Knoxville Children’s Theatre, in partnership with Clayton Foundation, will present 14 live performances of “Winnie-The-Pooh,” a play by Kristin Sergel, based on the classic novel by A. A. Milne.
Winnie-the-Pooh is Christopher Robin’s fat little bear, who would like to drift peacefully through life, humming tunes and stopping frequently to eat a little something. However, he finds himself involved in all sorts of frantic adventures, assisted by such friends as the dismal Eeyore, Piglet and Rabbit, with his countless relations. Pooh’s intentions are always the best, but his passion for honey and condensed milk keeps getting him into trouble.
When friend Piglet gets roped into Kanga’s household and Kanga starts bathing him (with soap!) and forcing down spoonfuls of Strengthening Medicine, Pooh comes to the rescue! A.A. Milne’s wit and special understanding of young people make this one of the most beloved plays for young people.
The live stage play will be performed January 18 through February 3.
The play is performed by 13 talented young actors from ages 8 to 16. Alex Montgomery, an 8th grader at Grace Christian Academy, will portray Winnie, and Devin Alley, a 6th grader at Sacred Heart plays Christopher Robin.
4 other actors are making their KCT debuts, including: Landry Beaver, Deacon Daugherty, Sophia Elkins, and Paige Thompson.
The rest of the cast includes KCT veterans: McKenna Delong, Wyatt Keeton, Lauren Norton, Christopher-Lawson Palmer, Hattie Perry, Allie Summie, and Jared Watkins.
Casey Sams will direct the production. Casey is an Associate Professor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies for Theatre, and teaches Movement, Acting and Musical Theatre to both undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Tennessee. She has served on the faculty at Penn State, Interlochen Arts Camp, The Contemporary Art Center of Virginia, and The Governor’s School for the Arts in Virginia.
High school student Charlotte Stark serves as Assistant Director. Students at L&N STEM Academy make up the design team: Quintin Rhodes, scenery; Derrick Washington Jr, lighting; and Kennis Van Dyke, costumes. Brycen Ritchie, a West High School student, is the play’s Stage Manager.
KCT is East Tennessee’s leading producer of plays for children.
