‘Fermin’s Great Book of Dreams’

Centerstage Theatre’s newest show has a cast of characters that includes a mouse in a suit, a tired seagull, a studious cow and a sweet potato queen. “Fermín’s Great Book of Dreams” is an original play by local playwright Julieta Vitullo and tells the story of a young boy who struggles with belief when he doesn’t receive a visit from Ratón Pérez, a mouse that visits children after they lose a tooth and exchanges the tooth for a gift. The event sends the mouse and his friends off on a quest to discover why children’s wishes are getting lost.

The show runs 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturdays, April 5 to April 19. It is rated for general audiences and will be performed at the Knutzen Family Theatre, located at 3200 SW Dash Point Rd., Federal Way. General admission tickets are $39 in advance (online or over the phone) and $41 at the door. Student, military and senior ticket discounts are available. More details available online at www.CenterstageTheatre.com or by phone at 253-661-1444.

‘Trouble in Mind’

Another show will open later this month at Centerstage: “Trouble in Mind.”

Taking place entirely in a rehearsal space in an old New York theatre, “Trouble in Mind” brings us up close and personal with a group of artists working to open a new Broadway show. Themes of race, class, gender, and whether and when to separate the art from the artist are as poignant and critical now as they were when the show was first written. Alice Childress’ beautiful and insightful play was denied a rightful Broadway run in 1955 because she refused to change the ending. Over 60 years later, it was finally given the justice it deserved, and now we are honored to present this incredible piece of American art to our patrons. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

The show runs Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., March 28 to April 20.

General admission tickets are $39 in advance (online or over the phone) and $41 at the door. Student, military and senior ticket discounts are available. More details available online at www.CenterstageTheatre.com or by phone at 253-661-1444.

New face at Centerstage

Centerstage Theatre has served as a South Sound arts community feature since 1977, and has performed inside the Knutzen Family Theatre on beautiful Dumas Bay since 1998. They employ locally-based professional and semi-professional cast and crew members and “believe that theater serves to make change, build community, and expand our collective knowledge base.”

With that mission in mind, they announced their new Community Engagement and Education Director this week.

Brad Cerenzia has “an extensive background in arts leadership, education, and community outreach,” the organization shared in a press release. Cerenzia has over 35 years of experience in the entertainment industry, both onstage and behind the scenes. He has produced Off-Broadway productions including “Disenchanted!” and “Emojiland” and led community-driven theatrical initiatives, and developed innovative arts education programs.

Centerstage shared that “his unique blend of artistic vision, technical expertise, and deep commitment to community engagement makes him the ideal leader to develop Centerstage’s educational initiatives from the ground up.”

In his new role, Cerenzia will focus on building dynamic and accessible theatre education opportunities for audiences of all ages, with a particular emphasis on school-aged children, young adults, and underserved communities in Federal Way, Auburn, Tacoma, and beyond.

According to Centerstage, his goal is to expand Centerstage’s presence in local schools, develop innovative arts programming, and foster partnerships that make theatre accessible and impactful for all.

“We are so excited to have Brad join the Centerstage family,” said Managing Director Angela Bayler in the press release. “His passion for theatre education, commitment to inclusivity, and visionary leadership will be invaluable as we expand our outreach efforts and bring new opportunities to our community.”

Cerenzia’s strategic approach includes a three-phase roadmap (3-month, 6-month, and 9-month milestones) that will shape the future of Centerstage’s education programming, integrating community storytelling, workshops, and youth initiatives.

“I’m honored to join Centerstage Theatre and excited to build a robust, forward-thinking education program that reflects the diverse voices of our community,” said Brad. “Theatre has the power to inspire, educate, and transform lives, and I look forward to creating programs that are innovative, inclusive, and deeply rooted in the stories and experiences of our region.”

Cerenzia’s arrival marks a new chapter for Centerstage Theatre’s educational and community-driven initiatives. Stay tuned for exciting announcements on upcoming workshops, student matinees, and outreach programs.