The Rep presents Trail of Tears at the Missouri History Museum 3/25-4/3

Imaginary Theatre Company (ITC), the young audiences touring ensemble of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, will present Trail of Tears by Kathryn Schultz Miller. This powerful play will be performed in the E. Desmond Lee Auditorium at the Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Boulevard in Forest Park, March 25-April 3, 2011.

The Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company, supported by a $25,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund, will present Trail of Tears on March 25 and April 1 at 10 am and March 26-27 and April 2-3 at 2 pm.

Ticket prices are just $6 per person ($5 per person for Missouri History Museum members). All seating is general admission. To purchase tickets for these performances, call (314) 746-4599 or purchase online at http://www.mohistory.org. Tickets for Trail of Tears are not available through The Rep's Box Office.

Celebrated playwright Kathryn Schultz Miller once again brings history to life in this gripping drama. View 1800s America through the eyes of youthful and determined Chosen One as his people are forced to abandon their homeland in the Smoky Mountains. With his wife, Snow Owl, and his father, Walking Bear, he fights valiantly to save his people, but is overcome time and again by the attractive empty promises of the new settlers. This dramatic tale of one man's heartbreaking struggle to hold on to his Cherokee heritage is a fresh look at a painful chapter in American history.

Trail of Tears is presented in a family-friendly 50-minute format. The Rep's Education Department recommends this production for grades 4-6 (ages 9-11).

The cast of Trail of Tears is Ann Ashby as Snow Owl and others, Lakeetha Blakeney as President Andrew Jackson and others, Jordan Reinwald as Walking Bear and others, and Christian Vieira as Chosen One.

ITC's production of Trail of Tears is directed by Jason Cannon.

The creative staff also includes Scott Loebl, scenic designer; Garth Dunbar, costume designer; and Danny Maly, stage manager.

The Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company series includes three productions performed at schools, libraries and community centers throughout the St. Louis area October through April and also includes special public performances. The series introduces live theatre to children through the use of literature, folk tales, fairy tales and new adaptations of classic works.

The Missouri History Museum has been active in the St. Louis community since 1866. Founding members established the organization "for the purpose of saving from oblivion the early history of the city and state." Today, the Missouri History Museum seeks to deepen the understanding of past choices, present circumstances, and future possibilities; strengthen the bonds of the community; and facilitate solutions to common problems. The Museum is open seven days a week with general admission always free. The Missouri History Museum in Forest Park also operates the Library and Research Center at 225 South Skinker Boulevard near the Washington University campus.

For more information about The Rep's production of Trail of Tears including a guide introducing the characters, plot and background on the play and photos related to the production, visit The Rep's comprehensive public website at http://www.repstl.org. To purchase tickets call (314) 746-4599 or visit http://www.mohistory.org.