CFTA to Present MY SON PINOCCHIO Jr., 5/9-25

The Center for the Arts located at the corner of Church and College streets off of the square in Murfreesboro introduces Disney's MY SON PINOCCHIO Jr., The show presents an endearing twist on the classic tale of toymaker Geppetto and his little wooden puppet Pinocchio. This new musical, which retells the classic Disney story from Geppetto's perspective, features the beloved songs "When You Wish Upon a Star" and "I've Got No Strings," alongside a host of new songs by Oscar- and Grammy Award-winner Stephen Schwartz, tackling timely issues about what it means to be "the perfect child" - and what it means to be "a real father."

Join the Blue Fairy, Stromboli and a lively cast of characters as Geppetto journeys beyond the toy shop to discover the meaning of family.

Disney's MY SON PINOCCHIO JR. is a magical mix of heartwarming fairy tale and action-packed adventure. Audiences will love following Pinocchio's journey from an awkward wooden puppet to a real live boy and will be charmed by Geppetto's transformation from demanding creator to real live father.

The Center for the Arts and the show's director, Amy Baltimore, insisted on making this theater experience a true Junior production and cast only children, ages 7 - 12. The Center for the Arts is very focused on theater education and works diligently to provide family-centered, child-appropriate opportunities for children to develop new skills and will continue to cultivate their love for theater by encouraging the development of talent these young people already possess. With musical director, Sam Hagler, and choreographer, Tucky Myhre, the creative team of MY SON PINOCCHIO Jr. has captured the magic of the timeless story and brought it to life for our community.

Under the tireless guidance of producer, Krissa Seifert, MY SON PINOCCHIO Jr., offers multiple opportunities for families to get involved. Starting May 9th through May 25th each Saturday matinee also has a luncheon themed after the raucous fun and games of Pleasure Island. Tickets for the luncheon include admission to the Saturday matinee performance as well as an opportunity to interact with the characters from the show, play games that will be part of the show, and get their picture with their favorite character. But beware, kids who attend the luncheon may not leave Pleasure Island exactly the way they came! MY SON PINOCCHIO Jr. will also be performing school shows on May 13th and 15th, as well as May 20th and 22nd. Check with your child's teacher to see if their class will be attending.

The Center for the Arts not only provides opportunities for kids to take their talents to the stage, but also offers Summer drama camp sessions encompassing ages 4 - 18. Center Stage Academy is organized and directed by Amy Baltimore and includes vocal instruction and theatrical choreography instruction as well as an introduction to the more technical aspects of theater production.

In the month of June, rising 2nd graders through age 12 are encouraged to sign up for either a beginner level 2 week program, or a more intermediate 2 week program. For costs and availability, check the Center's website under "education" at www.boroarts.org, or call the Center at (615)904-2787.

Beginning June 2nd and culminating in a performance on Saturday, June 14th, the first two week program provides kids with an introduction to musical theater. They will learn the ins and outs of musical theater complete with vocal and theatrical choreography instruction. The last two weeks of June are specifically designed to meet the needs of rising 2nd graders through age 12 who want to develop the skills and talents they have already put to the test. These drama campers should have already attended a drama camp, or have had experience performing in a show. These 2 weeks will not be an introduction to musical theater, but rather an opportunity for a group of young thespians who are ready to go the next level of their theatrical experience and try their hand at an aspect of musical theater which they may not be as familiar, such as lighting design or costuming. The talents they uncover during this 2 week session will be showcased in a performance on Saturday June 28th.

After a break for the 4th of July, Center Stage Academy picks up on July 7th with Teen Camp. These 2 weeks for ages 13 - 18 immerse campers in the world of musical theater. Participants will have the opportunity to produce, direct, design, choreograph, costume, etc. a show of their choice. Their performance on July 19th will truly be a showcase of their talents and creativity.

Finally, beginning July 21st Center Stage Academy provides a Mini Camp perfect for our rising stars. Ages 4 - 6 can attend a day-camp from 9am - 12pm for one week. This mini camp will teach your little drama queen or king to focus their dramatic energy into musical theater through theatrical dance, experimentation with instruments, stage movement, costuming and makeup, and a variety of theater games and activities. Space is limited; so contact the Center as soon as possible to learn more.

The education and development of young thespians continues at the Center for the Arts with an opportunity for our brightest stars to shine through the newly created Teen Advisory Board. With executive Director, Tim Smith, and Amy Baltimore acting as chair persons for this board, students ages 13 - 18 submit resumes once a year, are interviewed, and chosen specifically to represent the very active teen participation at the Center. This year Kennon Cliche, Hannah Collins, Casey Jones, and Lydia McLaurin were selected as the pioneer members of the newly created Teen Advisory Board. Their goal is to enhance the experience of the teen population at the Center with workshops, community service projects, and fun events such as a Tony Awards viewing party. As part of their membership on this board, they are given a voice at the Center making recommendations for improvements to the program and submitting their choices to the Center's Executive Director for future teen show selections. Members of the Teen Advisory Board are also offered the opportunity to put their impressive set of skills and talents to use as part of the production team for the Center's Junior show presentations. Lydia McLaurin is currently using her many talents and attention to detail by serving as Assistant Director for MY SON PINOCCHIO Jr., and Kennon Cliche is lending his significantly creative eye to developing the technical aspects of the show as Technical Director overseeing the details of lighting and sound design and implementation.

Young thespians and their families take center stage at the Center for the Arts. For more ways you and your family can get involved, or to see details about the 2014 performance schedule of Center Stage Series musicals and the new Gallery Series productions, please visit the Center's website at www.boroarts.org or call 904-2786.