Photo Flash: Arden Theatre Company's FLEA AND THE PROFESSOR

Arden Theatre company offers 2 for 1 tickets to The Flea and the Professor, thanks to Target.

Based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen, this new musical is written by Jordan Harrison with music by Richard Gray, lyrics by Harrison and Gray and directed by Anne Kauffman. Best enjoyed by families with children ages 5 and older, The Flea and the Professor will be on stage May 4-June 12, 2011.

The following performances are part of the Target 2 for 1 Family Series:

Fridays at 7pm: May 6, 13, 20, June 3, 10

Saturdays at 12pm: May 7, 14

Saturdays at 4pm: May 14

Sundays at 12pm and 4pm: May 8, 15

Target 2 for 1 Tickets are just $8-$16 each (standard prices $16-$32). Tickets can be ordered online at www.ardentheatre.org, by calling 215.922.1122 , or by visiting the Box Office at 40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia PA 19106. There is a limit of four discounted orders (8 tickets) per transaction, available while supplies last.

Since Target began sponsoring the 2 for 1 series in 2007, the Arden has provided over 14,000 tickets to families at a 50% discount. This grant is part of ongoing efforts by Target provide access to the arts and to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. Since opening its doors, Target has given 5 percent of its income to organizations that support education, the arts, social services and volunteerism. Today that translates to more than $3 million every week.

"At Target, our local grants are making a difference in the communities we serve," said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. "We're proud to partner with Arden Theatre Company as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work." Target has already renewed its commitment to the Arden and will continue to sponsor this series in the 2011/12 Season.

About The Flea and the Professor:
A young professor loses everything in the world but the flea who lives in his vest. And that turns out to be plenty. He and the flea become the best of friends, start a circus act, and set off to tour the world. Together the heroes must overcome shipwrecks, cannibals, and tickling. Adapted from the last story by the author of The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and The Emperor's New Clothes, this new musical odyssey celebrates the excitement of the unknown with catchy songs and fantastical stage magic that will entertain children and parents alike.

Every performance of The Flea and the Professor 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.

The Arden is 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's Box Office at 215.922.1122 . ASL interpreted performances, signed by Hands UP Productions, will be held Tuesday, May 17 at 10:30am and Saturday, May 21 at 4pm.

THE FLEA AND THE PROFESSOR is produced under the auspices of the Arden's Independence Foundation New Play Showcase.

THE FLEA AND THE PROFESSOR has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage through the Philadelphia Theatre Initiative.

The commissioning of THE FLEA AND THE PROFESSOR was made possible by the generous support of the Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Arts Education Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation.

This play is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Photo Credit: Dan Plehal

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