MINNEAPOLIS—Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is putting out the welcome mat for a new stage creation called The Biggest Little House in the Forest, starring the talented Autumn Ness and a small group of puppet friends.

Opening January 24 and running through March 17, 2013, The Biggest Little House in the Forest is one of CTC’s first productions commissioned, created and performed entirely by its own creative team for its youngest audiences: preschool children and early elementary students.

Set amid a charming forest landscape that transforms CTC’s intimate Cargill Stage into a warm and inviting stage, The Biggest Little House in the Forest tells an endearing tale about Bernice the butterfly, Millie the mouse, Ritchie the rabbit and Bartholomew the bear who meet when Bernice finds a tiny little home hidden in the woods.  Together, the characters—each a unique and intricate puppet designed by Eric Van Wyk (the designer behind the puppets seen in CTC’s holiday production, Cinderella)—must work together, accept new friends into their household and learn to problem solve together. 

Bringing this darling production to life is beloved CTC company member, actress Autumn Ness, who has been with Children’s Theatre Company for ten seasons.  Ness, who has been seen on stage as the Stepmother in Cinderella and as Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle in The Magic Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, welcomes the young audience members into the stage—inviting them to follow her into a woodland nook, where mischievous little mice begin tiny little pillow fights only to have Bernice the butterfly pursue the goal with gusto, breaking the pillow and spreading pink feathers throughout the seats.

Based on the picture book by the same name and written by Djemma Bider, The Biggest Little House in the Forest was adapted by stage by Minneapolis playwright, Rosanna Staffa, and directed by Peter C. Brosius, who also directed the tremendously success production of Cinderella over the holiday season. 

In addition to scenic and puppet design by Van Wyk, costume design for The Biggest Little House in the Forest was created by Mary Anna Culligan, with lighting design by Rebecca Fuller Jensen and music composition by Victor Zupanc—all CTC employees. 

Through a grant by the Bush Foundation, The Biggest Little House in the Forest was developed in conjunction with experts in early childhood development from the University of Minnesota and will tour Twin Cities’ preschools through CTC’s new Early Bridges program.  Early Bridges is intended to use storytelling, performance and early childhood curricula to promote young children’s social and emotional development and language skills. 

  or more information or to purchase tickets, please call (612) 874-0400 or by visit childrenstheatre.org.

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is the first theatre for young people to win the coveted Tony® Award for Outstanding Regional Theater (2003). Founded in 1965, CTC serves more than 300,000 people annually and is one of the 20 largest theater companies in the nation. CTC is noted for defining worldwide standards for youth theatre with an innovative mix of classic tales, celebrated international productions and challenging new work.

All photos and information courtesy and copyright CTC