Village Theatre Presents 'Henry and Mudge'

 Village Theatre Pied Piper presents the new musical Henry and Mudge, based on the award-winning book series. Henry and Mudge has been getting great reviews since it premiered off-Broadway in 2006 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre.

Henry and Mudge is based on the book by Cynthia Rylant and artist Suçie Stevenson, with book and lyrics by Kait Kerrigan, and music by Brian Lowdermilk. Lyricist/composer team of Kerrigan and Lowdermilk are one of the most successful and dynamic young duos in musical theatre today. They are the 2006 recipients of a Jonathan Larson Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre.

Cynthia Rylant's best-selling children's book about a lonesome boy and his 180-pound canine

set the stage for a brand new musical. Henry discovers that having a pet is a big responsibility; pets need to be fed and taken out for walks, and, of course, they need lots of love and play time. When Henry's best friend Annie pays a visit, even non-dog owners will recognize the jealousy in this story as the two friends compete for Mudge's love and attention. Kerrigan comments on these characters by saying, "Rylant and Stevenson created relatable characters who played in the leaves together and went on road trips. I especially love that Henry and Mudge learned how to communicate not magically but very realistically and that moved me."

The production is directed by Peter Flynn (Broadway concerts of On the Twentieth Century, Chess, Funny Girl) and the Lortel-nominated choreography is by Devavand Janki (Lortel Award-winner for Zanna Don't). Flynn and Janki recently collaborated on TheatreworksUSA's hit production of Junie B. Jones, the highest selling Pied Piper show to date. Scenic design is by Paul C. Weimer and costume design is by Rob Bevenger. This 60-minute musical is recommended for audiences age 4 and up.

In addition to the public performance, school matinee performances of Henry and Mudge will also take place at McIntyre Hall (May 20, 2008, 10:00 AM and Noon), and at the Everett Performing Arts Center (May 21-22, 2008, 10:00 AM and Noon). School performances may be arranged by calling Village Theatre's Youth Education office at (425) 257-6343.

Families are interested in getting a taste for this show before May 18, 2008, can attend the Story Performance, led by Pied Piper Manager Erica Weir. These engaging and interactive 15-minute readings expand upon the themes and books associated with this particular Pied Piper performance, and take place at Imagine Children's Museum on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at the following times: 11:15 AM, 11:45 AM, 12:15 PM, and 12:45 PM.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Michelle Sanders at (425) 392-1942 x124 or at msanders@villagetheatre.org.

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