Pittsburgh Premiere of Martha Speaks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today's date: January 11, 2013
For Immediate Release   Revised:  East Location

Media Contact: Diana Roth, (412) 471-8717, roth@trustarts.org

Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater

presents

Theatreworks USA

in the Pittsburgh premiere of

 Martha Speaks

February 10-17, 2013

Six performance locations throughout Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA:  Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, presents Theatreworks USA, in the Pittsburgh premiere of, Martha Speaks, from February 10 - 17, 2013, at six performance locations throughout the area.  Performance locations include: City: Byham Theater, Sunday, February 10 at 2:00 p.m. & Student Matinee: Monday,  February 11 at 10:15 a.m.; Workshop:  Grow Up Great, Wednesday, February 13; East: Linton Middle School, Wednesday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m.; North: Marshall Middle School, Thursday, February 14 at 5:30 & 7:30 p.m.;West: Hopewell High School, Friday, February 15 at 7:00 p.m.; South: Mount Lebanon High School, Saturday, February 16 at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.; and Butler: Seneca Valley Senior High School, Sunday, February 17 at 2:00 p.m.  Citizens Bank is the season sponsor of Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater.

Martha Speaks is a musical based on the books Martha Speaks and Martha Calling written by Susan Meddaugh.  The books were adapted for the stage by Kevin Delaguila, and set to lyrics by Jill Abramovitz with the music of composer Brad Alexander.  The play follows the adventures of Helen, her family, and their dog Martha.  One day Martha eats a bowl of alphabet soup and begins to talk! Martha shocks everyone and quickly learns to use the telephone. Even though she is forbidden, she calls into a radio station for a trivia contest and wins the family an all-expenses-paid trip to a luxurious hotel. There is only one problem – the hotel has a no pets allowed policy.  Will Martha’s family go on vacation without her or will Martha’s clever way with words save the day?  The performance is approximately 55 minutes and recommended for children ages 3-10.

Since 1961, Theatreworks USA has enlightened, entertained, and instructed over 78 million people in 49 states and Canada.  The company tours approximately 16 shows from its ever-growing repertoire of 117 plays and musicals, performing for about four million people annually.  Under the direction of Barbara Pasternack (Artistic Director) and Ken Arthur (Managing Director), Theatreworks USA is the only children's theatre to receive both a Drama Desk and a Lucille Lortel Award, and they are known for an extensive multi-cultural guest artist roster, including storytellers, puppeteers, poets, and magicians.  

About the author:

Author and illustrator Susan Meddaugh has written and illustrated many books including the Martha series based on her own dog, Martha.  Meddaugh knew she wanted to draw since elementary school and graduated from Wheaton College majoring in Fine Arts and French Literature.  She worked for a publishing company for about 10 years and then branched out on her own as a freelance illustrator and creator of children’s books.  She was inspired to write theMartha books when her son asked if their family dog would be able to speak if she ate alphabet soup.  Since then Meddaugh has written many more books about Martha and Martha Speaks was chosen as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book for 1992.  Her work also inspired the PBS television series “Martha Speaks.”  Popular with children and parents, Meddaugh’s work continues to delight all ages.

Individual tickets ($11 at the door; $9.50 in advance) can be ordered online atwww.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.

Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, opens the door for children to experience professional performing arts programming which inspires, challenges, educates, and stimulates respect for and an understanding of all cultures in an entertaining and enlightening way. Each year Pittsburgh International Children's Theater presents a Family Series and the Pittsburgh International Children's Festival, which is one of only four international children's theater festivals in the nation.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is the cultural and economic development of Pittsburgh’s 14-block Cultural District through public and private support. The Trust presents and encourages diverse performing and visual arts programs within the District, and is an impetus for additional development in downtown Pittsburgh.  www.TrustArts.org    ###

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

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

Max and Ruby: Bunny Party at The Byham

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Today's date: February 10, 2012

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

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

Electronic artwork is available upon request.

Max & Ruby: Bunny Party

Friday, March 9, and Saturday, March 10, 2012, Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street


The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents Max & Ruby: Bunny Party on Friday, March 9, at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 10, at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m., at the Byham Theater. This performance is part of the Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series. Produced by Koba Entertainment, this live children’s musical is an adaptation from the book by internationally-acclaimed children’s author and illustrator, Rosemary Wells. The popular children’s book also was made into a television series that has been seen around the globe.

Featuring colorful stage sets and costumes, and original songs, Max & Ruby: Bunny Party was conceived and directed by Patti Caplette, artistic director for Koba, along with a dynamic creative team of artists including Juno Award-winner Norman Foote (music and lyrics), Beth Kates (scenic design), Shaun Kettner and Peter Harrison (puppets), Annie Armit and Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet wardrobe (costume design), and Kristen Sawatsky and Laura Kolisnyk (associate choreographers).

Tickets are $21.25 - $29.25 and may be purchased at the Box Office at Theater Square
(655 Penn Avenue), online at www.trustarts.org, or by calling (412) 456-6666. To purchase 10 or more tickets at special discounted rates, please call (412) 471-6930.

In the live stage production of Max & Ruby: Bunny Party, a surprise party is being planned for someone special, and bunny siblings Max and Ruby have a-million-and-one things to do before the big event. Join in the fun as they embark on a musical bus ride to the East Bunnyhop General Store, where they decide on what to buy for the Super Duper Special Birthday Guest. Back at home, Louise arrives with her beauty kit and everyone gets a makeover – even Max! When everything is all set for the party, Ruby discovers some uninvited guests including an engaging Robot, a giant Spider, and an adorable Slug. Celebrate the universal nature of sibling relationships with Max & Ruby: Bunny Party!

Since 2004, Koba Entertainment, co-founded by Gilles Paquin, executive producer of Paquin Entertainment, and Patti Caplette, artistic director of Koba, has produced creative musical theatre based on literary and television characters for children and families: Toopy and Binoo and the Marshmallow Moon, The Backyardigans, Sea Deep in Adventure, and more. Koba’s productions have toured throughout America and around the world. In 2011, with the addition of a contemporary theatrical division, the scope of Koba has expanded from comedy to musical to grand theatrical presentations.

Patti Caplette has graced the world stages with two of Canada's foremost ballet companies: Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, performing in Fernand Nault's renowned rock-opera ballet Tommy; Peter Wright's Giselle; Agnes De Milne's Fall River Legend; and Van Danzig's Romeo & Juliet. She is an award winning creator; directing, writing and choreographing in the entertainment fields of dance, musical theatre, film cabaret and special events.

Since 1985, Gilles Paquin, founder of Paquin Entertainment Group, has managed a diversified entertainment enterprise with four distinct divisions: Artist Management, Agency, Special Events and Film & Television. Gilles has worked with many notable entertainers, such as Alabama, David Bowie, Jim Carey, Christopher Plummer, Bill Cosby, and B.B. King.

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

Theatreworks USA' Award Winning Junie B Jones

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Media Contact:

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

Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater

presents

Theatreworks USA

in

Junie B. Jones

The Lucelle Lortel Award winning show for best

musical and choreography is back by popular demand!

February 13-20, 2011

Six performance locations throughout the Pittsburgh area.

Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, presents award-winning Theatreworks USA in June B. Jones, from February 13-20, 2011, at six performance locations throughout the Pittsburgh area. Performance locations include: City: Byham Theater, February 13, at 2:00 p.m & Student Matinee: February 14, at 10:15 a.m.; East: Gateway High School, February 16, at 7:00 p.m.; North: Pine-Richland Middle School, February 17, at 5:30 & 7:30 p.m.; West: Hopewell High School, February 18, at 7:00 p.m.; South: Mt. Lebanon High School, February 19, at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.; and Butler: Seneca Valley Senior High School, February 20, at 2:00 p.m. Citizens Bank is the season sponsor of Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater.

Theatreworks USA’s performances of Junie B. Jones return to the Pittsburgh area by popular demand. The musical is based on several books from the award winning series written by Barbara Park and illustrated by Denise Brunkus about Junie B’s first grade experiences. The production will feature four mini-musicals: Top-Secret Personal Beeswax: A Journal by Junie B (and Me!), which features diary entries by Junie, which are designed to give children ideas for their own writings; followed by Junie B, First Grader (at last!); Junie B, Boss of Lunch; and Junie B, One-Man Band. The show closes with the entire company asking the audience to keep journals and to write down the story of their lives.

Theatreworks USA’s Junie B. Jones production is based on the best-selling books by Barbara Park, and adapted for the stage by Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich. The production is directed by Peter Flynn, choreography by Devanand Janki, scenic design by Luke Hegel-Cantarella, and costumes by Lora LaVon. This 60-minute musical is recommended for audiences age 5 and up. The show was nominated in 2006 for the Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Choreography.

“Brilliant, bouncy, and beautiful (The Journal News).”

“A splendid hour of music, laughter, life lessons and the art of putting on a show (New York One).”

Theatreworks USA is America's largest professional non-profit theatre for young audiences and families. Since 1961, they have enlightened, entertained, and instructed over 78 million people in 49 states and Canada. Under the direction of Artistic Director Barbara Pasternack and Managing Director Ken Arthur, Theatreworks USA is the recipient of a Drama Desk and Lucille Lortel Award. Additionally, the company was awarded the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation Award in 2001. Theatreworks USA has a distinguished history of not only providing young audiences with their first taste of the performing arts, but also giving young actors, writers, directors, and designers an early opportunity to work in this field. A list of the company’s alumni reads like a veritable "who's who" of theatre.

Individual tickets ($11 at the door, $9.50 in advance) can be ordered online at www.pgharts.org, 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.

Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, opens the door for children to experience professional performing arts programming for children which inspires, challenges, educates, and stimulates respect for and an understanding of all cultures in an entertaining and enlightening way. Each year Pittsburgh International Children's Theater presents a Family Series and the Pittsburgh International Children's Festival, which is one of only four international children's theater festivals in the nation.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is the cultural and economic development of Pittsburgh’s 14-block Cultural District through public and private support. The Trust presents and encourages diverse performing and visual arts programs within the District, and is an impetus for additional development in downtown Pittsburgh. In addition to the Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater and Children’s Festival, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series Pittsburgh Dance Council, Trust Presents, CD Live, JazzLive, First Night Pittsburgh, Gallery Crawl, and Three Rivers Arts Festival, among other Cultural District and arts events. The Trust owns Theater Square and the Cabaret at Theater Square; James E. Rohr Building & Arts Education Center; the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts; Byham, O’Reilly, and Harris Theaters; visual arts galleries: Wood Street Galleries; SPACE, at 812 Liberty Avenue and 937 Liberty, a multipurpose performance and exhibit space, among other downtown arts facilities. www.pgharts.org
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