Carter Buchanan and Sophie Pels in Boston Children's Theatre's THE VELVETEEN RABBIT

A nursery of toys and stuffed animals is ready to come alive on stage for Boston Children’s Theatre’s (BCT) magical production of the children’s classic THE VELVETEEN RABBIT.   A delightful story of love, friendship and hope, THE VELVETEEN RABBIT features 14-year old Carter Buchanan as ‘Timothy the Wooden Lion’ and 15-year old Sophie Pels as ‘Velveteen Rabbit.’   Back for a 5th season, THE VELVETEEN RABBIT runs December 7 – 22 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts. 

No stranger to the stage, Carter has been seen in numerous productions in the area including Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory as ‘Willy Wonka,’ The Nutcracker, Alice in Wonderland, A Christmas Carol as ‘Scrooge,’ Peter Pan, and Cinderella.  He has also performed with the Boston Boys Choir and appeared in a XD-Avenger promo for the Disney Channel.  Carter is an eighth grader at the Dexter Southfield School.

Making her BCT debut, Sophie has performed extensively in the Boston area including A Cat in the Hat at Wellesley Theatre Project and Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp, The Little Mermaid, and Charlotte’s Web with Wheelock Family Theatre.  A sophomore at Newton North High School, she has also been seen in her school productions of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and the Freshman Cabaret. 

Combining the art of puppetry with live actors, THE VELVETEEN RABBIT captures the essence of the holiday season with memorable characters, poignant themes and beautifully hand-crafted puppets designed by Marjorie Tudor of the Tasha Tudor Family.  “Families return each year to experience this play together,” said BCT Executive Director Burgess Clark.  “It’s so rewarding to be a part of a tradition that continues to unite families and the community in such a positive way.  It’s a magical experience for our audiences and for everyone at BCT.”

Adapted by Clark from the class children’s book by Margery Williams, THE VELVETEEN RABBIT tells the touching and amusing story of a friendship and love between a boy and his beloved Velveteen Rabbit.  Audiences follow the boy and his stuffed rabbit on a journey that ends with a life lesson that is guaranteed to warm the heart.

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT will be performed at the Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont Street, Boston, MA on Saturdays and Sundays December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 2 pm. Tickets are $25.00 and can be purchased by visiting the BCT website at www.bostonchildrenstheatre.org or calling the BCT Box Office at 617-424-6634, x222.  School groups can also reserve tickets for weekday performances by contacting the BCT Box Office.

About Boston Children’s Theatre

For over 60 years, Boston Children's Theatre has served as one of the regions premier not-for-profit theaters.  Named Best of Boston® 2013 and 2012 by Boston Magazine for Best Children’s Theatre, BCT’s mission is to provide access to exceptional theatrical experiences dedicated to fostering the artistic and personal development of diverse youth, with a focus on professional training and the development of new works.  Programs at Boston Children’s Theatre provide a unique chance for self-discovery and individual expression in a supportive, and productive environment. At BCT, talented and motivated students gather from across traditional boundaries and nationalities to learn about themselves, each other and the world as they create some of the finest theatrical productions in New England.