(MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents The Velveteen Rabbit, the timeless classic by Margery Williams, on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 11:00am. Join them for a heartwarming retelling of the beloved story of a toy rabbit’s quest to become real through the power of love and devotion.

“Once you are Real you can’t become unreal again. It lasts for always.” Long before the world was introduced to Toy Story, Margery Williams crafted a tale that captured the hearts of children and adults alike. The Velveteen Rabbit tells the story of a toy rabbit who desperately wishes to become real, a gift that can only be granted through the true love of the child who cares for him.

In this beautiful script-in-hand adaptation, audiences will meet Hugsy, Mugsy, Bugsy, and all the cherished characters from this childhood classic. Directed with imaginative flair, this presentation promises to enchant dreamers, believers, and rabbits of all ages. These scripts-in-hand presentations bring children’s literature to life with fantastical costumes, delightful music, and a roster of STNJ’s acclaimed actors. The cast includes Andy Paterson as The Velveteen Rabbit; Isaac Hickox-Young as The Boy; Fiona Robberson as The Narrator; Tina Stafford as Nana; John Little as The Skin Horse and The Doctor; Jeffrey Marc Alkins as Timothy the Lion and Rabbit #1; DeShawn White as Tin Soldier and Blue Fairy; and Dino Curia as the Model Boat, Rabbit #2, and Gardener.

Tickets are just $15 for patrons 17 and under. Adult tickets are $20. For more information about The Shakespeare Theatre’s Classics for Kids performances, please call the Box Office at (973) 408-5600 or visit ShakespeareNJ.org. The performance takes place at The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, located on the campus of Drew University (36 Madison Avenue) in Madison, New Jersey.

Classics for Kids makes classic literature fun and accessible, sparking a love for reading and live theater from an early age. Additionally, the family-friendly environment provides a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to bond over shared cultural experiences, cultivating future generations of theatergoers and lifelong learners.

This show is perfect for children in pre-K and up. The Velveteen Rabbit is a must-see family event that celebrates the enduring power of love and the magic of childhood. This production is a treat for young audiences and a nostalgic journey for adults, reminding us of the simple yet profound joy of being loved.

This program is made possible in part by a sponsorship from Stark D. Kirby, Jr.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) is one of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the nation, serving approximately 75,000 adults and children annually. It is New Jersey's largest professional theatre company dedicated to Shakespeare's canon and other classic masterworks. Through its productions and education programs the company strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences.