Madeline’s Christmas
COMING IN 2023
Book & Lyrics by Jennifer Kirkeby
Music by Shirley Mier
Based on the book by Ludwig Bemelmans
“In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines,” begins the story of Madeline. This holiday season will be unlike any other for Madeline and her friends. While on their morning walk with Miss Clavel, the girls come down with the flu, and as they take to their bed, many wonder if they will be able to go home for Christmas. With the arrival of a mysterious stranger, Madeline and the other girls get a holiday adventure beyond their wildest dreams.
A musical play adapted from Ludwig Bemelmans’ delightful book. A holiday treat for the whole family!
About the Play
A merry treat for parents and children alike, families are invited to join Madeline and friends for an enchanting musical adaption of Ludwig Bemelmans’ classic children’s tale. Featuring 24 local girls performing alongside professional actors in collaboration with The Atlanta Children’s Theatre Company, this beloved Atlanta tradition is a holiday must-see!
In the production’s twelve-year history, more than 220 local girls have realized their dream of performing with a professional theatre company as part of the Madeline’s Christmas cast. This year’s cast of girls are ages 8 to 12, from 5 metro Atlanta counties and 18 different schools.
Length & Content
Madeline’s Christmas runs 1 hour with no intermission. The play is recommended for children 3+.
The Atlanta Children’s Theatre Company
Madeline’s Christmas is a Family Series Production in collaboration with The Atlanta Children’s Theatre Company.
The Atlanta Children’s Theatre Company is passionate about sharing their love of drama and professional theatre with Atlanta’s children and families! They offer dramatic arts education experiences taught by theatre professionals in rich, child-honoring learning environments through summer camp, after-school, preschool and workshop programs. In addition, they are actively working towards becoming a full producing company, providing family-friendly productions for and by children. More information at atlantachildrenstheatre.com.
From Horizon Theatre’s Artistic Director
As we celebrate the end of Horizon Theatre Company’s 35th season, we are thrilled to bring back for the twelfth year our Family Series production of Madeline’s Christmas. In past years, this heart-warming play has reached thousands of children and families, welcoming a new generation of audiences to the Horizon experience of intimate, high-quality, contemporary theatre. We hope parents and grandparents who love Horizon (and many who are new to us!) will enjoy introducing their children to this fresh and fun holiday musical.
Horizon partners with our colleague, friend, and founder of Atlanta Children’s Theatre, Spring Mason, to bring excellent theatre with and for young people to Horizon. Spring worked previously at Horizon as an actor and has taught and directed young people in theatre for over two decades. Her wealth of experience with children and connections to families are huge assets to our family theatre partnership. For Madeline’s Christmas, Spring Mason directs a wonderful team of professionals—choreographer, music director, designers, and adult actors—and 24 talented, adorable girls from all over Metro Atlanta (19 different schools in four counties!).
Ludwig Bemelmans’ first Madeline book was published in 1939 and was named a Caldecott Honor book. The next, Madeline’s Rescue, received a Caldecott Medal and all five of its sequels have become classics, inspiring dolls, games, cartoons, and even a major motion picture. Madeline’s popularity with girls and boys is a result of her feisty, spunky personality. For three generations Madeline has been a role model for girls learning to speak their mind, explore their individuality, and understand that femininity includes being clever, smart and strong.
I have always loved Madeline. Everything familiar about the book and its illustrations is featured in the show, with a few new inventions such as names and personalities for all of Madeline’s schoolmates. Of course, Madeline is as independent and fearless as ever, and fans of all ages will fall in love with Madeline’s irrepressible spirit all over again.
So, Happy Holidays and Bonne Annee from all of us at Horizon! May Madeline bring you closer to the children in your life and the child inside you. And stayed tuned (or sign up for our e-mail list) for the announcement of Family Series productions, camps, classes, auditions, and more!
—Lisa Adler
Auditions
AUDITIONS FOR OUR 2022 RETURN WILL BE IN THE EARLY FALL OF 2022. Stay Tuned!
Performance Dates
Returning in 2022!
Pricing
General Admission
$12 Youth
$15 Adults
Bring your group!
Special deals are available for school groups, Girl Scout Troops, and Boy Scout Troops (not available for all performances). Call our box office for more information.
Cast
Miss Clavel – Mala Bhattacharya
Harsha – Orlando Rebollar
Mrs. Murphy – Danielle Hopkins
2019 RED CAST
Madeline – Adrienne Ocfemia
Anne – Micah Ingram
Daphne – Gigi McClenning
Amy – Ivy Sinitiere
Camille – Madison Wellons
Mary – Peyton Smith
Juliette – Isabella Osuji
Kate – Madison Parker
Simone – Lola Williams
Dominique – Jordan Chen
Isabelle – Addison Albrecht
Regine – Sara Segall
2019 GREEN CAST
Madeline – Isabella Gonzalez-Rouse
Anne – Whitney Pittman
Daphne – Chloe Bremer
Amy – Ida Allen
Camille – Ava Lambert
Mary – Samaya Agarwal
Juliette – Isa Amezqua
Kate – Olivia Lewis
Simone – Sophie Trujillo
Dominique – Elyse Lambert
Isabelle – Lily Legend
Regine – Audrey Schohan
Creative Team
- Playwright – Jennifer Kirkeby
- Director – Spring Mason
- Music Director – Keena Redding Hunt
- Choreographer – TereLyn Jones
- Scenic Designers – Isabel A. Curley-Clay & Moriah Curley-Clay
- Costume Designer – Aleathia Burns
- Lighting Designer – Mary Parker
- Sound Designer – Thom Jenkins
- Props Designer – Alexis McKay
- Stage Manager – Kayla Zinke
Production Photos
Social Media Highlights
For even more social media fun, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
What Audiences Are Saying
“It was very well done, highly entertaining, and moved at a wonderful pace. The music complemented the book resulting in a continuity that engaged the audience from the beginning.”
“It was a terrific production. The girls (and adults) were utterly charming. So enjoyable!”
“Great production and perfect for young kids!”
“Loved it! The girls were wonderful and very professional. Great scripting and the direction was super too!”
“Just about flawless and hugely entertaining.”
Have a comment you want to share with us about the show? Email feedback@horizontheatre.com.
MADELINE MERCHANDISE SHOP
(clicking on any of the photos/links below will take you to our Ticketing and Merchandise site)
STAR WANDYour child can use this special light-up star wand to help Madeline and her friends perform magic during the show! Half of the proceeds go to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. |
CLASSIC MADELINE 16″ DOLL
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MY FRIEND MADELINE 10″ DOLL
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GENEVIEVE TOTE
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MADELINE CHRISTMAS BOOK—HARD COVER
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MADELINE CHRISTMAS BOOK—SOFT COVER
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Perfection! The girls were so professional and entertaining. Thumbs up to everyone involved in this fantastic production.