ALICE IN WONDERLAND & More Set for Pushcart Players' 2014-15 Season

Pushcart Players, New Jersey's award-winning theatre for young audiences, announces the 2014-15 Season of productions now being scheduled for performances in schools, theatres, production houses and community centers throughout the United States. In Pushcart's 40th anniversary of stirring up serious fun, the repertoire is an exceptional mix of musical performances exploring history, literature, values clarification and cultural diversity.

Celebrating New Jersey is a timely folk musical that coincides with New Jersey's 350th Anniversary. Exploring a most creative period in the Garden State's history (from the first settlers to the American Revolution, from the writing of the Constitution to the significant participation in the Civil War, from Thomas Edison's life-changing work in West Orange to the pivotal role in industry), Celebrating New Jersey is a spirited and stylish look at the innovation and diversity that define New Jersey.

Pushcart puts its trademark spin on the classic, Alice in Wonderland. "This is perhaps one of the best-known stories for children," said Paul Whelihan, who directs the brand-new production. "People often view this as a 'girl's story' and appropriate for 'little kids.' But it's much more than that, especially with Pushcart's insightful perspective; ours is about adolescent discovery. It crosses gender and age lines, and is funny and thought-provoking all at once. Children aren't the only ones growing up. Parents are part of the deal and we can - we should - continue to grow."

An enchanting adaptation of favorite tales, Red Riding Hood and Other Stories visits the "once upon a time" world of 'The Princess and the Pea,' 'The Emperor's New Clothes,' 'All's Well That Ends Well,' and the title piece, 'Little Red Riding Hood.' The fast-paced production, while infused with lively musical numbers and brimming with humor, offers a gentle opportunity to discuss ethics and moral considerations in a relevant and accessible platform.

Stone Soup...and other stories is a charming compilation of favorites from Africa, India, Eastern Europe and the United States of America. Each tale introduces the spirit and customs of these unique cultures and provides a springboard for reading, while also posing universal value clarification issues.

"The time-honored fables in both productions provide a perfect introduction to live theatre for young viewers," said Ruth Fost, Pushcart's co-founder, executive director and playwright / lyricist for all productions. "We've dressed the stories with a contemporary twinkle and a grin!"

A Season of Miracles is a multi-cultural collection of holiday tales that celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa and Chanukah. Stories within this delightful musical include O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi, E.T.A. Hoffmann's The Nutcracker, an original tale set in Nigeria entitled The Kwanzaa Kite and The Chanukah Miracle, a Chelm story. Crafted and set to music with the distinctive tone of each piece, this magical presentation warms the hearts - and perhaps changes the perspectives - of family audiences as they reflect on the true meaning and spirit of the season.

The Last, The Very Last...Butterfly is Pushcart's ground-breaking Holocaust education piece. The artwork, poetry and narrative of children of the Terezin concentration camp are the elements of this noted piece. The production sparks inquiry and discussion, and serves as a powerful source of inspiration and perspective for today's young people.

Pushcart Players has traveled over 2 million miles nationally and abroad to serve more than 8 million children and their families with meaningful theatre. From the White House in the nation's capital to the little red schoolhouse in the nation's rural sprawl, Pushcart' Emmy-nominated performances are noted for excellence and innovation. A cast of professional Equity actors and stage managers performs each piece.

Ruth Fost, who writes the scripts, designs the sets, builds the costumes and inspires the company to dream and discover new frontiers in educational theater guides the creative team. She has done so for all forty years of Pushcart's history. Stephanie Carr joined Pushcart Players in 1998 and has been an actor (appearing in more than 2000 mainstage performances), director, administrator, and currently serves as Managing Director.

Artistic direction is by Paul Whelihan, who directed the majority of Pushcart's productions. He performed, directed and stage-managed off-Broadway (47th Street Theater, 59 East 59 Theatres, NY Fringe Festival) and regionally (Royal Poinciana Playhouse, Broward Center for the Arts, Centenary Stage, The Growing Stage, Luna Stage Company, Forum Cultural Arts Center, Quillo Arts Center, Dreamcatcher Rep).

Pushcart co-founder Carole Wechter wrote the music for most of the productions, (music for 'Red Riding Hood and Other Stories' is by Sandi Zimmermann) and all orchestrations are by Larry Hochman (who also composed the music for 'A Season of Miracles' and 'The Last, The Very Last...Butterfly'). Hochman won both the Tony and the Drama Desk awards for best orchestrations for "The Book of Mormon." He received Tony nominations for "The Scottsboro Boys," "Monty Python's Spamalot," (Hochman received Drama Desk nominations for both), Fiddler on the Roof (2004 revival) and "A Class Act."

Pushcart Players provides innovative scenery, complete lighting and sound systems, making performances adaptable to any location. Study guides and other supplemental materials enhance the educational benefits.

For further information on this or any of Pushcart's programs and services, contact Pushcart Players at 973.857.1115, or visit www.pushcartplayers.org.

PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Viccaro

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