Oregon Children's Theatre to Present THE GIVER, 4/26-5/18

From acclaimed two-time Newbery Award-winning author, Lois Lowry, The Giver returns to Oregon Children's Theatre eight years after its world premiere on our stage.

Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices, individuality, or emotions-they are against the rules. When Jonas turns twelve he is selected to train with The Giver, who is the keeper of the entire Community's memories, both good and bad. Now Jonas must shoulder the burden of memory and learn the harsh truths of what it means to live a life of sameness.

OCT's script of The Giver won the American Alliance for Theatre and Education (AATE) Distinguished Play Award. It has been used for over 200 productions, both nationally and internationally, since OCT premiered it in 2006.

"A favorite of middle and high school students, The Giver has captured the imagination of a generation since it was first published in 1993," says director, Stan Foote. "It is complex and compelling and rich with topics for discussion. Through this story, we realize how we take for granted the vibrancy and diversity of our lives because we experience it from birth. The Giver presents a world of sameness without color, choice, freedom, history, human rights or privacy."

OCT is committed to commissioning and producing at least one new script each year. Most recently, OCT's Zombie in Love marked the 10th original script premiered by OCT. New play development is an essential element of OCT's vision. The company is committed to bringing fresh and relevant stories to the stage that will be enjoyed by diverse audiences for years to come.

The Giver is adapted from the original Newbery award-winning book by Lois Lowry. Adapted by Eric Coble. Originally commissioned by Oregon Children's Theatre, March 2006.

The cast features Andrés Alcalá as The Giver, Tristan Comella as Jonas, James Luster as Father, Cecily Overman as Mother, Nate Gardner as Asher, Hannah Baggs as Fiona, Steele Clevenger as Lily, Zoe Stadler as Rosemary, and April Magnusson as Chief Elder

The creative team includes: Matthew B. Zrebski (Director), Tal Sanders (Scenic & Lighting Design), Emily Horton (Costume Design), Drew Dannhorn (Props Master), Jeff Kurihara (Video Projection Design), Em Gustason (Sound Design), and Amber Mitchell (YP Directing Apprentice).

Oregon Children's Theatre presents The Giver
• An OCT original script based on Lois Lowry's Newbery Award winning book
• Adapted by nationally acclaimed, Broadway playwright, Eric Coble

Written by: Based on the book by Lois Lowry. Adapted by Eric Coble.
Directed by: Matthew B. Zrebski
Dates: April 26-May 18, 2014
Times: Saturdays at 2:00 & 5:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm
Location: Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway
Tickets: $18 & $28 for adults and $15 & $24 for children (group rates also available)
Box Office: 503-228-9571 or TicketMaster (503-790-ARTS or www.ticketmaster.com)
On the web: www.octc.org
Other info: Recommended for ages 9 and up.

About Oregon Children's Theatre: Founded in 1988, Oregon Children's Theatre has served over two million children, teachers, and families. OCT is Oregon's largest non-profit professional children's theater company and a resident company of the Portland Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are held weekdays for school audiences and on weekends for family audiences. OCT serves more than 120,000 children of all ages each year. OCT offers numerous school services including study guides, teacher professional development opportunities, in-school workshops, and an extensive outreach program. In partnership with Kaiser Permanente, our Educational Theatre Program provides free touring productions that promote healthy living. OCT's year round Acting Academy offers theater classes for children ages 3-18.