‘The Wizard of Oz,’ a hungry crocodile and the Grinch on tap for new Children’s Theatre Company season

The U.S. premiere of Roald Dahl’s “The Enormous Crocodile The Musical,” an adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz” and, of course, the Grinch are on tap for the newly announced Children’s Theatre Company 2025-2026 season.

Full season subscriptions and renewals are on sale now at childrenstheatre.org or by phone at 612-874-0400.“(This is) a season that is all about mentorship, teamwork, confidence and curiosity,” said artistic director Rick Dildine in a news release.



“These shows have been carefully selected to inspire, engage and challenge young audiences, while encouraging them to embrace their potential and explore the world around them.”The season includes:“Treasure Island” (Sept. 9-Oct.

19): Stuart Paterson adapted Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic swashbuckling novel for the stage. It’ll be the first time in more than two decades that CTC opens with a new production of the show, which Dildine called “a quirky adventure with real-world consequences (and a) timeless story of courage, personal growth and discovery.” (Recommended for those ages 8 and up.

)“The Enormous Crocodile The Musical” (Oct. 1-Nov. 23): Aimed at younger readers than Dahl’s other works, the 1978 picture book tells the story of a hungry crocodile who is foiled by various other animals from his goal of eating children.

This musical adaptation incorporates puppetry and debuted at England’s Leeds Playhouse in 2023. (All ages.)“Dr.

Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (Nov. 4-Jan. 4): CTC’s holiday favorite returns after selling out its 2024 run.

It features a book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin. “I am so happy to be a part of what has become a holiday tradition for so many,” said director Dean Holt. “It is a story of community, onstage and off, and the joy we find in that togetherness.

” (All ages.)“Go, Dog. Go!”/“Ve Perro.

Ve!” (Jan. 20-Feb. 22): P.

D. Eastman’s classic book lands onstage with roller-skating, bike-riding and baseball-playing dogs. They also speak in both Spanish and English.

(Best for younger audiences.)“Forts! Build Your Own Adventure” (Feb. 13-April 5): This interactive experience invites the audience to create a fort from a stage full of old sofas, lampshades, piles of blankets and towers of cardboard boxes.

(All ages.)“Dinosaur World Live” (March 3-April 5): Written and directed by Derek Bond, this show features dinosaurs taking over CTC: “Are you brave enough to face a T-rex? Do you know what it feels like to get sneezed on by a triceratops? Feel the rumble of their rawrs as a young paleontologist takes you on a tour so up-close-and-personal you’ll almost smell their stinky breath!” (Ages three and up.)“The Wizard of Oz” (April 21-June 14, 2026): Thanks to “Wicked,” L.

Frank Baum’s classic novel is back in the minds of the public. This stage adaptation features the songs made famous by the 1939 film, including “Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead,” “If I Only Had a Brain” and the Oscar-winning “Over the Rainbow.” (All ages.

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