15 Local Kids Cast in 'Whistle Down the Wind' at 5th Ave

The 5th Avenue Theatre has cast 15 Puget Sound area children in the US premiere touring production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Whistle Down the Wind. Twenty-three children are featured in this inspirational musical about the innocence of children and the transformative power of love. Eight young actors travel with the touring production, and 15 local kids have been cast for the run at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre November 13 - December 2.

Hundreds of local students responded to the Theatre's open casting call for the children's ensemble. The following talented kids landed the roles: Lauren Carlos, Brayden Daher, Natalie Dungey, Drea Gordon, Alexandria Gray, Mariah Lotz, Elijah Ostrow, Mary Rising, Aaron Smith, Isabella Stachurski, Kaija Stern, Sam Tacher, Keaton Whittaker, Elijah Williams and Paris Williams. The children range in age from 6 to 12, live in Seattle, Mukilteo, Shoreline, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Kirkland, Redmond, Issaquah, Bothell and Burien, and hail from area schools such as Washington Middle School, Grand Ridge Elementary and St. Monica Catholic School. Many of the kids are making their 5th Avenue stage debut. Keaton Whittaker, 11, starred in The 5th Avenue's production of White Christmas last season, and Elijah Williams, 11, appeared in The Wizard of Oz in 2003.

"Whistle Down the Wind is an uplifting musical about a young Louisiana girl who finds a mysterious stranger and hides him from the townspeople, who are determined to find the escaped felon," explain press notes.  The US premiere production partners renowned rock lyricist Jim Steinman and Andrew Lloyd Webber to create a score inspired by the sounds of the American South - blues, gospel, country and rock 'n' roll. Directed and produced by Bill Kenwright, Whistle Down the Wind features award-winning songs including the Boyzone smash hit "No Matter What."

Tickets to Whistle Down the Wind are priced from $20 - $77. Tickets are available over the phone by calling 206-625-1900 (toll free 888-5TH-4TIX), online at www.5thavenue.org or in person at the box office in downtown Seattle. There is no service charge when purchasing tickets in person at The 5th Avenue Theatre Box Office.

Whistle Down the Wind  performs November 13 - December 2.  Previews are November 13 & 14.  Show times are Tuesday - Fridays at 8PM; Saturdays at 2PM & 8PM; and Sundays at 1:30PM & 7PM. No Thursday Evening performance November 22. No Sunday evening performance December 2. Added Monday evening performance: November 19 at 7:30PM