Orlando Shakespeare Theater Breaks Box Office Records with A NIGHT IN NEW ORLEANS

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF smashes attendance records with this Fall's production of A Night in New Orleans: A Magic Tree House Adventure. Surpassing the previous record-holder, Charlotte's Web produced in 2003-2004, A Night in New Orleans entertained an impressive 15,252 patrons. Based on the popular Magic Tree House book series by Mary Pope Osborne, A Night in New Orleans was written by Murray Horwitz and Will Osborne, and directed by Steve Mackinnon. The production featured an ensemble cast and a live jazz band, and ran from October 17 through November 23, 2013 at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center in the cultural Loch Haven Park.

Orlando Shakes' A Night in New Orleans: A Magic Tree House Adventure was wildly successful with students, parents, and teachers alike, who loved watching Magic Tree House book characters Jack and Annie come to life on stage. "What an amazing experience," said Kari Bibby of Wekiva Elementary. "The actors were excellent [and] the musicians were fabulous!" In addition to record-breaking attendance numbers, A Night in New Orleans is also the highest grossing Theater for Young Audiences show in Orlando Shakes history, and surpassed the Theater's ticket goal by $24,000. A Night in New Orleans outsold the previous record holder, If You Give A Mouse A Cookie from the 2007-2008 Season, by nearly $4,000.

"We are grateful to Mary Pope Osborne and all of our partners for making A Night In New Orleans: A Magic Tree House Adventure a success!" said Director of Education Anne Hering. "The gifts of reading and live theater have combined to make a huge impact on our student audiences. We look forward to stewarding these young patrons for years to come."

A Night in New Orleans: A Magic Tree House Adventure is part of Orlando Shakes' Theater for Young Audiences (TYA) Series, which also includes The True Story of the Three Little Pigs later this season. Tickets to TYA performances as well as Signature Series and Harriett's New Play Series shows are available by calling (407) 447-1700, visiting www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins Street.

A Night in New Orleans: A Magic Tree House Adventure was sponsored by Massey Services, The City of Orlando, and Mary Palmer & Associates. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of power2give.org/centralflorida, and the collaborative Campaign for the Arts. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

Now celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season, Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF has grown into one of the region's most acclaimed Equity theaters producing classic, contemporary, and children's plays. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and Managing Director PJ Albert, Orlando Shakespeare Theater continues to provide an innovative world-class theatrical experience to its patrons, while showcasing William Shakespeare's legacy as the cornerstone of the company. Through PlayFest and Harriett's New Play Series, Orlando Shakespeare Theater has garnered national recognition for the development of over 100 new works within the past 10 years. Orlando Shakes also provides award-winning educational programming, serving Central Florida schools and the local community at large.

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