Valley Youth Theatre to Present THE FOOLS WHO DREAM Concert

Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) announces The Fools Who Dream concert, a one-of-a-kind event on Monday, April 17, 2017. Showcasing more than 20 of the Valley's renowned entertainers on the VYT stage to raise funds for the development of a brand-new children's musical.

The featured performers include: Kat Bailes, Geoff Belliston, Laura Berger, Chanel Bragg, Johanna Carlisle, Katie Casey*, Alyssa Chiarello, Lucas Coatney*, Trisha Ditsworth, Heather Fallon, Lynzee Foreman, Katie Hart*, Katrina Haynes, Renee Kathleen Koher, Nick Kuhn, Cullen Arthur Law, Eddie Maldonado*, Barbara McBain, Kurtis W. Overby, Sarah Pansing*, Seth Tucker*, Michelle Vezilj* and Toby Yatso. Performances will highlight Broadway hits from shows like "Hamilton" and "Grey Gardens," along with the world premiere of original music written by these entertainers.

The concert is named after the featured song in the award-winning musical film "La La Land," starring VYT alum Emma Stone. Stone first began acting on the VYT stage at age 11 and was cast in nearly 20 productions. She credits VYT for her current success and is vocal about the importance and support of children's performing arts.

This is the first musical development project of its kind in VYT's 28-year history. BoBB Cooper, Valley Youth Theatres' Producing Artistic Director has partnered with You're It! authors, VYT alum, Seth Tucker and Bryn Durgin to workshop the musical for publishing and national release. This is the first musical venture of its kind in VYT's 28-year history. You're It! boasts music from Broadway veterans and uses humor and satire to teach very important matters about civic duty, acceptance and responsibility.

"VYT is proud to be involved in this great endeavor," says Cooper. "Our vision is to provide 'A place where young people from diverse backgrounds can learn and grow as individuals, performers, and leaders through a transformational performing arts experience'. This musical does just that and it marks the first musical of its kind to be workshopped here at VYT. Several of our current VYT kids have been involved in shaping it."

The concert will be hosted by Tucker with musical direction by Mark 4Man. All proceeds from the concert go directly to the funding of "You're It!"

The Fools Who Dream concert, takes place on Monday, April 17, 2017. Show times are 7 pm and 10 pm and ticket prices are $18 not including fees. For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office Monday - Friday 10 am to 3 pm at 602.252.8188 or visit www.vyt.com. The Fools Who Dream will be presented at Valley Youth Theatre, 525 North First Street Phoenix, AZ 85004.

Established in 1989, Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) is an award-winning, 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. Alumni include award-winning celebrities including: Emma Stone, Jordin Sparks, Kimiko Glenn, Chelsea Kane, Charity Dawson, Krystina Alabado and many others. VYT is the winner of nearly 100 National Youth Arts awards, voted "Best Star-Making Machine" and "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 main stage shows each season including two at the Herberger Theater Center. For more information, visit VYT.com or call (602) 253-8188.

*denotes Valley Youth Theatre alum.

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