BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA Comes To The Rose Main Stage 4/2-18

Children and adults alike will be captivated by the powerfully special friendship growing in "Terabithia"on stage at The Rose Theater, April 2 to 18. Based on the Newbery Award-winning novel by Katherine Paterson, Bridge to Terabithia is a heartwarming play about two eighth-graders whocreate a fantasy kingdom, free from those who don't understand them.

Bridge to Terabithia tells the story of a boy and a girl growing up in rural Virginia. Jesse, alienated by his family and his peers, is desperate to become something special. Leslie, a new girl from thecity, moves in next door and introduces him to a world of imagination. Together, they create the fantasy world they call "Terabithia." "The imaginary kingdom is an analogy of the friendship shared by the main characters," said director Jim Hoggatt. "We all feel lonely or like outcasts at times in our lives and long for deep, truecamaraderie. I think children will enjoy seeing themselves in the story."In a tragic twist, Leslie falls into the creek when she's swinging on the rope into Terabithia and Jesse must find strength in the magic without her by his side. He builds a bridge to Terabithia and invites hislittle sister into the enchanting world. The combination of a script by Bridge to Terabithia author herself, a lyrical musical score, artful sets and a talented cast will make for a charming production on The Rose main stage. The show is recommended for ages 8 to adult.

Bridge to Terabithia will be presented April 2 to 18 at The Rose with performances each Friday at 7 p.m., and each Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. There will not be a performance on Sunday, April 4. The show will run 75 minutes without intermission.

Tickets are $16 and may be purchased at The Rose Box Office, located at 2001 Farnam Street, bytelephone at (402) 345-4849 or online at www.rosetheater.org. Rose members receive four freetickets. Discount ticket vouchers are available at all Omaha and Council Bluffs-area Hy-Vee Food Stores.

The Rose's 2009/2010 season is sponsored by Children's Hospital & Medical Center. Bridge to Terabithia is sponsored by KGOR 99.9 and the Nebraska Arts Council. Play by Katherine Paterson and Stephanie Tolan. Music by Steve Liebman. Based on the novel The Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. Piano/Synthesizer arrangement by Scott Kausbam. Premiere Production by STAGE ONE, The Louisville Children's Theatre, Oct. 1, 1990.