STONE SOUP and More Set for Point Park University's Playhouse Jr. Summer Series

Playhouse Jr., Point Park University's professional quality children's theatre company, will be wrapping up the 2015-2016 season and kicking off the summer with two unique and entertaining shows for children of all ages.

Both shows will be running from May 7-22 at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, 222 Craft Ave. Performance dates include Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Adult tickets are $10 and student tickets are $5. In celebration of Mothers' Day, all mothers' tickets are complimentary for the weekend of May 7. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office at 412-392-8000 or visiting www.pittsburghplayhouse.com.

---

Stone Soup

Music and Lyrics by Allen Robertson, Book by Damon Brown and Allen Robertson

Directed by Penelope Lindblom

Rockwell Theatre

An audio described performance will be provided:

ASL interpreter - May 13th at 10 a.m.

Audio Description - May 18th at 10 a.m.

Recommended for kindergarten-6th Grade

Based on an old folk tale, Stone Soup is a contemporary and upbeat musical with music and lyrics by Allen Robertson. In a dull and fearful town, a stranger arrives with a courageous idea to take back their town. Will he influence his new friends and citizens to be brave for a place they love so much?

Director Penelope Lindblom said, "The moral of the story is that by sharing and working together, with everyone contributing what they can, a greater good is achieved. With a modern rock beat and fun lyrics and characters, Damon Brown and Alan Robertson have created a fable for all ages, bringing an ancient story into the modern era."

Playgoers can donate a can of soup and receive a voucher to our Christmas show, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever which runs at the Pittsburgh Playhouse Dec. 9-18.

Director Penelope Lindblom originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, is a member of Actor's Equity, holds a BFA in Acting from Wayne State University in Detroit and an MFA in Acting and Directing from California State University, Long Beach, graduating with honors. As a member of The REP at the Pittsburgh Playhouse she has appeared in multiple roles over 16 seasons: Hamlet, King Lear, Lamarck, Three Penny Opera, Mercy And The Firefly, A View From The Bridge, Death Of A Salesman, Ah! Wilderness, and All My Sons among many others. For Playhouse Jr. and for the Point Park Conservatory, Penelope has adapted, coached, conceptualized and directed since 1999. Critically acclaimed productions with friend and collaborator Point Park University choreographer the late, great Ron Tassone include: Jane Eyre, Hans Brinker Or The Silver Skates, The Velveteen Rabbit, Romeo And Juliet and most recently, The Wind In The Willows in 2014.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

By Bruce Mason, based on the book by Judy Blume

Directed by David Cabot

Rauh Theatre

Recommended for 4th Grade and up

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is an uproarious play by Bruce Mason based off the beloved book by Judy Blume. The show focuses on nine year-old Peter and his relationship with his family and his annoying little brother, Fudge. Peter is usually irritated by Fudge and through multiple bothersome occasions and other quirky characters, we see these boys' relationship and how important family really is.

As Caroline Leavitt of the New York Times said, "Blume isn't just revered, she's revolutionary" as she addresses so many important topics that we face in our everyday lives in a way that young children can understand, relate to and learn from. Children (especially those that are older siblings) will see the similarities in Peter and Fudge's relationship in their own sibling relationships.

This Playhouse Jr. production features scenic design by Tucker Topel, costumes by Anna Zimmerman, lighting by Dylan Baker, and sound by Steve Shapiro.

Director David Cabot is happy to continue his long relationship with Point Park University and the Pittsburgh Playhouse. He graduated from Point Park in 1990 with a BA in Theatre Arts and continued his training at the University of Minnesota- MFA in Acting 1993. After a season at The Guthrie Theatre (Peer Gynt, Othello, A Woman of No Importance, A Christmas Carol) he spent 9 years in the acting company at The Children's Theatre Company. Since returning to Pittsburgh he has taught for Point Park, acted in close to twenty productions for The Rep and directed productions of The Masque of Beauty and the Beast, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, The Emperor's New Clothes and last year's Luna for Playhouse Jr. In addition he assisted his long-time friend and mentor, John Amplas on productions of The Rover and As You Like It for the Conservatory Company.