BWW JR: Introducing The New York Children's Theater Festival

It's finally here!  The first festival created for the development of children's theatre in New York is happening next month, and they've just announced their fab lineup of original, family-friendly shows! 

It took a panel of over 30 industry professionals to make the pics, including Kevin ("Elmo") Clash, Cheryl Henson (President, The Henson Foundation), John Tartaglia (Emmy, Tony, and Drama Desk Award nominated actor, producer, puppeteer), Thomas Schumacher (President, Disney Theatrical Productions), and Michael Jung, (Vice President, Theatrical Development, Walt Disney Imagineering). 

The festival will premiere April 20 and run through May 5 at The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater (10 West 64^th Street at Central Park West). Tickets are $18 and are available through Ovationtix, (866) 811-4111 or at www.newyorkchildrenstheaterfestival.org/tickets.html. 

"The Festival was established to provide a birthplace in New York City for live children's entertainment and serve as a developmental platform for those passionate about creating innovative theatre experiences for children," says festival co-founder Michael Shawn Lewis.  "These productions will colorfully add to the spectrum of theater offerings for children and meet our goal to help foster theater audiences.  We are grateful that these pieces entered the competition, and cannot wait to showcase them."

So without further ado, may we present the original productions that will be presented this Spring at the first New York Children's Theatre Festival! 

GO GREEN! PRINCE CHARMING'S QUEST FOR LOVE AND ECOLOGY IN NYC

Friday April 20 at 5:30 PM; Saturday April 21 at 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM 

Music by Mary Feinsinger, Book and Lyrics by Joan Ross Sorkin. 

Go Green! is a musical fairy tale about a modern-day Prince Charming who must choose between his passion for saving the earth or completing his quest to preserve true love forevermore.  Festival co-founder Chelsey Shannon says, "Go Green! is an up-beat original story with unexpected twists and turns, making it exciting and fun for kids to follow. It has catchy music which totally hooked me and combines classic fairy tales with the idea of being green. Kids will be thrilled to see what Prince Charming would rather be doing with his free time."  

SCHEME OF THE SUPERBULLIES

Friday April 27 at 5:30 PM; Saturday April 28 at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM

Book, Music and Lyrics by Ross Wade

When mad scientist Countess von Cooties forms the League of Super Bullies, fiercely independent superhero Princess Dodgeball must learn to accept help from her friends (and the audience) to save her school, in this original musical.  Lewis says, "Scheme of the Superbullies has colorful characters and a totally energetic story that caught my eye right off the bat. The show has very relevant themes that are important to address, and the songs are truly hilarious!"  

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT

Friday May 4 at 5:30 PM; Saturday May 5 at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM

Adapted by Andrew M. Frodahl, based on Margery Williams' classic story

The classic story comes to life in this new version featuring live actors and puppets. A journey through time, this enchanting production focuses on the power of love and friendship.  Festival co-founder Renee Barnett says, "This is a wonderful approach to a heartfelt classic; a beautifully touching adaptation that children and adults will relate to."

Erin Leigh Peck is a New York based actor, writer and mother. She has performed on and off Broadway, in regional theatre and on tour, in films and on television. She most recently appeared Off-Broadway in The Toxic Avenger Musical and can often be seen on television in various commercials. Erin's play Mother of Mine is a contemporary 'dramedy' about pregnancy, parenthood and postpartum. She is the proud and busy mother of two extremely awesome kids. Please visit her web site, www.ErinLeighPeck.com.

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