Village Theatre Announces Pied Piper Season

Village Theatre is proud to announce the highly anticipated 2008-2009 Pied Piper season, presenting world-class educational performances that engage children and their families.

The 2008-2009 Pied Piper Season includes the following performances for schools and the general public:

The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites
Produced by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia · Production Design & Direction by Jim Morrow
Music by Steven Naylor · Narration by Gordon Pinsent
Grades PreK–3
School Performances:
Everett Performing Arts Center:
Thursday, October 16, 2008 – 10:00 AM & Noon
Friday, October 17, 2008 – 10:00 AM & Noon
McIntyre Hall:
Monday, October 20, 2008 – 10:00 AM & Noon
Public Performances:
Everett Performing Arts Center:
Sunday, October 19, 2008 – 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM

This mesmerizing production features larger-than-life puppets, hyper-imaginative design elements, and unique lighting effects, all set to an original musical score. Eric Carle is a renowned children's author and artist, and the characters of his vivid world metamorphosize in this memorable production. The engaging stories of The Mixed-Up Chameleon, the whimsical Little Cloud, and the naturally beautiful The Very Hungry Caterpillar are uniquely told by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, one of North America's premier puppetry touring companies.

Lazer Vaudeville
All Ages
School Performances:
Everett Civic Auditorium:
Monday, November 17, 2008 – 10:00 AM and Noon
Theatre at Meydenbauer Center:
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 – 10:00 AM and Noon
Public Performances:
Everett Civic Auditorium:
Sunday, November 16, 2008 – 2:00 PM (Special two hour performance)
Combining high-tech laser displays, original music, and the spirit of an old time variety show, Lazer Vaudeville is filled with dazzling juggling, black light illusion, acrobatics, and zany comedy. A cast of fantastical characters take the audience on an educational journey of the imagination as magical illusions are created with laser beams, a neon cowboy kicks up a luminescent rope-spinning display, and a hoop roller demonstrates this endangered art. The master of ceremonies is a seven-foot-tall, fluorescent dragon who leads this astonishing visual experience.

The Velveteen Rabbit
Produced by Enchantment Theatre Company · In association with Healy Entertainment
Based on the book by Margery Williams
Directed by Leslie Reidel · Music by Don Sebesky · Lyrics by Gloria Nissenson
Grades PreK–5
School Performances:
Everett Performing Arts Center
Thursday, December 11, 2008 – 10:00 AM and Noon
Friday, December 12, 2008 – 10:00 AM and Noon
Public Performances:
Everett Performing Arts Center
Saturday, December 13, 2008 – 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM

This brand new musical shines with stunning scenery as extraordinary puppets and masked performers portray this imaginative version of Margery Williams' classic holiday story. A stuffed toy rabbit, given as a Christmas gift to a young boy, becomes real through love, devotion, and a little bit of magic. The innovative production is enhanced by Don Sebesky's score, which was nominated for the 2008 Grammy Award for "Best Musical Album for Children."

Portland Taiko
All Ages
School Performances:
Theatre at Meydenbauer Center
Tuesday, January 6, 2009 – 10:00 AM and Noon
Wednesday, January 7, 2009 – 10:00 AM
McIntyre Hall
Thursday, January 8, 2009 – 10:00 AM
Everett Civic Auditorium
Friday, January 9, 2009 – 10:00 AM and Noon
No Public Performances of this production.

Established in 1994, Portland Taiko is an award-winning Asian American drumming ensemble. The performers weave rhythm, melody, humor, and movement together into an exhilarating musical experience. Taiko, the Japanese word for drum and the name of the art form, has its roots in the ancient Japanese tradition and was used in ceremonies, community festivals, and theater. Portland Taiko inspires audiences through drumming, story telling, and audience participation.

Blues Journey
Produced by Kennedy Center Theatre for Young Audiences on Tour
Adapted from the book by Walter Dean Myers · Adapted for the stage by Jerome Hairston
Directed by Scott Reese
Grades 3 and up
School Performances:
Theatre at Meydenbauer Center
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 – 10:00 AM and Noon
Everett Performing Arts Center
Thursday, February 5, 2009 – 10:00 AM and Noon
No Public Performances of this production.

Follow the life of "Willie the Bluesman" as he learns to play guitar, finds fame, and witnesses the blues evolve into rock-n-roll in this world premiere musical based on the popular picture book and audio CD of the same title. Characters use music, the art of storytelling, and American folklore to portray this period of Black history. A live acoustic blues trio captures "lightnin' in a song" and enhances the onstage action.

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters
Produced by Dallas Children's Theatre · Based on Caldecott Award-winning book by John Steptoe
Adapted for the stage by Karen Abbott
Grades 1–7
School Performances:
Everett Performing Arts Center
Monday, February 23, 2009 – 10:00 AM & Noon
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 – 10:00 AM & Noon
Public Performances:
Everett Performing Arts Center
Sunday, February 22, 2009 – 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM

An alluring production based on John Steptoe's Caldecott Award-winning rendition of the Cinderella folktale from Zimbabwe, Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters is a warm celebration of goodness, generosity, and love. This energy-filled show is shown through a cultural lens featuring African dance, drumming, and song. The morals of the story are gracefully depicted to be appreciated by audiences of all ages.

The Phantom Tollbooth
Produced by Kennedy Center Theatre for Young Audiences on Tour
Based on the book by Norton Juston · Music by Arnold Black · Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Adapted for the stage by Norton Juston & Sheldon Harnick
Directed by Tim McDonald
Grades 3–8
School Performances:
Everett Civic Auditorium
Monday, March 9, 2009 – 10:00 AM and Noon
Theatre at Meydenbauer Center
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 – 10:00 AM and Noon
Public Performances:
Everett Civic Auditorium
Sunday, March 8, 2009 – 2:00 PM

Based on Norton Juster's modern fairy tale, this inventive musical features "a richly textured score" (Washington Post) by Arnold Black and lyrical wordplay by Pulitzer Prize and three-time Tony-Award winner Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler On The Roof, She Loves Me). When a mysterious tollbooth materializes in young Milo's room, he discovers a world of inspiration. With the help of a time-keeping watchdog named Tock, Milo escapes from the Doldrums and embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses of Rhyme and Reason. Along the way, he reunites the dueling kingdoms of words and numbers and realizes that life is more exciting than his wildest dreams.

The Ugly Duckling
Produced by California Theatre Center · Directed and adapted for the stage by Gayle Cornelison
Grades  PreK–3
School Performances:
McIntyre Hall
Monday, April 13, 2009 – 10:00 AM
Meydenbauer Center
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 – 10:00 AM and Noon
Wednesday, April 15, 2009 – 10:00 AM and Noon
Everett Civic Auditorium
Thursday, April 16, 2009 – 10:00 AM and Noon
No Public Performances of this production.

Hans Christian Andersen's inspiring tale of a duckling determined to find his place in the world is humorously re-told by California Theatre Center. As the young duck ventures out, he meets a variety of colorful characters, including a trio of boisterous wild ducks, a caring old woman and her pets, and a flock of beautiful swans. A journey filled with music and laughter, this charming production teaches all of us to dare to be ourselves.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Produced by TheatreworksUSA · Based on the book by C.S.Lewis
Book by Jules Tasca · Music by Thomas Tierney · Lyrics by Ted Drachman
Directed by John Henry Davis
Grades 1–7
School Performances:
Everett Civic Auditorium
Monday, May 18, 2009 – 10:00 AM and Noon
Public Performances:
Everett Civic Auditorium
Sunday, May 17, 2009 – 2:00 PM

This long-running fantasy musical is based on C.S. Lewis' famous story of four siblings who venture into the secret land of Narnia through a mysterious wardrobe. This production illustrates the lessons these unlikely heroes learn as they grow with the help of the powerful lion, Aslan. With music and lyrics described by The New York Times as, "humorous and haunting," this production is praised by The Los Angeles Times for conveying "the inspirational magic that has captivated young readers for decades."

Village Theatre Mainstage Matinee
Stunt Girl
Music by David Friedman · Lyrics by Peter Kellogg
Produced by Village Theatre
Grades 6 and up
School Performances:
Francis J. Gaudette Theatre, Downtown Issaquah
April 2, 2009, 10:00 AM
Everett Performing Arts Center
May 7, 2009, 10:00 AM

Extra! Extra! Groundbreaking Gal Reporter Circles Globe! This funny, fresh new musical is based on the true life of Nellie Bly, the incredible investigative journalist, intrepid world-traveler, and captain of industry. Nellie's adventures began in an age when women didn't have the right to vote. Her story, told through this remarkable new musical, is a testament to what can be achieved with hard work and persistence. Stunt Girl captures the adventure and romance, dreams and disappointments, and thrills and sorrow of a true trailblazer.

All school performances cost $8.50, with the exception of Village Theatre's production of Stunt Girl, which costs $15. Schools may reserve seats by calling (425) 257-6343. Tickets to public Pied Piper performances are $12 for youth/seniors and $14 for general audiences. Village Theatre also offers Pied Piper subscriptions available via the Village Theatre box office. To purchase single tickets or a subscription package, contact the Box Office at (425) 392-2202 for Issaquah and (425) 257-8600 for Everett.

About Village Theatre Pied Piper

The Pied Piper program is dedicated to enriching the cultural lives of young people and supporting the classroom objectives of educators by bringing first-class educational performances to students, teachers, and families in the Puget Sound area. A Programming Advisory Committee, made up of teachers, principals, administrators, and parents advise on the selection of productions and presentations for each season's series, with the final selections being made by Village Theatre's educational and artistic staff.

About Village Theatre

Based in Issaquah, WA, with operations in Everett, Village Theatre is a leading producer of musical theatre in the Pacific Northwest. Producing entertaining quality productions for the entire family since 1979, Village Theatre has grown into one of the region's best-attended Equity theatres, with over 18,000 subscribers and 170,000 projected total attendance each season. Through its Village Originals program, Village Theatre is nationally recognized for its contribution to the development of new musicals, having launched over 75 new works to date. Village Theatre also takes pride in nurturing tomorrow's audiences through its youth education programs, Pied Piper and KIDSTAGE, serving over 53,000 young people, families, and schools annually.