Florida Rep Presents THOMAS EDISON: FIRE OF GENIUS

Florida Rep Takes an Electrifying Look at the Man Behind the Lightbulb

Florida Repertory Theatre announced that its popular Lunchbox Theatre Series continues this month with an electrifying look at one of America's most famous icons, Thomas Edison. Perfect for kids of all ages, Thomas Edison: Fire of Genius plays Jan. 20 & 21 at 11am in the Historic Arcade Theatre. The $12 admission price includes the performance, lunch and a post-show workshop.

Commissioned specially for Florida Rep in 2006 by renowned children's theatre author, Kathryn Schultz Miller, Thomas Edison: Fire of Genius examines landmark events in the great inventor's life and shows us how he became a legend. Edison himself takes the audience on an inspirational journey through his childhood full of woes, the invention of the light bulb, and even chronicles his years spent in Southwest Florida on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River. A fast-paced and zany look at Edison and life at the turn of the 20th century, Fire of Genius gives audiences a rare glimpse into the life and times of "The Wizard of Menlo Park." Edison's journey teaches children that "genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration."

In addition to the Saturday morning performance designed to give families a day at the theatre, the Lunchbox Series features a special performance on Friday, January 20th that is custom-designed as a field trip opportunity for schools, day cares and other groups interested in supplementing their arts curriculum. Both performances include a bagged lunch from Florida Rep's restaurant partner, the Morgan House, a post-show discussion with the actors and an interactive workshop with the Edison & Ford Winter Estates' Wild Wizard.

The production features Florida Rep's acting intern company, Julianne Avolio, Taylor Murphy Hale, Robert Mitchel Owenby and Hallie Wage. These young theatre artists are making their professional debut with Florida Rep, and will spend the season working in many different capacities, but chiefly performing with the Children's Theatre Series.

Florida Rep's Education Director, Rachael Endrizzi (And Then They Came for Me; 13 the Musical), directed the production, and was joined by an expert team of designers - all of whom are residents in their field at Florida Rep. Chris Simpson, the company's technical director, served as the scenic designer, Florida Rep's Assistant Costume Designer, Judith Skyles, designed the costumes, Kate Smith designed the sound, and Props Artisan, Jenn Williams, designed the many inventive and imaginative props that bring Edison's many inventions to vivid life.

Thomas Edison: Fire of Genius by Kathryn Schultz Miller plays in the Historic Arcade Theatre on Friday and Saturday, January, 20 and 21 at 11am. Tickets are $12 and available online at www.floridarepeducation.org or through the box office at 239-332-4488.

Thomas Edison: Fire of Genius is sponsored by LCEC, and Florida Rep's Educational programming is generously sponsored by Grampy's Charities, The City of Fort Myers Public Art Committee, Florida Theatrical Association, Parent & Child Magazine, Publix Charities, The Alliance for the Arts, The Edison & Ford Winter Estates, and Arthur Zupko.

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