Pushcart Players to Perform RED RIDING HOOD AND OTHER STORIES Throughout Ocean County

Pushcart Players, New Jersey's award-winning touring theater for young audiences presents free performances of "Red Riding Hood and Other Stories" during March throughout Ocean County Libraries in Little Egg Harbor, Manchester, Woodbury and Point Pleasant, NJ.

The production is sponsored by NJ Theatre Alliance's Stages Festival, a month-long presentation of free and discounted performances, workshops and other events at New Jersey's professional theaters, libraries, senior centers, and other non-traditional performance venues.

"Red Riding Hood and Other Stories" is an enchanting collection of classic tales. 'The Princess and the Pea,' 'The Emperor's New Clothes,' 'All's Well That Ends Well,' and the title piece, 'Little Red Riding Hood' make for a fast-paced production. Infused with lively musical numbers and brimming with humor, the production offers an opportunity to discuss values, ethics and moral considerations in a relevant and accessible platform.

"These time-honored fables provide a perfect introduction to live theater for young viewers," said Ruth Fost, Pushcart's co-founder and playwright / lyricist for the production. "We've dressed the stories with a twinkle, a grin and a contemporary spin!"

The cast includes: Oscar Castillo, Stacie Gogo, Christina Gordon, JD Lynch and Phebe Taylor. Paul Whelihan directs the production. Choreography is by Susie Paplow.

Music is by Sandi Zimmermann. Incidental music and orchestrations are by Larry Hochman, who won the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for his co-orchestration of "The Book of Mormon." Hochman's orchestrations include Broadway's "Monty Python's Spamalot," "The Addams Family" and "Jane Eyre."

Since it's founding in 1974, Pushcart Players has traveled over 2 million miles nationally and abroad, from the White House to the little red schoolhouse. Nominated for an Emmy©, the organization is the recipient of numerous state and private awards for excellence and innovation. Pushcart addresses social studies, literature, history, the autism spectrum, special educational needs and values clarification. All performances by professional artists (Actors' Equity Association) are supported by study guides and other supplemental materials, and adapt to any location with innovative scenery, lighting and sound systems.

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

PHOTO CREDIT: Gerry Goodstein