Carousel Theatre for Young People reveals wide-ranging lineup for 50th-anniversary season
The company has plans for a captivating array of shows, from high-profile hits like Stuart Little to the moving true-life tale of Jordan, A Hero’s Journey Home
Jennica Grienke and Dave Deveau of Carousel Theatre for Young People
CAROUSEL THEATRE FOR Young People has just unveiled its milestone 50th season, which includes the Western Canadian premiere of Disney-Pixar’s Finding Nemo: The Family Musical.
Adapted from the 2003 film of the same name, the production—designed specifically for young audiences—will tell the story of the titular clownfish onstage at the Waterfront Theatre from March 31 to May 9, 2027. It features the book, music, and lyrics by award-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (the minds behind the scores for Frozen and Coco), with book adaptation by Lindsay Anderson, and music and orchestrations adapted and arranged by Myrna Conn.
The season will kick off November 11 to 15 at The Cultch’s Historic Theatre with Jordan, A Hero’s Journey Home. Copresented by Geordie Theatre in collaboration with The Cultch, the play by Yvette Nolan depicts the real-life story of Jordan River Anderson, a young Indigenous boy who was born with several disabilities, as a superhero tale. It highlights Jordan’s Principle, a groundbreaking Canadian government initiative to ensure First Nations youth receive equal health care.
A remount of last season’s popular Stuart Little, which earned two nominations for Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards, is hitting the Waterfront Theatre from December 4 to 20. Joseph Robinette’s adaptation of the book by E. B. White follows the famous mouse as he navigates a world full of humans.
“There’s something incredibly special about revisiting a story that so many people hold close to their hearts, whether they grew up reading the book or watching the movie, or have since shared it with their own kids,” Carousel’s co–artistic and managing director Jennica Grienke told Stir before the company staged Stuart Little last April. The upcoming Vancouver presentation will precede a B.C. tour of the production in March 2027, with stops in Nanaimo, Courtenay, Chilliwack, Surrey, and Vernon, and on Salt Spring Island.
Little Onion Puppet Co.’s beloved Otosan, which won no less than four Jessie Awards last year, will run at the Waterfront Theatre from February 9 to 13, 2027. Created by Shizuka Kai, Jess Amy Shead, and Randi Edmundson, it tells the story of little Shizu, who hides in her wildlife videographer father’s suitcase when he travels to the dangerous North, and must learn to tackle challenges with him as they encounter wild animals like white wolves and grizzly bears. Otosan incorporates magical puppetry and projections of real wildlife scenes.
There is one more show in store for the anniversary season—a surprise June 2027 copresentation with the Vancouver International Children’s Festival on Granville Island, which will be announced closer to the date.
And as always, Carousel’s popular Club Carousel: Baby Raves will take place at several points throughout the season. Ticket sales for the milestone year of programming begin April 1. 
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