement Guide:
Rachel Camp (Dame Brinker/Katrinka Vos)
Lauren Hirte (Gretel Brinker)
Ciji Prosser (Heidi van Gleck)
Brian Ratcliffe (Hans Brinker)
Matteo Scammell (Peter von Holp/Vollenhoven)
Ed Swidey (Raff Brinker/Announcer)
Steven A. Wright (Doctor Boekman/Carl Voost)
Director
Whit MacLaughlin
Scenic Designer
David P. Gordon
Costume Designer
Rosemarie E. McKelvey
Lighting Designer
Thom Weaver
Sound Designer
Lindsay Jones
Assistant Director
T.J. Harris
Composer and Musician
Jay Ansill
Stage Manager
Kate Nelson
Critical Acclaim -
“Make sure you see this incomparable world premiere by Laura Eason. Children and adults alike are exhilarated by this astounding production.”
-Beyond My Backyard [Read More]
“Arden once again delivered. The play was wonderful and any performance that can keep my ice hockey, parkour, minecraft loving boy’s attention is one that everyone should check out.”
-Hipster Henry [Read More]
“Arden Children’s Theatre never fails to entertain!”
“An exceptional example of the power of theater to educate.”
-Phindie [Read More]
FIRE & ICE Doylestown composer's fire works well on ice in 'Hans Brinker'
-Bucks County Courier Times [Read More]
Hans Brinker skates for the silver
-Broad Street Review [Read More]
"Children and adults alike sit on the edge of their seats"
-PA Theatre Guide [Read More]
"Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates is an uplifting celebration of family and an exhilarating tale of courage and determination."
"A welcome alternative to the perennial productions of The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol, it seems likely that Hans and his little sister Gretel will be skating onto stages all over the country for many winters to come."
"Seeing the world premiere of Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates right here in Philadelphia is a wonderful way to share the spirit of the season. Whit MacLaughlin may have directed the tale of Hans Brinker with children in mind, but it is sure to lift the spirits of everyone lucky enough to experience it."
-Talkin' Broadway [Read More]
In the News -
'Hans Brinker,' a story of grit on ice
- The Philadelphia Inquirer [Read More]
Ratcliffe gliding along as Hans Brinker
- South Philly Review [Read More]
Articulate features Hans Brinker
- WHYY [Watch]
We are proud to announce that Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates is Barrymore Recommended.
For more information about the Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre and other Barrymore Recommended productions, visit www.theatrephiladelphia.org.