People's Light & Theatre Presents STARGIRL, Opening 4/20

People's Light & Theatre presents the world premiere of Stargirl by Y York, based on the novel of Newbery Award-winning author Jerry Spinelli. Running April 20-May 12, 2013 on the Main Stage. Samantha Bellomo directs. People's Light & Theatre is located at 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, PA 19355. For tickets call 610.644.3500 or visit PeoplesLight.org. Stargirl is part of the PNC Arts Alive Discovery Series. PECO is also a corporate sponsor.

When an eccentric homeschooler arrives at Mica Area High School, hallways buzz with texts, whispers fill the air, and 11th grader Leo Borlock's life is changed forever. With her colorful costumes, ukulele, pet rat, and unique view of the world, Stargirl lives every moment to the fullest and challenges those around her to do the same. This beloved story celebrates first love, non-conformity, and the similarities that connect us all, and is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

This production marks the fifth collaboration between playwright Y York and People's Light & Theatre. Other productions include The Forgiving Harvest, Afternoon of the Elves, Getting Near to Baby, and Eggs (also by Jerry Spinelli).

"I was teaching at a fine arts academy for 6^th-8^th graders at the time Stargirl was published, and I remember buying extra copies of the book to have in my classroom because the librarian couldn't keep it on the shelves," states production dramaturg Wendy Bable. "It was more in-demand than Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It seemed to make such a positive impact on the reader, no matter what their age. It's one of those stories that you never forget."

Local author, Jerry Spinelli, has written more than 30 books including Stargirl, Crash, Loser, Milkweed, Knots in My Yo-Yo String, Maniac Magee, and his latest Hokey Pokey. Accolades forStargirl include: New York Times Bestseller, Parents Choice Gold Award, American Library Association's Top Ten Best Books Award, and Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. Jerry's books have reached millions of young people and many of his novels are regularly taught in school districts locally and worldwide.

Saige Hassler, who plays the role of Stargirl, has been performing at People's Light & Theatre since age 6 when she appeared in Ibsen's A Doll's House. She participated in theatre classes and the Summerstage program for many years. At 18, Saige joined the Resident Company of actors at People's Light and has been in over 20 productions.

People's Light will maintain a "Stargirl at People's Light" Facebook page that will share in-depth information, images, and video on the making of the production (URLfacebook.com/porcupinenecktie).

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