Arizona Coyotes Foundation to Host 'Dinner & A Show' with VYT's THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES, 2/13

Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) has partnered with St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to provide "Dinner and a Show" for dozens of working poor families on February 13. Thanks in part by the Arizona Coyotes Foundation, they will see a special performance of The Emperor's New Clothes at VYT following dinner at SVdP's Dream Center.

"Our philosophy is that in order to receive, we must give too," said Producing Artistic Director Bobb Cooper. "We are fortunate to receive financial support from sponsors and donors, so that we can continue to give back to our community."

In April 2013, VYT collaborated with the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation to distribute free "share care" tickets to foster and adoptive families for the Arizona premiere of They Choice Me! That musical featured heartwarming and humorous stories of foster care and adoption as told through the voices of children.

In 1993, VYT first introduced Metro Phoenix Title 1 school children to its now award-winning Literacy and the Arts program. Since 1996, VYT has treated more than 10,000 underserved youth to a free performance and lunch with the cast during annual Sponsor-A-Seat (SAS) events. On June 25 this year, the SAS show will be Into the Woods.

The Emperor's New Clothes is written and directed by VYT alum David Chorley. This world premiere play was produced in collaboration with VYT is loosely based on the Hans Christian Andersen story about how far an emperor's vanity takes him before he is exposed. Some are comparing Chorley's humor-for-all-ages to that of Shrek the Musical.

Patrons who attend any of the public performances through February 22 are encouraged to bring gently-used children's clothing for the St Vincent de Paul drop box in the theater lobby. Kid to Kid is sponsoring this production and two of its locations, in Gilbert and Peoria, will also donate clothes.

Tickets to The Emperor's New Clothes are $20 and available by calling the VYT box office at 602.253.8188 x2 or ordering online at VYT.com.

About Valley Youth Theatre - Established in 1989, Valley Youth Theatre is a professional quality, 501(c)(3) non-profit theatre dedicated to helping young people achieve their full potential through meaningful engagement, education and excellence in the performing arts. Winner of more nearly 100 National Youth Arts awards, voted "Best Live Theater" on azcentral.com, heralded as "Best Place to Take a Bow" by Phoenix Magazine and rated one of the "Top Ten Places to Become a Future Star" by The Arizona Republic, VYT produces six mainstage shows each season including two at the Herberger Theater Center.

About St Vincent de Paul - The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is dedicated to feeding, clothing, housing and healing individuals and families in our community who have nowhere else to turn for help. As important, SVdP provides meaningful opportunities for volunteers to serve their neighbors in need with love and compassion. SVdP has been serving our community throughout central and northern Arizona since 1946.

About Arizona Coyotes Foundation - The Arizona Coyotes Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life throughout Arizona communities by supporting non-profit organizations that promote healthcare, education and cultural arts programs for children and service men and women. They are dedicated to health and wellness programs that stimulate the growth of youth sports and financially supporting programs that encourage teamwork skills while building future leaders in our community.

About Kid to Kid - Kid to Kid is an international franchise that buys and sells gently used children's goods and maternity wear in an upscale environment. With over 100 locations throughout the U.S. and Portugal, each Kid to Kid store provides a convenient place where families are financially and emotionally rewarded as they recycle their best items.

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