Texas Music Theatre to Feature Live Stream of A LITTLE PRINCESS, 10/19

A new version of A Little Princess, the beloved children's book from 1905 written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, will premiere at the Texas Music Theatre on the historic San Marcos square from October 16th - 19th. The final performance of this special event will be live streamed on the internet on October 19th. This will allow musical theater fans across the country to experience this new musical according to director and star Kaitlin Hopkins who also heads the Musical Theatre Program at Texas State University.

The musical written by Brian Crawley (books/lyrics) and Tony- nominated composer Andrew Lippa (music) is the newest interpretation of the novel following several film versions over the years, including a 1917 version starring Mary Pickford, a 1939 version with Shirley Temple and a 1995 version directed by Alfonso Cuaron.

The Texas State University Musical Theatre program is producing a four- night concert version of the show staring Broadway performers Kaitlin Hopkins (Noises Off, Grinch, Bat Boy) and Jim Price (Civil War, Ring of Fire, Bat Boy) who also serves on the musical theater faculty at Texas State. Miss Hopkins will play the role of Miss Minchin and Mr. Price will play the role of Captain Crew; the musical theater students will perform all other roles. Award winning composer Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family, The Wild Party) will be conducting the performances.

"I think one of the most exciting things for the students, other than the time they get to spend with the creative team in the rehearsal room, is that Andrew is also conducting the performances," stated Hopkins. "It's a wonderful professional credit and rare educational experience for the students-and to be conducted by the composer and be part of the development of this show, well, that's the icing on the cake."

The event is funded by the Harrison Commission at Texas State University, which was specifically designed to develop new work. The performances will provide the authors the opportunity to finalize the script, score and orchestrations. The concert will feature new material added since the musical's world premiere production at TheatreWorks in Palo Alto, CA in 2004 and a 20- piece orchestra.

Brian Crawley wrote the book and lyrics for Violet (composer Jeanine Tesori), which won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Musical as well as the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical over all the year's Broadway offerings. For the libretto of Violet, Brian won the prestigious Kleban Award.

Broadway composer and lyricist Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family) is currently Composer in Residence for the Musical Theatre program at Texas State and has been commissioned with funds from the university's Harrison New Musical Commission to create a new work to be developed and premiered at the school.

Music Theatre International (MTI) represents the performance rights for the show around the world http:/www.mtishow.com. Additionally, Ghostlight Records recently released the world premiere recording, which coincided with publisher Hal Leonard's release of the vocal selections.
Performances will be held Oct. 16-19th at the Texas Music Theater in San Marcos, TX.

For ticket information http://www.theatreanddance.txstate.edu/Little-Princess.html.

The live stream broadcast on Oct 19th is sponsored by Michael and Diane Bowman Hunt and Hunt Ltd in Houston, Texas. Proceeds from the concert will benefit future Harrison New Musical Commissions.