Speakeysie News Desk

December 5–28, 2024
Directed by Julie Skrzypek
Music Direction by LeRell Ross

Choreography by Andie Knudson

 ATLANTA, GA — Synchronicity Theatre celebrates the holiday season with Frederick, a warm and imaginative musical based on Leo Lionni’s beloved classic. Running December 5–28, 2024, the production anchors a month of hands-on, family-centered programming made possible through significant partnerships with Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), Peachtree Library, and ZTunes Music.

 At a time when families are seeking meaningful, screen-free arts experiences, Frederick offers a timely reminder of the power of creativity, community, and imagination in challenging seasons. Directed by Julie Skrzypek with music direction by LeRell Ross and choreography by Andie Knudson, the production blends bluegrass, physical theatre, and playful design to bring Lionni’s poetic world to life onstage.

 “Frederick is a story about how communities sustain one another,” says Producing Artistic Director Rachel May. “It’s an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and experience creativity together. We’re also excited to expand that experience beyond the stage through partnerships that offer children and families multiple entry points into art-making and the joy of the season.”

 PARTNERSHIP EVENTS (FREE WITH A FREDERICK TICKET)

Throughout December, audiences can participate in robust pre-show and post-show activities designed to enrich the theatre experience and strengthen community connection:

 Pajama Story Time with Frederick & other Leo Lionni Stories – with Frederick star Zion Glenn 
December 2 at 5:30 pm AT the Peachtree Library Branch *Children can wear their pjs!

Instrument “Petting Zoo” with ZTunes Music!
Stay after or come early to shows on our first two Saturday and Sundays – to get to know some common Bluegrass instruments! Instructors from ZTunes Music will be there to let kiddos hear, touch, and try the instruments.

Saturday 12/6 – 3-3:50pm (between shows)
Sunday 12/7 – 4-4:50pm (between shows)

Saturday 12/13 – 3-3:50pm (between shows)
Sunday 12/14 – 4-4:50pm (between shows)

Frederick card-making and torn paper activity with Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)!
Stay after or come early to shows on Saturday, 12/20 and make a craft with the MODA instructors – to take home!
Saturday 12/20 – 3-4pm

MODA Story Hour with Leo Lionni’s children books 
Color of His Own and Frederick on December 18th, 5:30pm AT the Peachtree branch of the library

 ONGOING SPECIAL PERFORMANCES

• PJs & Play — Every Friday at 7:00 p.m.

Children are invited to enjoy the show in pajamas, accompanied by complimentary cookies.

• Pay-What-You-Can Sundays — 5:30 p.m.

Tickets available in person one hour before showtime.

• Inside Scoop Discussion & Ice Cream

Sunday, December 14 following the 5:30 p.m. performance.

 ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

Leo Lionni’s Frederick
Book by Suzanne Maynard Miller
Music & Lyrics by Sarah Durkee and Paul Jacobs
Directed by Julie Skrzypek
Music Direction by LeRell Ross

Choreography by Andie Knudson

Produced by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing

In this gentle and resonant tale, a community of field mice prepares for winter—except for Frederick, whose “work” looks different from everyone else’s. Rather than gathering nuts and grain, he collects colors, words, and memories. When the coldest days arrive, the mice discover that Frederick’s gifts bring a deeper kind of nourishment.

The production features bluegrass-inspired music, a vibrant ensemble, and an immersive design that honors Lionni’s hand-crafted aesthetic. Thoughtful, lyrical, and visually engaging, Frederick speaks to audiences of all ages.

 

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

December 5–28, 2024
Tues–Thurs: 10:30 a.m.
Fridays: 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 1:00 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.
Sundays: 2:00 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.

 

Special Holiday Week Performances

December 23 at 2:00 p.m.
December 24 at 11:00 a.m.

 

School Performances

School Preview: December 4 at 10:30 a.m.
School Matinees: December 10, 11, 17, and 18 at 10:30 a.m.
Teaching Artist Matinee: December 10 at 10:30 a.m.

 

TICKETS

Tickets are available at synchrotheatre.com.
Due to limited seating and the volume of community programming connected to this production, early booking is encouraged.

General Admission Tickets:
Starting at $30 Adults | $15 Children (ages 3+)
Lap seating available for children under 3.

Swanky Reserved Tickets:
Starting at $45 Adults | $30 Students & Seniors

$10 Adventurer Tickets:
Ten $10 tickets are available for every performance throughout the run.

 

ABOUT SYNCHRONICITY THEATRE

Synchronicity Theatre produces smart, gutsy, bold theatre that uplifts a range of voices, fosters community engagement, and centers meaningful artistic experiences for audiences of all ages. Through its Family Series, Bold Voices initiatives, education programs, and community partnerships, Synchronicity creates spaces where creativity and connection thrive.