THE GIVER Plays DCTC's Ricketson Theatre, 9/28-11/18

Lowis Lowry's powerful award-winning novel, THE GIVER, comes to life in a thought provoking production by the Denver Center Theatre Company (DCTC). Dramatized by Eric Coble, THE GIVER plays The Ricketson Theatre September 28 – November 18, 2012. Tickets may be purchased now, by calling 303.893.4100 or visiting www.denvercenter.org.

In a futuristic world devoid of color, emotion and differences, 12-year-old Jonas is selected to be the sole keeper of his world's memories. But as his newfound knowledge opens up a new world of pain, loss, family and love, will he dare to escape the rules that govern his society or will he choose to grasp the vibrant colors that have awakened his curiosity?

A standard reading throughout middle schools in the United States, this modern-day fable will transport you to a new world, stir the imagination, and have you questioning the value of "choice".

Two children's casts will alternate roles in THE GIVER: Jackson Garske (debut) and Alastair Hennessy (A Christmas Carol, Girls Only) as Jonas, Aliza Fassett (debut) and Amelia Modesitt (A Christmas Carol) as Lily, Gabe Koskinen-Sansone (Great Wall Story, A Christmas Carol) and Evan Sullivan (debut) as Asher, Brynn Gauthier (debut) and Isabel Sabbah (debut) as Fiona and Caroline T. Bennet (debut) as Rosemary. Playing the role of Father is Timothy McCracken (A Christmas Carol, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Reckless) while Diana Dresser (The Taming of the Shrew, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer) plays the role of Mother. DCTC favorites Billie McBride (Richard III, Noises Off, The Voysey Inheritance) and Philip Pleasants (Heartbreak House, The Taming of the Shrew, To Kill a Mockingbird) play the roles of The Chief Elder and The Giver respectively.

Returning to DCTC to direct THE GIVER is Christy Montour-Larson (Well). This utopian, futuristic story will take place on a monotone set designed by Robert Mark Morgan (House of the Spirits, Diary of Anne Frank, Jesus Hates Me). Megan Anderson Doyle (Superior Donuts, Well) complements the set with simple costumes created in varying shades of grey. Lighting design is by Jane Spencer (Ruined, The House of the Spirits, Well) and sound design is by Tyler Nelson (DATE*, Square of Ice, Cult Following Season 1). Projections designed by Charlie I. Miller will be used to convey the receiving of memories from The Giver to young Jonas. These memories will be illustrated by using abstract, color images. Musical composition is by Gary Grundei (Great Wall Story, To Kill a Mockingbird, Dracula), dramaturgy is by Allison Horsley (Eventide, Plainsong, 1001) and vocal and dialect direction is by Hilary Blair (White Christmas, Owen Meaney, Eventide).

Single tickets for THE GIVER, on sale now, start at $27 (non-SCFD) and also are available for $10 (SCFD 10 for $10 program) and are on sale now. To purchase, call Denver Center Ticket Services at 303.893.4100. For groups of 10 or more, please call 303.446.4829. TTY (for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons): 303.893.9582. Tickets also may be purchased at the Denver Center Ticket Office, located in the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex lobby. Buy and print online at www.denvercenter.org. Student rush $10 tickets are available one hour prior to curtain with a valid student ID subject to availability. Senior and military rush tickets are available one hour prior to curtain, subject to availability. No children under six will be admitted to any theatre.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is supported in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). Please visit our website at www.denvercenter.org.

This production of THE GIVER is generously supported by Producing Partners Keith and Kathie Finger and sponsored by Ashford University and Boeing. THE GIVER is part of the Denver Center Theatre Company 2012/13 season, which is generously supported by Larimer Square, The Steinberg Charitable Trust and Wells Fargo Advisors.