Over 20 Youth Performers Set for TheatreZone's WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND

TheatreZone's production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical, Whistle Down the Wind is a coming of age story following Swallow (actress Brigid Kegel), a motherless teenage girl growing up in the America's deep South in the 1950s, who finds a mysterious man (actor Gerritt VanderMeer) hiding out in the barn and mistakes him for Jesus.

The man is actually an escaped convict who is being hunted by the adults of the town but the children vow to protect him believing he is Jesus come back to save them. The contrast of childhood innocence and prejudice of adults is aided by lighting and music. Powerful music.

Although the story is told from the children's perspective, it is rather a grown up tale, with children as young as seven performing on stage.

The young cast, who are aged 7-18 had to audition for their place, and have just three weeks to perfect the musical, working with TheatreZone Director Mark Danni, choreographer Karen Molnar and a professional creative team that includes the band and other crew members.

The children in the cast feature Jessica Daniels as Poor Baby and Elliot Needle as Brat withLily Mae Stewart, Patrick Igoe, Alexander Igoe, Sawyer True, Preslie True, Charlotte Atkins, Nora Atkins, Jack Stewart, Maxine Danni, Zack Danni, Megan Salerno, Gabby Pizzi, Kylie Campbell, Lexi Brady, Sophia Bell Carrasquillo, Dominic Young, Christina Young, and Francesca Martin.

Director Mark Danni is extremely proud of his cast, commenting; "They have worked so hard and they make a lot of friendships, too." He added: "It's a fantastic story with some epic songs; definitely an inspiring show for other children to watch."

Whistle Down The Wind opens TheatreZone's ninth season on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 8 pm and performs until Sunday, January 19. Tickets are $43 and $48 plus a $2 per ticket fee.

About TheatreZone

Operating under the guidelines of the Actors' Equity Association and small professional theatres contracts, TheatreZone is in residence and performs in the intimate 250-seat G&L Theatre housed on the magnificent campus of The Community School of Naples, one block north of Pine Ridge Road at 13275 Livingston Road.

Season 9 subscriber series (four shows) and a semi-season series (3 shows) plus group rates (more than 10) are available.

To purchase tickets, call TheatreZone at 1-888-ZONE-FLA, 1-888-966-3352; to review seating chart and purchase tickets online, visit www.theatrezone-florida.com.