The Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company Presents A GNOME FOR CHRISTMAS, Now thru 12/23

The Imaginary Theatre Company, the young audiences touring ensemble of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, will present the premiere of a new children's musical, A Gnome for Christmas, this holiday season. Adapted by playwright Sarah Brandt and composer Stephen James Neale, this 45-minute performance, suitable for all ages, is a musical that reminds us of the importance of helping others and the happiness found in friends.

The Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company, supported by a $25,000 grant from Brown Shoe Company and a $25,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund, will present A Gnome for Christmas today, Dec. 15 and Dec. 20, 21 and 22, at 11 a.m., as well as 3 p.m. performances on the 15, 22, and 23, at the Heagney Theatre on the campus of Nerinx Hall High School, 530 East Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves. Tickets are $6.

"The Rep is honored to team up with Brown Shoe Company and the Monsanto Fund," said Steve Woolf, artistic director of The Rep. "We are thrilled that we can share our production of A Gnome for Christmas with more audiences because of receiving this funding."

The Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company series includes three productions performed at schools, libraries and community centers throughout the St. Louis area October through April. The series introduces live theatre to children through the use of literature, folk tales, fairy tales and new adaptations of classic works and also includes special public performances.

"Brown Shoe Company is dedicated to being a good corporate citizen to the St. Louis community by supporting creative productions like The Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company's A Gnome for Christmas," said Peggy Reilly-Tharp, VP, Investor Relations oF Brown Shoe Company. "We applaud the messages in the program around generosity, kindness and friendship - important lessons for children of all ages."

"The Monsanto Fund is proud to support The Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company and its pursuit to expose young people in our community to live theatre," said Deborah Patterson, president, the Monsanto Fund. "Experiencing these high-quality live performances, like A Gnome for Christmas, inspires children to expand and apply their own creativity."

The cast of A Gnome for Christmas is Monique Hafen as Lulu; Alan Knoll as Leonard; Jerome Lowe as Timmy; and Laurie McConnell as Agatha Tode and Frank.

The creative staff also includes Doug Finlayson, Director; Scott Loebl, scenic designer; Lou Bird, costume designer; and Ashley Newman, stage manager.

For more information about The Rep's production of A Gnome for Christmas, including a guide introducing the characters, plot and background on the play; photos related to the production; and to purchase tickets, visit The Rep's comprehensive public website at http://www.repstl.org or call the Box Office at (314) 968-4925.