Homegrown organization brings ‘Rabbit’ to stage

By Lan Rose

Dallas families looking for a meaningful and imaginative night at the theater will soon have the chance to experience a beloved childhood story in a wholly new way. Verdigris Ensemble presents “The Velveteen Rabbit” May 15-16 at Dallas Children’s Theater’s Rosewood Center for Family Arts, offering an intimate, music filled retelling designed for audiences of all ages.

Fresh off recognition from D Magazine’s Best of Big D awards, Verdigris Ensemble closes its RE:IMAGINE 25/26 season with this heartfelt production, which also marks a return to the work that launched the ensemble in 2017. As the group approaches its 10th anniversary, the revival of “The Velveteen Rabbit” reflects both its roots and its continued artistic evolution.

Blending choral music with storytelling, projection and live performance, “The Velveteen Rabbit” invites audiences into a softly immersive environment in which sound shapes the world of the story itself. Sixteen singers become not only characters, but also the landscape, atmosphere and emotional heartbeat of the piece. Moments of narration open into music that grows organically, surrounding audiences in a living, responsive soundscape.

Directed by Emily Ernst and conceived and conducted by Artistic Director Sam Brukhman, with visual design by Courtney Ware, the 60 minute production focuses on the timeless themes at the center of Margery Williams’ classic tale: love, belonging and the quiet transformation that happens when something, or someone, is deeply cared for.

“What does it mean to become real?” is the question at the heart of the story, and one that resonates far beyond childhood. Through gentle movement, warm harmonies and evocative visuals, the production explores this idea in a way that is accessible for younger audiences and deeply moving for adults.

“These productions embody our season to reimagine classic stories,” Brukhman said. “From revisiting a timeless tale of love and transformation, we invite audiences to see and hear stories in ways they’ve never imagined.”

With both evening and matinee performances scheduled, “The Velveteen Rabbit” offers a flexible outing for families across East Dallas and beyond. For those who frequent White Rock Lake or nearby neighborhoods, it is an opportunity to experience a homegrown arts organization bringing thoughtful, emotionally rich work to local stages.

“The Velveteen Rabbit” runs Friday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, May 16 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Dallas Children’s Theater’s Rosewood Center for Family Arts. Tickets start at $25 and are recommended for ages 5 and up. 

For more information, visit verdigrismusic.org.