Segerstrom Center to Welcome London's Tall Stories Theatre Company, 4/18 -19

Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents the Southern California premiere of Tall Stories Theatre Company's The Gruffalo's Child on April 18 & 19, 2015. Combining the London-based company's unique storytelling style with catchy songs, humor and puppetry, The Gruffalo's Child is the "perfect children's entertainment," says The Scotsman. The U.K.'s Evening Standard praises the show as "lovingly and simply brought to the stage." The Gruffalo's Child is recommended for families and children ages 4 - 8.

The Gruffalo's Child is adapted from the award-winning picture book of the same name by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. This sequel to the immensely successful Tall Stories production of The Gruffalo reintroduces familiar characters played by three performers: Mouse, Snake, Owl, Fox and a slightly older, if not wiser, Gruffalo.

Audiences are encouraged to arrive an hour before the performance to free creative activities. The Center's Education and Community Programs Department offers these enriching experiences to provide young people and their parents more opportunities to play together creatively. Studies show that this is critical in helping to develop the ability to think and problem solve.

Tickets are $20 and are now available online at SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling (714) 556-2787. For inquiries about group ticket savings for 10 or more, call the Group Services office at (714) 755-0236. The TTY number is (714) 556-2746.The performance on Sunday, April 19 at 1 p.m. will be sign-language interpreted.

Tall Stories Theatre Company creates entertaining and imaginative performances for audiences of all ages. The company takes its unique brand of physical storytelling, exciting blend of theater and original music around the world. And lots of laugh follow wherever it goes.

The company was founded in 1997 by directors Olivia Jacobs and Toby Mitchell and is a registered charity in England and Wales. Since 1997, when Olivia Jacobs and Toby Mitchell set up the company, Tall Stories shows have performed all over the UK and Ireland, and as far afield as Abu Dhabi, America, Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Dubai, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore and Taiwan. Snow White, The Gruffalo and The Snail and the Whale have been performed to sell-out audiences on Broadway, and Tall Stories shows have been produced by local companies in Chile, Germany, Singapore and Australia, including runs at Sydney Opera House. Their production of The Gruffalo has been released on DVD by the Really Useful Group. Room on the Broom was nominated for an Olivier Award, and a picture book has been published based on their show The Snow Dragon.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts applauds The Charles & Mildred Schnurmacher Foundation, Inc. for its support of the Family Series. Kia is the Official Automotive Partner of the Center and United Airlines is the Official Airline of the Center. Parenting OC is the Media Partner of the Family Series.