Rites of Passage: Life Lessons and Stories of Coming of Age

Beyond a Child

Written by Moses Goldberg

Directed by William P. Ward

October 8 through 23 

All ages 8 and up

A boy in a tribal culture struggles with coming-of-age rituals and the transition from childhood to adulthood.

The Homecoming

Based on the book by Earl Hamner, Jr.

Adapted by Christopher Serpel

Directed by Walter Hill

December 3 through 18

All ages 8 and up

During the Great Depression, Clay-Boy (John-Boy in television’s The Waltons) juggles the demands of caring for his family with his secret yearning to become a writer, considered foolish by his hard-working father.

The Great Gilly Hopkins

Based on the novel by Katherine Paterson

Adapted by David Paterson and Steve Liebman

Directed by Jeremy Winchester

February 11 through 26

All ages 8 and up

Twelve-year-old Gilly Hopkins bounces from one set of foster parents to the next forcing her to confront her issues with racism as well as her dream she will someday reunite with her birth mother.

Our Town

Written by Thornton Wilder

Directed by William P. Ward

April 8 through 23

All ages 8 and up

One of the greatest American plays follows the small town of Grover’s Corners through three acts:  “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage” and “Death and Eternity.”

Great Expectations

Written by Charles Dickens

Adapted by Barbara Field

Directed by Walter Hill

July 22 through August 6

All ages 8 and up

The ups and downs of Pip’s life make it difficult for him to know what to expect next.  Both because of and in spite of the people around him, as Pip grows, he becomes a compassionate and altogether admirable human being.