Fantasy Playhouse’s “The Neverending Story”

If you’re a child of the 80’s there’s no doubt you remember the movie. But did you know that The Neverending Story was first a book by Michael Ende, and that the story has now been adapted for stage?

Huntsville’s own Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater has accepted the challenge, and my son and I settled in this past Sunday to watch the matinee show at the VBC Playhouse. I was delighted to hear that this production is the first of its kind in the southeast!

About the Show

(from www.letthemagicbegin.org)
Told with all the thrills of a classic adventure, the story begins with Bastian, a lonely boy, who stumbles into a curious bookshop where he discovers a curious book — The Neverending Story. Bastian hides in the attic of his school and begins to read, and a huge adventure surges into life on stage with many fantastical characters. Even Bastian himself is drawn into the action of this story with a triumphant and moving conclusion.

I’ve written before about what a great family tradition Fantasy Playhouse shows can be, and this was no different. There’s really no bad seat to be had in the house – the VBC Playhouse is an intimate setting to watch performances in, and the actors use the entire space (be sure to keep the aisles clear!). Fantasy’s use of lighting, sound, and special effects make this a wonderful show choice for kids ages 6 and up.

[sws_pullquote_right]“Every real story is a never ending story.”
― Michael Ende, The Neverending Story [/sws_pullquote_right]

The element that REALLY sets this show apart is the amazing puppetry performances. Some of the characters are larger-than-life – remember Morla, the Ancient One? – which will make kids gasp and squeal with delight. My son especially liked Artax the horse. In this adaptation, you’ll also meet characters that weren’t in the movie. I don’t want to spoil it for families headed to this weekend’s shows, so all I can say is you simply must see it yourself!

Like most Fantasy Playhouse shows, the majority of actors are local kids, and they do a bang-up job. The teachers and instructors at Fantasy’s Academy offer a great environment to train and nurture young actors and production enthusiasts. It’s nice to see a show that stars kids the same age as my own, and this enhances the experience for my family. One of my kids’ favorite parts of a Fantasy production is to collect autographs from all the characters after the show. A tradition that has been going on for decades, cast members are always so gracious to talk to every child that approaches them and sign the back of their program book.

If You Go This Weekend

Available Showtimes:
Fridays October 17th @ 7pm
Saturdays October 18th @ 1:30pm and 5pm
Sunday October 19th @ 1:30pm and 5pm

Cost: $15

More info:
(256) 539-6829 | FPHCT Facebook Page
Purchase tickets now online via FPHCT’s box office.

This post was sponsored by Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater. We appreciate their support of Rocket City Mom that allows us to share with families information about things to do in Huntsville with their kids.