‘Velveteen Rabbit’ Opens Nov. 18 at the Magik

 

Back by popular demand this holiday season is the delightful and heartwarming retelling of the classic children’s story, The Velveteen Rabbit. Magik Theatre presents this timeless tale from Nov. 18 through Dec. 24, 2023 with plenty of special events to welcome families into th magical world of The Child and her beloved Christmas gift.

Written by Margery Williams and adapted by Michelle Hoppe-Long, a young child awakens on Christmas morning to discover a stuffed velveteen rabbit under the tree. As the Child’s new favorite toy, the shy rabbit’s appearance becomes worn and shabby from play, and a wonderful change begins to happen. Through his adventures with the Child, the Velveteen Rabbit learns about love and friendship, and the true meaning of being real.

Don’t miss this inspiring, uplifting fable that so perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season. A bunny-themed opening night party at Hemisfair provides plenty of family-friendly ways to hop into the magik of The Velveteen Rabbit.

NEW TAKES ON A TREASURED TRADITION

According to Artistic Director Anthony Runfola, the biggest change to Magik’s production of their beloved holiday tradition is a brand-new cast. “This alone brings a whole new energy and sensibility to The Velveteen Rabbit that will sweep audiences off their feet,” said Runfola. Notably, this year Clarissa Cortez takes on the role of “the Child,” originally written in the book as “the Boy.” Mason Anthony Ortiz plays the beloved, titular stuffed animal, while Amy Bouquet and Grace Featherston join the cast in several roles, from Mother and Nana to rabbits to toys come to life.

MAGIKAL MOMENTS OF REAL CONNECTION

Also new this year is the first annual Holiday Hop on Dec. 9. It encourages the spirit of giving through festive treats and activities while accepting donations of warm socks for Magik’s new Hops for Socks initiative, benefitting Haven for Hope. Participants will also take in a matinee performance of The Velveteen Rabbit.

As always, Magik Theatre is committed to making their productions as accessible and inclusive as possible. “The Velveteen Rabbit is a great way for all young families to begin a holiday tradition of going to the theatre by seeing a production created just for them,” continued Runfola. To that end, Magik Theatre hosts a variety of special performances to accommodate audiences with special needs, including ASL-interpreted and sensory-friendly dates as well as a “pay-what-you-wish” show and field trip opportunities for young students.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND PERFORMANCES

Story Time with Ms. Kim and Magik Theatre at Hemisfair | Tuesday, November 14, 10:00 a.m.

Magik Theatre and Hemisfair announce a new installation of Hemisfair’s weekly Story Time. “We could not be more excited to further expand Magik’s mission in magikal storytelling by weaving the books for this season’s stage productions into our free community weekly story time,” says Hemisfair’s Traci Lewand. It takes place in Yanaguana Garden with beloved educator Ms. Kim reading from The Velveteen Rabbit. To make little wishes come true, Hemisfair will gift free copies of the book to its first twenty Story Time guests.

Opening Night Party in the Park | Saturday, Nov. 18, 4:30 p.m.; show at 6:00 p.m.

Leap into The Velveteen Rabbit with a free, family-friendly fiesta at Hemisfair before opening night. Guests can transform themselves by creating bunny ear headbands and cute rabbit facepaint by Sparrow Face Painting. Saxophonist Noah Peterson provides entertainment while sugar fiends young and not-so-young decorate bunny cupcakes provided by Asukar founder and pastry chef Adesuwa Elaiho.

Introducing Magik Theatre’s First Annual Holiday Hop! | Saturday, Dec. 9, 12:30 p.m.; show at 2:00 p.m.

Get into the giving spirit during Magik Theatre’s first annual Holiday Hop, which will collect donations of new, warm socks for those in need. Each ticket includes access to festive pre-show activities like photos with Santa (the first photo is free, additional copies available for purchase) and cookies and cocoa. After taking in the 2:00 p.m. show, holiday hoppers are invited to a special meet and greet with The Velveteen Rabbit cast after the performance.

Savor the season by writing letters to Santa, creating keepsake ornaments, and giving the gift of toasty toes!  Early bird tickets are $40 for adults and $30 for children. General admission is $50 for adults and $40 for kids. Capacity is limited so hop on these tickets now!

Sensory-Friendly Performance | Saturday, Dec. 2, 10:00 a.m.

Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming environment for people who are on the autism spectrum or who have other sensory sensitivities. By modifying elements of the production to accommodate individuals with sensory needs, Magik Theatre creates a welcoming space where families and friends of those with autism or other disabilities can enjoy an authentic performance experience together.

Pay What You Wish Performance | Sunday, Dec.  3, 3:00 p.m.

Magik’s way of giving back to the community and providing an opportunity for families to experience live theatre with a donation of any amount.

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreted Performance | Saturday, Dec. 16, 2:00 p.m.

Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary sign language interpreter, will be available during this performance for patrons that require ASL as their primary form of communication.

2023-2024 TICKET OPTIONS

SEASON SUBSCRIPTION PRICING

• Three Show Subscription $54 per person (Savings of 28% off single ticket prices)

Introducing Magik Circle, which includes exclusive perks for season subscribers such as discounts on additional single tickets, merchandise, camps and academies, in addition to sneak peek performances, special VIP invitations and other surprises throughout the season. No fees to exchange unexpired tickets to another date.

FLEX PASS PRICING

• Ten Flex Passes $175   ●  20 Flex Passes $330

A Flex Pass is a package of 10 or 20 tickets that can be used for any production at Magik Theatre in any way patrons wish throughout the season. Use them one or two at a time, or all together. No fees to exchange unexpired tickets to another date. Applicable to public performances only.

SINGLE TICKETS

• $25 for adults    ●  $20 for children (ages 2-17), Military, Seniors, Educators & Students

Purchase season subscriptions, flex passes and single tickets online, via phone (210) 227-2751, and in person at Magik Theatre’s Box Office (420 S Alamo, 78205). Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. If a child under 2 uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general admission ticket. Group rates are available for parties of ten or more people. For further inquiries, contacttickets@magiktheatre.org