Vital Theatre Company Extends TWINKLE TAMES A DRAGON

The award-winning VITAL THEATRE COMPANY is pleased to announce the extension of TWINKLE TAMES A DRAGON through May 22nd, 2016. The new musical is based on the book of the same title by the best-selling Author of Angelina Ballerina, Katharine Holabird, with book by Katharine Holabird and Cara Lustik, book and lyrics by Matthew Hardy, music by Randy Klein and directed by Sam Viverito. The production continues Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm through February 21, 2016. Beginning, February 27th performances will run Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 pm only through May 22, 2016. Performances will continue at the Theater at Blessed Sacrament (formerly Arclight Theater). Tickets are $49.50 for regular seats and $59.50 for premium seats. For reservations and information visit www.vitaltheatre.org or call (212) 579-0528. The Theater at Blessed Sacrament is located at 152 West 71st Street, between Broadway and Amsterdam.

Twinkle has always wanted a pet and is thrilled when Fairy Godmother grants her wish. While her friends get cute little pets, a naughty pet dragon named Scruffy is NOT what Twinkle had in mind! Can Twinkle tame her dragon in time for Fairy Pet Day?

Katharine Holabird (co-book writer) is the author of "Twinkle Tames A Dragon" as well as the "Angelina Ballerina" books, and co-writer of the musical book. Katharine has written over thirty storybooks for children, and her Angelina Ballerina books have won many awards and been turned into a TV animation series as well as two Vital Theatre Company musicals. "Twinkle" is Katharine's latest children's character, a fun loving fairy with magical wings.

Cara Lustik (co-book writer) has written the book for Flight School, The Musical and Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas, The Musical. She has over 15 years in the entertainment, branding and licensing industries. Previously, she worked with HIT Entertainment for its preschool properties including Thomas the Tank Engine. Cara has worked with Production, Home Entertainment, Creative, Live Events, Broadcast and Digital teams on live events and stage productions, new characters, and digital initiatives. www.lustikink.com

Matthew Hardy (book & lyrics) hails from Houston, Texas. He has written the book and lyrics for the new musical comedies Flambé Dreams, Bling!, The Rubberers and lyrics for the children's musical Ever Happily After. Matthew received an Honorable Mention for Excellence in Lyric Writing at The New York Musical Theatre Festival 2012, is an Anna Sosenko Trust Recipient (2012), and a Jerry Boch Award finalist (2011). As an actor, he has performed with the National Tour of Fosse, toured with Jane Comfort & Co., presented his own cabaret act entitled Songs for the Dysfunctional, and worked at many regional theaters across the nation. Matthew is a proud member of Actor's Equity, a graduate of the William Esper Acting Studio and a member of The BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop. www.matthewhardy.org

Randy Klein (composer) is an award-winning composer and pianist with 4 Emmy Awards and 2 Gold Records. His musical theatre works include: Flambé Dreams - 2012 New York Musical Theatre Festival; Ever Happily After, a children's musical, 2013 New York Musical Theatre Festival; Move!, a dance musical commissioned - Royal Theatre Carre', Amsterdam; I Don't Do Club Dates, staged readings Victory Theater, by the National Musical Theater Network and John Harms Arts Center. Recipient of the Simons Fellowship at the Hall Center for the Humanities, University of Kansas, he is an Anna Sosenko Trust Recipient; BMI Foundation Jerry Harrington Award for Achievement in Musical Theatre, nominated for the Jerry Boch Award for theater composition. Composer of the choral works For My People, Facing It and Dear John, Dear Coltrane. Numerous solo improvised piano recordings. Member of The BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop, The Dramatists Guild. Randy is an Exclusive Steinway Artist. www.randyklein.com

Sam Viverito (director) has directed and choreographed shows all over the world. Productions include: (Seoul, Korea) Urinetown, Hairspray, Quiz Show, Batboy, Disney's Hunchback Of Notre Dame, King & I and the first American company of A Chorus Line. (Brighton, England) Brighton Cares. (Toronto, Canada) A Touch Of Broadway (Malaysia & Japan) Charles Bach's The Wonder Show National tours: Man Of La Mancha, Gypsy, A Chorus Line, Angelina Ballerina and Fancy Nancy. Regional: La Cage Aux Folles, Funny Girl, Sweet Charity, Annie, 42nd Street, Evita, Buddy, Broadway Bound, Opa!, Corps of Discovery, and for 21 years, the shoji tabuchi Show, in Branson, MO. For VITAL Theater Sam has directed and choreographed: Angelina Ballerina (NYC, Toronto and tour) Angelina Ballerina Very Merry Holiday Show (NYC & tour) Fancy Nancy (NYC & tour) Fancy Nancy:Splendiferous Christmas and The Bully.

The design team includes sets by Kyle Dixon, costumes by Kaitlyn Day and illusions by Max Darwin (theamazingmaxlive.com). The cast includes Lee Michael Friedman, Cynthia Nesbit, Rachel Peterson, Trysten Reynolds and Michelle ZurSchmiede. Jaime Clegg is the music director and Shani Colleen Murfin is the stage manager.

Photo Credit: Russ Rowland Photography