Carousel Theatre for Young People unveils 49th season that spans Where the Wild Things Are, an all-new Family Forward Festival, and more

Lineup also includes an offering from South Korea, an adaptation of The Paper Bag Princess, and a family-friendly drag show

By emily lyth

Where the Wild Things Are.

Parents Are A Drag.

CAROUSEL THEATRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE has just announced its 2025-26 season, and among the highlights is the first annual Family Forward Festival.

The celebration, which will take place during the Family Day long weekend (February 14 to 16, 2026) at Performance Works, is all about spending time with loved ones, both chosen and biological. The keystone event there is The Family Flame, a new youth-focused adaptation of Deborah Williams’s popular storytelling event. Festivalgoers can also expect a performance by Nanaimo-based Afro-Canadian singer-songwriter Buwa, readings of new Theatre for Young Audience plays-in-development, a drag-queen storytime, and a toddler-centric dance party.

At the same venue from November 22 to 23, local drag sensations Peach Cobblah (Dave Deveau, who is co-artistic and managing director of Carousel Theatre alongside Jennica Grienke) and Isolde N. Barron (Zee Zee Theatre artistic and executive director Cameron Mackenzie)—partners in life and art—are presenting their show Parents Are A Drag. Originally commissioned by the Vancouver International Children’s Festival, the all-ages Zee Zee production stars Cobblah, Barron, and their two children as they remind little ones, parents, and caregivers that clothing is genderless and dress-up can be fun for everyone. There will be songs and silliness throughout; plus, audience members will be invited to join in on the dress-up excitement.

Another highlight is the season-closing Doodle Pop by Seoul, South Korea’s Brush Theatre, Carousel Theatre’s first international presentation since the pandemic. It’ll take place from May 25 to 31, 2026 at the Waterfront Theatre. In the nonverbal show, a playful duo begins doodling and inadvertently creates an imaginative world in which they must return a tiny turtle to its home in the sea. Live musicians will perform the score and sound effects for the piece, which also features animated projections and live whiteboard drawings.

From March 10 to 22, 2026, Carousel presents Presentation House Theatre's Where the Wild Things Are, an interactive adaptation by Scotland’s TAG Theatre of Maurice Sendak’s ever-popular book. The classic story is recommended for ages three to seven and has been presented around North America more than a thousand times over the past two decades.

Rounding out the mainstage offerings for Carousel Theatre’s 49th season is a theatre adaptation of Robert Munsch’s beloved kids’ story The Paper Bag Princess from April 22 to May 10, 2026 at the Waterfront Theatre. Recommended for audience members three and up, this new rendition by Alissa Watson tells the story of Elizabeth, who is training to be a well-rounded princess when a dragon suddenly swoops into the kingdom, capturing her suitor Prince Ronald and destroying her family’s castle—including all her clothing—in the process. Wearing nothing but a paper bag, she sets off to rescue Ronald, learning lessons about courage and independence along the way.

Throughout the upcoming season, audiences can also look forward to the return of Club Carousel Baby Raves, which will be accompanied by live DJs.

Behind the scenes, four Carousel Theatre–commissioned adaptations are currently in the creation process: Deveau’s A Christmas Carol, Bronwyn Carradine’s The Secret Garden, Quelemia Sparrow’s Alice in Wonderland, and Marcus Youssef’s Treasure Island. Expect them to premiere during future seasons.  

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