Casting Complete for Li'l Buds' PENELOPE PENNYWORTH GIRL DETECTIVE AND THE CASE OF MR. NOBODY

Li'l Buds Theatre Company announced yesterday that casting is complete for Penelope Pennyworth: Girl Detective and the Case of the Mr. Nobody, an original Li'l Buds production opening March 11th that will run through April 9, 2017. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online or at the Edge Theater on show day.

This original musical was written for families by Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre Graduate school student Jenny Lamb, a Second City teaching artist and Li'l Buds co-founder and former artistic director. Local actor and musician Chuck Patella wrote additional music with Ms. Lamb for the show. The show is directed by Li'l Buds Artistic director and co-founder Jeff 'Preddie' Predmore, who recently directed the highly successful productions of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown and A Year with Frog and Toad, at Open Door Rep Theater in Oak Park, and whom has directed and performed in several shows for Li'l Buds and at various venues throughout Chicago and the greater Chicago region.

Collaborating with Lamb (author) and Predmore (director) on this production is Kiki Marich, A Chicago Music Director, performer and musical improviser. She is an ensemble member of the Cupid players at Stage 773. Hannah Redmond serves as choreographer. Hannah is a local musical theatre actress recently seen as Sally in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown at Open Door Rep in Oak Park and is also a Li'l Buds teaching artist.

Li'l Buds has continued its tradition of casting professional actors and children together to create a high quality theatrical experience that speaks to kid and adult audiences alike. Penelope Pennyworth cast includes:

Returning to the title role of Penelope Pennyworth will be Chicago native and Li'l Buds Company Member Caroline Phillips, a familiar face to Li'l Buds fans having previously been seen as Elf in the popular holiday series as well as numerous Li'l Buds main stage productions. Phillips has previously appeared on stage at the Goodman and Steppenwolf Theatre, to name a few.

Playing Matilda "Tillie" Jones - Penny's Fashion obsessed friend and agency receptionist-is Natalie Rehkemper, a Chicago native, seen on stage this past holiday as in Elf 1 in Li'l Buds holiday musical Santa...Deux?.

Returning to his role again this year is Hazel Crest native, Chicago resident and star in the making Elijah Dixon who is returning as Michael Febbleman, the math wiz and newest member of the Penelope Pennyworth Girl Detective Agency.

Sean Barret, who regionally played Frog in A Year with Frog and Toad and Gomez Adams in the Adams family will be portraying the mischievous and misunderstood Mr. Nobody.

About the Show

is a 10 year old girl detective who solves crimes with her best Friends Tillie! But what happens when their new friend Michael joins the detective agency. Tillie, feels left out and uncertain of her place in the agency and with her friendship with Penny. Enter Mr. Nobody, the one to blame when things go missing. Find out what happens when Penny's diary goes missing threatening to cost her first place at the science fair! Was it really Tillie who took it? Will their friendship be mended? Will Mr. Nobody get caught? Find out weekends March 11-April9th at the Edge Theater.

"The show is a retro throwback to 1985 and has a fun Scooby Doo meets Punky Brewster Saturday morning sitcom energy," said J. 'Preddie' Predmore, Artistic Director and co-founder of Li'l Buds. "It will have catchy songs and a message about friendship, finding your place in the world and believing in the gifts that make each of us special.

Penelope Pennyworth Girl Detective and the Case of Mr. Nobody is a sequel to last Springs musical Penelope Pennyworth Girl Detective and the case of the Boogeyman.

"We are thrilled to bring these three young friends back to the Edgewater community." said Preddie." We hope to inspire young audiences to find what their special gift is and feel confident in sharing that gift with the world.

For more information or to purchase tickets to see Penelope Pennyworth, visit:

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2800488

About Li'l Buds Theatre Company

Li'l Buds Theatre was founded in 2005 by company members Jenny Lamb, Maggie Portman and J. 'Preddie' Predmore and is the winner of the 2011 Best of Edgewater Award - "New Business of the Year". Since conception, our company has been dedicated to enriching the lives of children of all backgrounds through theatre and the performing arts. Each year the company produces main stage shows for families including their original holiday musical series and various mainstream and original play productions. All productions showcase Li'l Buds' tradition of using youth actors as well as professional adult actors. Li'l Buds Theatre Company holds classes, workshops, camps and residencies at many schools and theaters. Our ensemble of teaching artists and company members are professional actors and artists who have worked with many theaters throughout the Chicago area and across the country.