“Fantastic Mr. Fox” opens CTC’s Youth season.
Roald Dahl grew up in the Buckinghamshire countryside, and that place figures in a number of his children’s stories, including “Fantastic Mr. Fox.” The stage version of this story opens at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, as this season’s first production of the Chattanooga Theatre Centre’s Youth Theatre.
Dahl, considered one of greatest storytellers of the 20th century, also wrote “James and Giant Peach,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” and “Matilda,” all of which feature his characteristic dark humor and have been reimagined for the screen and in some cases, for the stage.
The upcoming CTC production of “Fantastic Mr. Fox” was adapted for the stage by David Wood. It’s directed by Lizzie Chazen and features two complete casts of actors. The two groups are affectionately known as the “Chicken” cast and the “Turkey” cast, and they alternate performances due to the number of daytime school performances.
The story follows Mr. Fox as he steals from the three meanest farmers around—Boggis, Bunce, and Bean—so he can feed his family and friends throughout the winter. Inspired by this food theme, the Youth Theatre is working with the Chattanooga Food Bank to collect non-perishable food items at each performance.
The show will run Nov. 7-23, and tickets are $10 for all ages. For more information about show times or to buy tickets in advance, visit theatrecentre.com or call (423) 267-8534.
— Rachael Poe
“Fantastic Mr. Fox”
Chattanooga Theatre Centre
400 River St.
(423) 267-8534