Cast Announced for Leo Lionni's FREDERICK at Stages Theatre Company

Stages Theatre Company (STC) invites you and yours to cozy in this winter for the heartwarming story of Frederick as he shows us that everyone has something special to give to the world.

While other mice are gathering food for the winter, Frederick daydreams the summer away. When the cold weather sets in, however, it is Frederick who has stored up something significant to survive the long, blustery winter.

The Caldecott-winning book by beloved author Leo Lionni has been charming readers for 50 years. Adapted by Suzanne Maynard Miller and with music and lyrics by Sarah Durkee and Paul Jacobs this award-winning adaptation, featuring a roots-flavored country and folk-infused score, will delight the heart and tickle the imagination.

"Frederick touches on the importance of art and artists in society," says STC Artistic Director Sandy Boren-Barrett. "When others question what his role or contribution to his community is, Frederick replies: "I do work," said Frederick. "I gather sun rays for the cold dark winter days. I am gathering words. For the winter days are long and many, and we'll run out of things to say."

Here in Minnesota January and February are the "long and many" winter days - we hope to brighten those days for our audiences.

Sophie Farrell of Hopkins plays the title character, while the complete, all-local cast for Leo Lionni's FREDERICK includes: Isaiah Bustamante (Ensemble), Mia Dougherty (Baby), David Gamache (Ernest), Aaron Goehle (Ensemble), Amy Horn (Ensemble), Indra Khariwala (Baby), Hayley Mullins (Ensemble), Gavin Nienaber (Ensemble), Zoey Paulson (Nellie), Hannah Seeman (Ensemble), Madeline Sundheim (Sunny), Israh Ugas (Ensemble), Juanita Vargas (Ensemble) and Grant Witter (Ensemble).

The Creative Team: Artistic Director - Sandy Boren-Barrett, Director - Marilee Mahler, Stage Manager - Kenji Shoemaker, Lighting Designer - Barry Browning, Set Designer - Tiffany Fier, Costume & Make-Up Designer - Samantha Fromm Haddow, Technical Director - Gretchen Katt, Production Manager - Melanie Salmon-Peterson, Choreographer - Nikki Swoboda, Props Designer - Abbee Warmboe, Music Director - Kimberly Willow.

Leo Lionni's Frederick opens Friday, January 19th and runs through Monday, February 19th. It is recommended for all ages. Tickets are on sale now! Visit www.stagestheatre.org for specific performance dates and times, or call the Box Office at (952) 979-1111, option 4, Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults; $14 for seniors, ages 60+ and children.

Our sensory-friendly performance is Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 10:00am. This performance is designed for young people and their families who are on the autism spectrum or have sensory sensitivities.

Here at Stages Theatre Company, it is through the hearts of the young people we serve that we find the world we are inspired to live in. We want our young people to find a world where dreams become a reality, where thinking "outside the box" is not only encouraged, but rewarded and where doing the right thing for a friend reaps the benefits of lifelong love. We want to create a world where greatness is measured by the strength in spirit and by how much you give, not by how much you get. Through the stories we bring to life we are creating a world full of goodness, understanding, make-believe and comfort.

Stages Theatre Company was founded in 1984 and since then has grown to become one of the largest professional theatres for young audiences in the country. We engage young artists with themes relevant to their lives and involve them in creating magical works featuring young people in meaningful roles. Through theatrical productions, workshops, conservatory classes and other outreach programs, Stages Theatre Company annually serves more than 145,000 young people and their families.

Statement of Inclusivity: Stages Theatre Company is dedicated to creating a space where diverse opinions, courageous dialogue, and local, national, and international community engagement is not only valued, but vital to our shared artistic and educational success. We make this pledge in hope of curating a welcome home for all.