RCT & Nazareth College Arts Center Present SWEET HOUSE! 12/11-19

Rochester Children's Theatre (RCT, www.rochesterchildrenstheatre.org) and Nazareth College Arts Center (http://artscenter.naz.edu) present the world premiere of Sweet House! Hansel and Gretel with a Bold New Flavor on December 11, 12, 18 & 19 at 2 p.m. at Nazareth College Arts Center (4245 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618). Tickets are $14 & $17, and are available in person at the Arts Center Box Office, by calling 585-389-2170 or online at http://boxoffice.naz.edu.

The original musical, written by RCT Producing Artistic Director Deborah Haber and Emmy-nominated composer, Casey Filiaci (also co-writer of Plagued - A Love Story, one of only 12 musicals chosen for full production by the 2009 New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF)'s Next Link Project), is a contemporary adaptation of the classic Brothers Grimm tale of temptation, "Hansel and Gretel," which also inspired Engelbert Humperdinck's famous opera of the same name.

Sweet House! drew further inspiration from First Lady Michelle Obama's current Let's Move! initiative that targets the country's current childhood obesity epidemic (www.letsmove.gov), which threatens to cut short our current younger generation's life span.

"The message is a very serious one, but this production is anything but," explains Haber, who wrote the show's book and lyrics. "Humor, contemporary language and an irresistible pop/rock score make our show 'deliciously' entertaining, while inspiring kids and families to make healthy changes and choices."

"This isn't your grandparents' 'Hansel and Gretel,'" adds Filiaci, who wrote the music for Sweet House! "Leave your lederhosen at home and bring your dancing shoes!"

Set in the present day, the show opens with 'Jake' and 'Billy' Grimm, who've hit a dry spell after writing such hits as "Cinderella," "Sleeping Beauty" and "Rapunzel." Their own evil creation, The Witch (think Lady Gaga), offers a new story possibility: Hansel and Gretel, and the familiar fairy tale gets a complete facelift that includes new characters and adventures.

The debut cast includes Auburn, NY's Dave Autovino* ("Billy" Grimm, The Dewman), Reuben Josephe Tapp ("Jake" Grimm), Brynn Lucas* (The Witch), Jared Birrittella (Hansel), Cara Recinella (Gretel), Janine Mercandetti (Mom) and Nick Rogers (Dad). (*denotes Actors' Equity members). Students of Garth Fagan (Lion King Tony Award-winning choreographer) Dance School make an appearance during the production number, "Let's Move!", choreographed by former Garth Fagan Dance company members, Bill Ferguson and Natalie Rogers-Cropper.

Rochester City Ballet Artistic Director Jamey Leverett has also staged a song for the show ("House, Sweet House"); and Nazareth College Program Director for Dance, Dr. Lorraine Person, has choreographed several numbers as well.

Sponsors include Rochester health organizations Greater Rochester Health Foundation and MVP Health Care, whose missions match the show's message. Its writers hope that support from like-minded groups will help bring Sweet House! to a national audience.

"Our goal is that Sweet House! help reverse the current trend of unhealthy eating and exercise habits all over the country as well as here in Rochester," says Haber.

Rochester Children's Theatre (RCT), currently celebrating its 20th anniversary season, is a professional company of adult actors co-founded in 1991 by its current producing artistic director, Deborah Haber. RCT offers high-quality, literature-based experiences that entertain while fostering enrichment, communication and positive values. In 20 years, its audience has grown to more than 30,000 annually. In residence at and a partner with Nazareth College Arts Center in producing children's theatre since 2003, RCT also tours to New York State urban, suburban and rural schools with its curriculum-based PLAYS ON TOUR. Please visit www.rochesterchildrenstheatre.org for more information.

Nazareth College Arts Center is the Rochester region's premier mid-size theater and venue for world-class dance, children's theatre and international entertainment. The Arts Center presents many of the same shows that perform at major global venues like the Lincoln and Kennedy Centers. Nazareth College was named the 10th Best College Theater for 2011 by The Princeton Review. The College presents Nazareth College Arts Center Dance Festival - a nine day celebration of world-class dance. The Nazareth College Arts Center is the home of Rochester Children's Theatre and the performance home of Rochester City Ballet and Garth Fagan Dance. (http://artscenter.naz.edu)