Arden Theatre Company Presents IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE 4/14-6/13

This spring, Arden Theatre Company's presents If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, an adaptation of Laura Joffe Numeroff's beloved bestselling book, from April 14 - June 13, 2010 as part of Arden Children's Theatre.

"If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and the entire series of Laura Joffe Numeroff's books, has been recognizable and well-loved for 25 years! We are thrilled that children will see this book first hand on the Arden stage. I'm sure audiences of all ages will enjoy our take on this adventure story," said Arden's Producing Artistic Director Terrence J. Nolen.

Who thought that one cookie could lead to so much chaos? If You Give a Mouse a Cookie comes to life when an innocent boy generously offers a cookie to a demanding little mouse. This singular action triggers a series of escalating requests that result in mayhem - and a lot of fun! Arden Children's Theatre spins this tiny tale into a charming and sophisticated story that stays true to the beloved book and teaches a valuable lesson of cause and effect.

Director Whit MacLaughlins says "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is like a Bro-mance Movie, but the police don't come; like a disaster story, but no boats turn upside down and no tall buildings catch on fire. What starts out being a normal day ends up going pretty badly." MacLaughlin has directed many Arden Children's Theatre productions including A Year with Frog and Toad, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach and many others. MacLaughlin's background creating experimental theatre (New Paradise Laboratories) energizes his theatre for young audiences to create a dynamic, engaging experience for kids and parents alike.

For If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, MacLaughlin will create a world to scale for an 8 year old boy, one that will be destroyed at every performance. All sets and props, which are being built especially for this production, will be appropriately oversized for the two actors in the cast. Steve Pacek (Les Miserables at Walnut Street Theatre, Little Shop of Horrors at Theatre Horizon/11th Hour Theatre Company) plays the mouse who wants a cookie and the boy who indulges him with his request, leading to a huge catastrophe is David Raphaely (Sleeping Beauty and A Prayer for Owen Meany at the Arden).

Recommended for families with children ages five and older, every performance of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie includes a post-show question and answer session with the cast, an opportunity to meet the actors in the lobby after the performance, and a free commemorative show poster for all kids. This production is sponsored by Comcast and Sprout.

Arden Children's Theatre offers affordable ticket prices and the same high quality production values as the company's main stage shows. The design team includes costume designer Richard St. Clair (Barrymore Award winner for Arden's Children Theatre productions Sleeping Beauty and The Dinosaur Musical), set designer David Gordon (Arden Theatre Company's The Seafarer and Assassins), sound designer Jorge Cousineau (multi-Barrymore award winner and frequent Arden collaborator), and lighting designer Drew Billiau.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie performances begin on Wednesday, April 14. Preview performances run April 14, 15, 16 and 17. Opening night is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, April 17. The run has already been extended through June 13 to accommodate the demand for tickets. A full performance calendar is available online at http://www.ardentheatre.org/calendar/

Single ticket prices are $16-$32, with discounts for kids, teens and seniors. Groups of 20+ enjoy significant discounts; please inquire about group rates. Call the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122, order online at www.ardentheatre.org, or visit the box office.

The Arden is proud to announce the Target 2 for 1 Family Series, a ticket discount program generously sponsored by Target. This program offers two tickets for the price of one during selected performances of Peter Pan. Please refer to the show calendars at www.ardentheatre.org for the designated performances. There is a limit of four discounted orders (8 tickets) per transaction, available while supplies last.

Families are also invited to attend the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Family Salon on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 2pm, an exclusive backstage event where adults and children learn about all the behind the scenes magic of how Arden shows are produced. Go on an all access tour of the Arden, explore the set, meet your favorite actors, and learn how we create special effects. This family fun filled day is best enjoyed after seeing the production. Refreshments will be served. Tickets are $25 per family and can be purchased by calling the box office at 215.922.1122

To further enhance the performance experience, kids ages 7 and older are invited to join the Family Usher Network (FUN) with their adult chaperones. FUN gives kids a behind-the-scenes peek at how plays are created, instills the value of community involvement and teaches valuable social skills. FUN ushers receive an exclusive backstage tour, hand out programs, tear tickets, seat patrons and help straighten up the theatre after the show. For information call the box office at 215.922.1122.

The Arden is fully wheelchair accessible and provides assisted listening devices and large-print programs at every performance. Reservations are required for accessible seating and may be made by calling the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122. An ASL performance is scheduled for Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 12pm.

Arden Theatre Company also offers Arden Drama School, a wide array of classes and day camps for elementary through high school aged children, including a special If You Give a Mouse a Cookie acting class on Monday, May 3 for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade. Details can be found on the company's kid-friendly website: www.ardendramaschool.com