Friday, March 16, 2012

Treasured Stories by Eric Carle

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Today's date: March 14, 2012

Contact:
Veronica Corpuz
(412) 471-6082
corpuz@trustarts.org

Diana Roth
(412) 471-8717
roth@trustarts.org





The Pittsburgh premiere of Treasured Stories by Eric Carle: A Brown Bear, a Moon, and a Caterpillar

April 13-15, 2012, Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street


Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, presents Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia (Canada) in the Pittsburgh premiere of Treasured Stories by Eric Carle (“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?”, “Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me”, and “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”) from April 13-15, 2012, at the Byham Theater. Performance times include Friday, April 13 at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 14 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 15 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Citizens Bank is the season sponsor of Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater.

Mermaid Theatre’s live stage production of Treasured Stories by Eric Carle both entertains and educates with a triple-bill including puppetry and black light imagery, bringing to life three tales beloved by children and adults alike. The production features evocative music, stunning visual effects and innovative puppetry, which presents “a quiet delight … brought to memorable life” – Los Angeles Times. The stage adaption is 60 minutes and is recommended for children ages 3-8.

The creative team for the stage adaption of Treasured Stories by Eric Carle includes Jim Morrow, who has ingeniously adapted the Carle stories from page to stage, as well as served as Director and Production Designer. Steven Naylor has created the musical score and overseen the recording of the narration. Daun Windover and Bob Williams contributed to videography and animation elements, while Struan Robertson and Deborah MacLean have lent their production and design skills.

Stories That Inspired the Stage Production

“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” has been a favorite among young children since its publication in 1967, and not only teaches young children about the different types of animals, but also helps them to learn and distinguish their colors. Described by Kate Taylor as “one of the greatest childhood classics of all time,” the story of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” published in 1969, educates youngsters on the days of the week, counting, and the process of change. “Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me” also highlights the process of change and imagination, as a young girl’s father climbs to the moon to retrieve it for her, and she observes its many stages.

With an emphasis on imaginative design elements, original music, and challenging texts, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia provides a rich opportunity to acquaint young spectators with the visual and performing arts, as well as with the pleasures of reading. Mermaid Theatre’s programs are specially designed to stimulate classroom learning and enthusiasm for the art of puppetry. Founded in 1972, the company has served to introduce more than four million children on four continents to the magic of live theatre, and also gives excellent outreach opportunities through its Youtheatre activities. The company ranks among North America’s most respected theatres for the young, and has received Export Excellence Awards from both Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada for contributions to the Province’s culture and economy, an award for Best Performing Group from the Canadian Arts Presenting Association, and the Crystal Tourism Ambassador Award from Nova Scotia’s tourism industry leaders in the fall of 2008. In 2010, Mermaid Theatre was awarded a Citation of Excellence in the Art of Puppetry by The American Center of the Union Internationale de la Marionnette for its production of Treasured Stories by Eric Carle.

Eric Carle has illustrated nearly eighty books since his first collaboration on “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” with respected educator and author, Bill Martin, Jr. Many of Carle’s books have become best sellers around the world. Carle is the recipient of the Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. Literature Award (Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library 2008), an Honorary Degree from Bates College (Maine 2007) and the NEA Foundation Award for Outstanding Service to Public Education (2007).

Individual tickets ($11 at the door; $9.50 in advance) can be ordered online at www.trustarts.org/kids, by calling (412) 456-6666, or in person at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue. Group tickets can be ordered by calling (412) 471-6930.

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

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