The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s Rosenthal Next Generation Theatre Series for children celebrates art forms that span the globe. Whether offering a new twist on a classic fairy tale, bringing favorite books and movies to life on stage or simply introducing audience members to stories with powerful and inspiring lessons, the 16 productions in the 2007-2008 program open young minds to the cultural riches of the world.

Made possible by the Lois and Richard Rosenthal Foundation, the Next Generation Theatre Series returns for a 14th year this October and continues until April.

With five dancers and three musicians, Rhythm in Shoes invites audiences to step through time as they enjoy the sights and sounds of American dance forms throughout history. Since 1987, this critically acclaimed company has infused the spirit of traditional dance and music with a thoroughly modern sensibility. Based in Dayton, Ohio, Rhythm in Shoes has toured in 47 states, as well as Canada, Japan and Ireland. From clogging to tapping, country to swing, Rhythm in Shoes is certain to excite young and old alike … and to send everyone home with happy feet.

Just when the King and Queen have given up all hope of having a child, they are blessed with the birth of a beautiful daughter. But their blessings soon turn to despair when a vengeful fairy places a dreadful curse on the young princess. Through the protection of her fairy godmother, the princess is given a reprieve: when she pricks her finger on an enchanted spindle, she will merely fall fast asleep until she is awakened by the kiss of a handsome prince. Will love conquer all to save the princess’s future? The talented performers of ArtReach, a touring division of The Children’s Theatre, bring this classic fairy tale to life in an enchanting, new adaptation of the original Perrault story.

Into the West
A play by Greg Banks; Adapted from the film by Jim Sheridan
Featuring the Playhouse's Lafley Touring Company*
Oct. 27
10:30a.m. & 1:00p.m.
Ages 8 and up (No one under the age of 8 will be admitted.)

Ally and her brother Fin often fend for themselves in the small Dublin apartment they share with their father, a man left distant by grief over the loss of their mother years ago. One day, their grandfather appears on the doorstep with a mysterious white horse he names Tir Na n’Og, a reference to the mystical Irish land of eternal youth. When the authorities take the horse away, Ally and Fin rescue their new friend, embarking on a frantic escape west in search of freedom and possibility. What they encounter is a journey of discovery in which they learn that losing someone doesn’t mean that you have to forget them and that family and forgiveness are among life’s most precious possessions. Three actors and one musician take on more than 60 roles in this exciting stage adaptation of the heartfelt film.

M’oudswing - Moroccan World Jazz Ensemble
Nov. 3
10:30a.m. & 1:00p.m.
Ages 4 and up

M’oudswing mixes Arabic music, Moroccan fusion and jazz to create an infectious new sound. Each style is harmonically blended while retaining elements of its musical origins. The group is the brainchild of a Moroccan oudist and American keyboardist who fuse numerous instruments — including the doumbek and oud, which are played in the Arabic tradition, and piano, bass, woodwinds and drums, which play jazz. Using four musicians and all original music, the show is packed with audience interaction, making for a wonderfully appealing, one-of-a-kind family concert.

Master storyteller, musician and Playhouse favorite Odds Bodkin returns to the Next Generation series with Storyblast. A collection of four unique yarns, Storyblast includes the tale of a fast-talking zebra, conceited lion and very funny tortoise; an Italian fairy tale that makes “the search for the Holy Grail look like a treasure hunt,” according to The New York Times; a Tibetan story in which trouble brews for the monkey king when he decides to save the moon in a deep well; and a musical featuring electric guitar, midi-stomp drum and audience participation. Odds Bodkin has won the Parents’ Choice Gold Award, the Indie Award and The Storytelling World Award for his recordings and picture books. He is known for his musicianship, character acting talents and high energy.

The Phantom Tollbooth
A play by Susan Nanus
Based on the book by Norton Juster
Featuring the Playhouse's Lafley Touring Company*
Feb. 2
10:30a.m. & 1:00p.m.
Ages 6 and up

Milo doesn’t think there’s anything good to do or anything worth learning until, one day, he ventures through a phantom tollbooth and sets off on a magical adventure through the Land of Wisdom. There, the squabbling kings of Dictionopolis and Digitopolis have imprisoned the princesses of Rhyme and Reason, and Milo must traverse the kingdoms, using his understanding of words and numbers to rescue them and restore peace. Along the way, he encounters many colorful characters, befriending the watchdog Tock and the Humbug while matching wits against the Soundkeeper, Wordsnatcher and Senses Taker. Milo ultimately comes to realize that knowledge can be a powerful ally and that boredom is never a threat as long as you are willing to learn and use your imagination.

Bash the Trash
Mar. 8
10:30a.m. & 1:00p.m.
Ages 4 and up

The musicians and educators of Bash the Trash build and perform melodies on instruments exclusively made from recycled and reused materials. Using winds, strings and percussion, each interactive concert is a journey into sound, science and instruments — how they are made, why they work and how individuals can make their own. Bash the Trash has been enchanting audiences since 1992 and has performed with Yo-Yo Ma, taken solos with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, jammed with Wynton Marsalis and been featured on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The group reaches approximately 50,000 children a year.

Too Many Frogs
A play by Sandy Asher adapted from her book
Featuring the Lexington Children's Theatre
Mar. 22
10:30a.m. & 1:00p.m.
Ages 4 and up

Meet Rabbit. He is a loner who values order and predictability. One night, fun-loving Froggie invites himself into Rabbit's home and Rabbit reads to him. When Froggie brings his entire family back to hear Rabbit read, a new and chaotic chapter in Rabbit's life is opened. Too Many Frogs is a wonderful fable about the joy of reading, the importance of friendship and the fun of sharing a story with an enthusiastic listener. Founded in 1938, Lexington Children's Theatre is one of the highest regarded and oldest continuously operating theatres for young people in the country.

Will Power and Friends
Apr. 5
10:30a.m. & 1:00p.m.
Ages 4 and up

Will Power is an award-winning actor, rapper, composer, playwright and educator whose pioneering fusion of traditional drama, African storytelling and hip-hop sensibilities is helping to transform modern theatre. One of entertainment's shining new stars, Mr. Power has been called "electrifying" (Newsday) and a "dynamic performer" (Variety). His work is internationally recognized for its positive messages for young people and for forging a new style that combines original tunes, rhymed language, DJ music and dynamic choreography. Among his many honors, he has received the Theatre Communications Group's Peter Zeisler Memorial Award and a 2004 Drama Desk nomination for Best Solo Performance.