Children's Theatre of Charlotte Presents ELLA'S BIG CHANCE: A JAZZ AGE MUSICAL

Over the last two years, Children's Theatre of Charlotte has been hard at work creating a brand new musical for families and children to enjoy this holiday season. The world premiere musical, "Ella's Big Chance: A Jazz Age Musical," is adapted from award-winning author, Shirley Hughes' children's book of the same name. Longtime Children's Theatre of Charlotte collaborator, Joan Cushing ("Petite Rouge," "The Christmas Doll") has written the book, music and lyrics to this razzmatazz reimagining of the classic Cinderella story. Directed by Children's Theatre of Charlotte's Artistic Director, Adam Burke, this new show begins performances on December 4th and runs through December 20th, Uptown at ImaginOn.

Set in London during the glamorous Jazz Age of the 1920s, Ella, the fairy tale cinder girl, is now an apprentice dressmaker in her father's humble but popular dress shop. Ella and her father are mourning the loss of Ella's mother when three new women appear in the store. Her villainous new stepmother, and equally mean stepsisters, take charge and turn the quaint little dress shop into London's hottest spot for the latest fashions. With growing responsibilities, Ella struggles to keep up with her brutish stepmother's demands. But with the help of Buttons, her trusted friend, and her mysterious Fairy Godmother, Ella might yet discover her "Prince Charming". But will this be the fairy tale ending she, and we, expect? Or is the magic we seek waiting for us where we least expect it?

"Cinderella is a wonderful story. But today I question the value of a story where the goal of the young protagonist is to marry her prince," says director Adam Burke. "What happens if that isn't the goal? What happens if it is set in the Twenties and the protagonist wants something more out of life? What happens when she is offered everything she should want but knows deep down it isn't what she actually wants? That is the story of 'Ella's Big Chance.'"

"Ella's Big Chance: A Jazz Age Cinderella" is sure to delight audiences this holiday season with a dazzling array of new music based on styles predominant in the Jazz Age. "Anytime you can take a period specific dance like the Grizzly Bear and create a song of the same name that is being used to propel the dramatic action and develop character...it's exciting. That requires strong collaboration between the playwright/composer, music director, choreographer and the director in order for the story to be clear," says Mr. Burke.
Children's Theatre of Charlotte has created the "Magical Moments" YouTube series to explore the creation of "Ella's Big Chance: A Jazz Age Cinderella". All four parts are available at https://www.youtube.com/user/ctcharlotte

Tickets start at $12 and are available online at www.ctcharlotte.org or by phone at 704-973-2828. On Saturday, November 21st, the 3pm performance will be signed for hearing-impaired audiences. The Customer sales and Service Center is available Monday through Friday from 10am until 5pm. ImaginOn is conveniently located at 300 East 7th Street, next door to the Seventh Street light rail station. Free parking is available. Visit ctcharlotte.org for details.

Theatre 360
In addition to this brand new musical, Children's Theatre of Charlotte and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library have partnered together to create Theatre 360, a FREE program extending the theatrical experience beyond the stage! Families will get a deeper look at the productions and explore different art forms in relation to the story. These fun family experiences are offered through pre-show and post-show workshops and audience engagement experiences before selected public performances. Attendees do not need to be a ticket holder to participate in Theatre 360 activities, but registration is required to guarantee spots in each workshop

Ella's Big Chance: A Jazz Age Cinderella Theatre 360 Experiences
Pre-Show Workshops
Dec. 6, 12:30-1:30 pm
Dec. 12, 1:30-2:30 pm
This production is an adaptation of the Cinderella story. Audiences can stop by early and help create their own version of a story we all know.

Post-Show Workshops
Dec. 13, 3:30-4:30 pm
Dec. 20, 3:30-4:30 pm
Through costume designs from this production, families will explore what makes each of us unique and how to celebrate that in creative ways.

Audience Engagement (Post-Show)
Dec. 5, 12:20 pm
Dec. 19, 4:20 pm
Using a text based scavenger hunt, families will move around the building with hands on activities based on elements from the production.