A magical season of Advent on Hamburg stages: Many theaters once again invite little visitors to a Christmas fairy tale. Classic fairy tales and stage versions of popular children’s books are presented during the holidays and in some places even after the New Year. Here is a selection of its premieres and revivals:
“MOMO”: Michael Ende’s classic tells the story of little Momo, who lives in a dilapidated amphitheater, for children aged eight and up. Soon he has to fight against the gray men from the time savings bank – luckily he has the wise lord Hora and the turtle Cassiopeia on his side. Vita Huber adapted the novel for the stage. The interview date has arrived Thalia Theatre scheduled through January 9, with more planned.
“THE WIZARD OF OZ”: Everything is full of beautiful colors in the legendary world of the Wizard of Oz. A storm brings Dorothy and her dog Toto there. In Ayla Yeginer’s production at the Ernst-Deutsch Theatre, children aged four and up can accompany her on her magical journey and meet a real witch through December 23.
“SLEEPING BEAUTY”: Alexandra Kurzeja and Torben Padanyi’s version of the classic fairy tale in the comedy Winterhuder Fährhaus is about courage, freedom and true friendship. Cute and exciting, this family musical for ages five and up tells the story of a freedom-loving daughter and her overly cautious father whose motto is “Sleep is also not the solution.” Premieres November 28 (shows through December 28).
“A CHRISTMAS STORY”: In Charles Dickens’ classic work, three Christmas ghosts must take on a difficult case at the St. Mary’s Theatre. Pauli: For Ebenezer Scrooge, feelings and warmth were a waste of time – but on Christmas Eve he experienced a change. Amazingly told and accompanied by music, visitors aged five years and over can get to know beautiful, colorful ghosts that are nothing to be afraid of. Cornelius Henne and Felix Bachmann’s version can be seen until December 21.
“THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO”: A carved wooden statue that suddenly comes to life: Barely able to stand, Pinocchio can no longer hold anything in the workshop. Curious, cheeky and adventurous, he wants to enter a colorful and exciting world. With imagination, humor and music, “Theatre for Children” at Max-Brauer-Allee brings Carlo Collodi’s 1881 book to the stage (until February 1).
“THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS”: In this colorful and humorous tale based on Kenneth Grahame at the Ohnsorg Theatre, children aged four and up can follow the exciting adventures of a curious mole and a friendly water vole. The two quickly became friends and overcame a number of challenges on their tour together. Performances are in standard German until December 26.
“RICO, OSKAR AND THE DEEP SHADOWS”: Andreas Steinhöfel’s acclaimed children’s crime novel will premiere on December 2 at the Hamburger Kammerspiele. Children aged eight and over meet Rico whose mind can sometimes get mixed up if he gets too excited. He and his new friend Oskar must go beyond themselves to solve a secret. Felicitas Loewe’s stage version will be presented until January 8.
“THE CITY OF DREAMING BOOKS”: Walter Moers’ fantastic journey into the world of books from 2004 was a declaration of his great love of reading and literature – and was on the bestseller list for months. Now it will be a fast-paced theatrical spectacle for everyone at the Deutsches Schauspielhaus Family staged. Children aged ten and up can follow the story of young Hildegunst von Mythenmetz, who one day wants to become a famous writer. After premiering on November 28, the date for this season has been set for January 4.
“JIM KNOPF AND THE LOCOMOTIVE DRIVER”: Children’s book by Michael Ende can be enjoyed at the Altona Theater through December 21. Children aged five and over take a trip to the small island of Lummerland, meeting locomotive driver Lukas with his steam locomotive Emma and of course the stranded Jim. The two go out into the wide world and a great adventure begins.
“HÄNSEL AND GRETEL”: Engelbert Humperdinck’s production has been on the State Opera schedule since 1972 and visits have become a tradition in the Hanseatic city. In the famous fairy tale opera, where dark notes burn, the crisp witch lures siblings Hansel and Gretel to a gingerbread house. The more than two-hour show for children aged eight and over with beautiful drawings runs from December 1 to 25.
“THE CHRISTMAS BAKERY”: At Schmidts Tivoli there will be lots more cake making until December 26th. This musical with songs by Rolf Zuckowski invites children aged four years and over to experience a turbulent story with a sing-along theme song. In Martin Lingnau and Hannah Kohl’s version, three brothers and their dog Muffin have to go through a number of adventures in search of a Christmas cookie recipe.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251122-930-325523/1
