Childrens Theatre Company Opens 14-15 Season with Busytown the Musical
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 19, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT:
Melissa Ferlaak (612) 872-5110,
Childrens Theatre Company Opens 14-15 Season with Busytown the Musical
A Cabaret-style musical with puppets and people September 16 October 26, 2014
(Minneapolis, MN) Childrens Theatre Company (CTC) is proud to present Busytown the Musical, based on the beloved children's book "What Do People Do All Day? by Richard Scarry, adapted by Kevin Kling, directed by Sean Graney, with music by Michael Koerner and choreography by Tommy Rapley, on the UnitedHealth Group Stage September 16 October 26, 2014. Live music performed onstage by Music Director/Sound Designer Victor Zupanc as a one-man band!
Kevin Klings wit and Sean Graneys dynamic energy and creativity are a truly exciting combination," says CTC Artistic Director Peter Brosius. Busytown the Musical is closer to vaudeville, with a fantastic score by Michael Koerner that is inventive, surprising and wonderfully clever. I am thrilled to have Kevin's unique voice and Michael's fabulous score on our stage, and all in the hands of Sean Graney, who I have been trying to bring to the Twin Cities for years."
Adapted by master storyteller and Minnesota treasure Kevin Kling, Busytown the Musical is a fast-paced, colorful exploration of the all-important question, What do people do all day? Rhyming verse, catchy songs and Scarry's quirky characters sing and show the how and why of community, inviting audiences to delight in the discovery of lifes moving parts. Complementing Klings signature wit is the music of Michael Koerner, whose foot-tapping compositions have been heard in over two dozen productions at CTC. Getting the animals of Busytown moving and shaking is Chicago's acclaimed Tommy Rapley, choreographer of over 20 world premieres, here at CTC for the first time.
Chicago-based director Sean Graney is at the helm of this cabaret-style musical. The award-winning founder of The Hypocrites theater company in Chicago, he recently finished a yearlong fellowship at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University where he completed an adaptation of thirty-two surviving Greek Tragedies into one 12-hour production. Hell bring his vast breadth of experience and vision to CTC in Busytown the Musical.
I am so happy to be working with Childrens Theatre Company for the first time, says Graney. Its a privilege to work with the CTC Acting Company and such a great group of actors and creative team on a true childhood classic. This will definitely be a frenetic and totally fun musical.
CTC Acting Company members (and real life best friends) Reed Sigmund and Dean Holt play Busytowns most loved citizens, Huckle the Cat and Lowly Worm, respectively. Huckles curiosity is the driving force behind Busytown the Musical as he sets the story in motion with his question to Sergeant Murphy, What do people do all day? Were introduced to the many characters through their roles in the community; from a tailor, to a mail carrier, to a thieving Gorilla, each of Busytowns residents has a role to play in the life of the bustling town. Fellow Acting Company members Gerald Drake and Autumn Ness fill out the cast, playing multiple roles, alongside Kasono Mwanza and 2014-2015 CTC Performing Apprentice, Meghan Kreidler. Busytowns animals come alive with costume design by New York City-based Loren Shaw making her CTC debut; Eric Van Wyk is the Scenic and Puppet Designer; lighting design by Paul Whitaker; and music direction/sound design by Victor Zupanc.
Busytown the Musical runs September 16 October 26 on the UnitedHealth Group Stage. As part of CTCs commitment to programming for ages two through eighteen, Busytown the Musical is recommended for grades K-4. Single tickets are on sale now. Season subscriptions are also available. Groups of 10 or more save up to 25 percent. For more information, visit childrenstheatre.org or call the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400.
Childrens Theatre Company (CTC) is the only theatre for young people to win the coveted Tony® Award for Outstanding Regional Theater (2003). Founded in 1965, CTC serves 250,000 people annually and is one of the 20 largest regional theatre companies in the nation. The company is noted for defining worldwide standards for youth theatre with an innovative mix of classic tales, distinguished international productions and challenging new work. In 2015-16, CTC will celebrate its 50th anniversary season.
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Busytown the Musical
Adapted for the stage by Kevin Kling
From the book "What Do People Do All Day?" by Richard Scarry
Music by Michael Koerner
Lyrics by Kevin Kling and Michael Koerner
Directed by Sean Graney
Choreographed by Tommy Rapley
Recommended for grades K-4
Busytown the Musical: http://childrenstheatre.org/plays/2014-2015-season/busytown-the-musical
Tickets:
The Ticket Office is accessible by phone two hours prior to most performances. These posted hours are subject to change.
Email: tickets@childrenstheatre.org (inquiries only, no ticket processing)
Phone: 612.874.0400
Web site: childrenstheatre.org
Lap passes available for children three and under for $10.
ASL/AD Performance October 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Sensory Friendly Performance October 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Single tickets currently range from $10 - $58 (prices may increase)
Groups of 10 or more save up to 25% off regular ticket price
$10 tickets are a price level at CTC in both the Cargill Stage and the UnitedHealth Group Stage. $10 tickets are available online, over the phone, and in person for all regular season productions.
Subscriptions:
Six Play subscriptions start at $89
Three Play A packages for children ages 2-7 start at $42
Three Play B packages for children 8 and up start at $50
Three Play and Holiday Package starts at $79
6 Play Preview Package is $72
6 Play First Weekend package is available for up to 50% off single ticket price
Creative Team & Production Staff
Director: Sean Graney
Assistant Director: Abby Hilden
Playwright: Kevin Kling
Choreographer: Tommy Rapley
Costume Designer: Loren Shaw
Scenic & Puppet Designer: Eric Van Wyk
Lighting Designer: Paul Whitaker
Music Director/Sound Designer: Victor Zupanc
Stage Manager: Chris Schweiger
Assistant Stage Manager: Kathryn Sam Houkom
Stage Management Intern: Shruti Gupta
Cast (in alphabetical order)
Gerald Drake.Sgt. Murphy, Dig the Pig, Captain Salty, Nurse Singer, Postal Worker, Snozzle the
Fireman, Passenger, Able Baker Charlie
Dean Holt..Lowly Worm, Blacksmith Fox, Lead Construction Worker, Dock Worker, Baker, Fire Chief, Passenger, Grandma Bear
Meghan Kreidler.Grocer (Mom) Cat, Sawdust Carpenter, Postman 1&2, Nurse Nellie, Dock Worker, Baker
Kasono Mwanza.Farmer Alfafa, Jason the Mason, Doctor Lion, Dockworker, Sparky the Fireman, Train the Dog, Humperdink the Baker, Postal Worker
Autumn NessBetsy Bear, Stitches Tailor, Nurse Singer, Dock Worker, Construction Worker,
Passenger, Smokey the Fireman, Baker
Reed SigmundHuckle, Nurse Singer, Airline Mechanic, Dock Worker, Passenger
Understudies
Traci Allen Shannon
Matthew Rubbelke
Show Dates
Tuesday, Sep 16th 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Sep 17th 7 p.m.
Thursday, Sep 18th 7 p.m.
Friday, Sep 19th 7 p.m. opening night, press night
Saturday, Sep 20st 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Sunday, Sep 21st 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Thursday, Sep 25th 7 p.m.
Friday, Sep 26th 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sep 27th 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Sunday, Sep 28th 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Sunday, Sep 29th 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Thursday, Oct 2nd 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct 3rd 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct 4th 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Sunday, Oct 5th 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Thursday, Oct 9th 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct 10th 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct 11th 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Sunday, Oct 12th 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct 15th 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct 16th 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct 17th 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct 18th 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Sunday, Oct 19th 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct 22rd 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct 23rd 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct 24th 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct 25th 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Sunday, Oct 26th 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.
