Dallas Children's Theatre

About DCT

DCT Press Releases  
Press Contact: Lisa Schreiner, Public Relations Manager, Lisa.Schreiner@dct.org, 214-978-0110 ext. 143.

2008 - 2009 Press Releases:
DCT ON TOUR - MUFARO'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS - .pdf
SANTA'S HOLIDAY FOR STRINGS - KATHY BURKS THEATRE OF PUPPETRY ARTS - .pdf
MADELINE'S CHRISTMAS - .pdf
THE MUMMY'S CLAW - .pdf
LILLY'S PURPLE PLASTIC PURSE - .pdf



Publicity Photos
High-resolution images are available to Download for media use only.
To receive additional information, please contact PR Manager
Lisa.Schreiner@dct.org or 214-978-0110 ext. 143.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dallas Children’s Theater
Presents

MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS
Based on the book by Ludwig Bemelmans
Book and Lyrics by Jennifer Kirkeby
Music by Shirley Mier

November 21 – December 21, 2008

“In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines, lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.  They left the house at half past nine.  The smallest one was Madeline.”

(Dallas, TX)  Joyeux Noël and Bonne Annee!  Celebrate the season in picturesque Paris with the famous and precocious little sweetheart adored by generations for her bravery and kindness.  Dallas Children’s Theater (DCT) soars into the holidays with MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS playing November 21  – December 21, 2008 in the Baker Theater at DCT’s Rosewood Center for Family Arts.

Madeline fans are in for a treat with this charming musical adaptation of Bemelmans’ beloved heroine on a whirlwind adventure across Paris.  Director Nancy Schaeffer states, “Everything familiar about the book and its illustrations is featured in the show, with a few new inventions such as names and personalities for all of Madeline’s schoolmates.  Of course, Madeline is as independent and fearless as ever, and fans of all ages will fall in love with Madeline’s irrepressible spirit all over again.”

Ludwig Bemelmans’ first Madeline book was published in 1939, and was named a Caldecott Honor book.  The next, “Madeline’s Rescue”, received a Caldecott Medal and all five of its sequels have become classics, inspiring dolls, games, cartoons and even a major motion picture.  Madeline’s popularity with girls and boys is a result of her feisty, spunky personality.  For three generations Madeline has been a role model for girls learning to speak their mind, explore their individuality and understand that femininity includes being clever, smart and strong.  The Madeline legacy continues to grow as Bemelmans’ grandson, John Bemelmans Marciano, a self taught artist like his grandfather, carries on his family heritage with a new book, “Madeline and the Cats of Rome”, published in September 2008.  The stage adaptation of MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS was commissioned and first produced by Stages Theatre Company in Hopkins, Minnesota in 2004, and this holiday season, DCT is proud to bring this endearing and gutsy little redhead to the Rosewood Center.

Wonderful, catchy songs borrow lyrics from Bemelmans’ text, and elaborate on the original story.  Musical Director, B. Wolf, states, “The essence of the book is perfectly captured in this outstanding score.  It is lighthearted, happy and heartwarming.”  Delightful “Bonne Annee” portrays French flavor and flare, while a blend of woodwinds and percussion gives “Abracadabra” a Middle Eastern style.  Group numbers like “Madeline” and “Achoo” demonstrate the special camaraderie of Miss Clavel and her girls.

It’s nearly Christmas and Paris is cold and chilly, but Miss Clavel and the “twelve little girls” go to the zoo for a bit of fresh air.  When they return to the “old house” they realize they have forgotten their scarves, all except Madeline that is, and she is thrust into the role of caretaker as the cook, Miss Clavel, and all her schoolmates come down with the flu.  With a knock on the front door, Madeline encounters Harsha, a Magical Rug Merchant who helps her turn tragedy into triumph as all the girls’ Christmas wishes come true!

Costume Designer Laurie Land takes inspiration directly from the storybook with yellow flat sailor hats and identical blue coats for the girls.  Based on Bemelmans’ illustrations, Set Designer Randel Wright brings to life all the charm of Paris in winter, replete with classical lines, structure and romance.  DCT’s new state of the art rigging system, Vortek, a technical enhancement that transforms set changes with the push of a button, will create an impressive illusion of a magic carpet ride across Paris on Christmas Eve.  Combined with special effects and a twinkling night sky by Lighting Designer Linda Blase, audiences are in for a dazzling theatrical treat. 

MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS is a French delight filled with surprising miracles and joyous song.  Join us for a merry magic carpet ride!  Enjoyed by ages five and above.


SPECIAL EVENT PARTY: MADELINE’S NOËL FETE
Experience Madeline’s holiday journey through Paris at our Madeline’s Noël Fete in the Gables after the Sunday, November 30th, 4:30 pm performance of MADELINE’S CHISTMAS.  The whole family will enjoy a French holiday with Père Noël, a picnic supper, holiday pastries courtesy of The Purple Cow and many more enchanting treats!  Decorate DCT’s very own Eiffel Tower with Christmas decorations made during the party.  Magic carpets for families of up to eight are $500.  Take home a commemorative “magic carpet,” a keepsake picture of your children digitally superimposed on DCT’s cover art of MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS and more.  Contact the DCT Development Department for reservations at 214-978-0110 or click “Support Us” at www.dct.org.  Seating is limited. 


SPECIAL VISIT BY JENNIFER KIRKEBY
Dallas Children's Theater announces that Jennifer Kirkeby, adapter of book and lyrics for MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS, will attend the opening night performance on Friday, November 21 at 7:30pm.  She will be available to meet and greet patrons after the performance.

CAST
Madeline – Madeleine Crenshaw/Colleen Breen
Regine – Tiffany Tubb/Madison Kaminski
Isabelle – Katie Dryer/Katherine Freel
Kate – Logan Herod/Mary Ehrlicher
Dominique – Charlotte Showalter/Malley Morales
Amy – Eliza Palter/Libby Shelmire
Mary – Phyllis Luedke/Noelle Low
Juliette – Ashley Cabiltes/Abigail Jackson
Simone – Gemma McLarty/Virginia Beshears
Daphne – Lauren Hamm/Lauren Riek
Camille – Neali Lambert/Annika Smith
Anne – Olivia Jennings/Emily Routman
Miss Clavel – Lisa Schreiner*
Monsieur Brun/Harsha – David Lugo*
Mrs. Murphy – Amy Mills*

ARTISTIC TEAM
Director - Nancy Schaeffer
Music Director – B. Wolf
Scenic Designer - Randel Wright
Lighting Designer - Linda Blase
Costume Designer - Laurie Land
Sound Designer - Marco Salinas
Properties Designer - Caleb Massey
Stage Manager - Leslie S. Allen*

*Denotes member of Actor’s Equity Association

DALLAS CHILDREN’S THEATER, ROSEWOOD CENTER FOR FAMILY ARTS
5938 Skillman Street, Dallas, Texas 75231

PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES:
Fridays     November 21, 28 & December 5, 12, 19     7:30pm
Saturdays    November 22, 29 & December 6, 13, 20    1:30pm
Sundays    November 23, 30 & December 7, 14, 21    1:30pm & 4:30pm

Performance times: Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 1:30pm, Sundays at 1:30pm and 4:30pm

Ticket Prices:
Friday - $19 Adult & Youth Section A; $14 Adult & Youth Section B
Saturday/Sunday - $24 Adult / $22 Youth Section A; $20 Adult / $18 Youth Section B
Saturday/Sunday senior discount - $20 Section A, $16 Section B
Saturday/Sunday college student discount - $19 Section A, $14 Section B

DCT Box Office: 214-740-0051
Tickets also available on-line!  www.dct.org

Target Time Family Series: Saturday, November 29 at 1:30pm, all tickets $12!
(Sponsored by Target Stores)

Weekday Student Matinee shows also available Tuesdays through Thursdays.  Please call ArtReach Booking at 214-219-2049.

MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS is sponsored by The Dee and Charles Wyly Family.

Dallas Children's Theater's 2008-2009 Season is sponsored by The Dallas Morning News; WFAA-TV Channel 8; The New 103.7 Lite FM; Maintenance of Dallas, Inc.; The Rosewood Foundation; Target; TACA; Charles Schwab & Co.; The Wachovia Foundation; M.R. and Evelyn Hudson Foundation; The Hersh Foundation; Communities Foundation of Texas; Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation; The Embrey Family Foundation; Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation; The Barbara Bush Texas Fund for Family Literacy; and the Dee and Charles Wyly Family.  Co-produced by El Centro Community College and supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, and Texas Commission on the Arts.  American Airlines is the official airline of Dallas Children's Theater.

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Dallas Children’s Theater
Presents

Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts
SANTA’S HOLIDAY FOR STRINGS: A PUPPETRY EXTRAVAGANZA
Conceived and Written by the company of Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts

November 28 – December 23, 2008

(Dallas, TX) Kathy Burks’ nationally celebrated troupe captures the spirit of the season in an innovative, exciting new musical review.  SANTA’S HOLIDAY FOR STRINGS: A PUPPETRY EXTRAVAGANZA plays November 28  – December 23, 2008 in the Studio Theater at Dallas Children’s Theater’s Rosewood Center for Family Arts.

Starring Santa and Frosty, and featuring Christmas trees, penguins and seasonal gifts, this holiday festival honors peace, joy and love.  It is a musical celebration promising to captivate the attention of all ages with the popular sounds of yesteryear, lively classical works and contemporary big band boogie.  Each song receives a delightful interpretation through multiple styles of puppetry and theater magic.  Kathy Burks comments, “Our puppet extravaganza will dazzle and surprise, but it is also full of fun, friendship and family.  It carries a heartwarming message of the rewards of faith and hope.”  Kathy Burks and company bring their acclaimed expertise to this holiday spectacle. 

Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts is the oldest resident puppet theater in the southwest.  Established in 1973, Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts is one of the few puppet theaters in the country that uses all styles of puppetry, and SANTA’S HOLIDAY showcases the skill and proficiency of the troupe’s puppeteers.  In this production they seamlessly transition back and forth between the experimental theater technique of Black Theatre and Cabaret Marionette Theatre.  Black Theatre is a form of puppetry originating in Europe in which puppets perform in a stream of light with the puppeteers rendered invisible through the use of black robes, hoods and gloves.  The Black Theatre rod puppets move without strings or any visible means of manipulation creating a dramatic, magical effect.  Cabaret Marionette style came to be popular when a once famous puppeteer forgot to bring his stage and performed the show without it.  Audiences became fascinated with the skill of the puppeteer as he manipulated the jointed, stringed puppet from above.  This style also removed the barrier between audience and performer, leading to a more interactive experience where puppets appear life like and even walk

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right up to audience members.  SANTA’S HOLIDAY also includes hand puppets, shadow puppets and a comical treat featuring a humanette puppet.  

Interpreting music has become one of the troupe’s specialties due to the success of previous productions such as Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” and Saint-Saëns’ “Carnival of the Animals”.  SANTA’S HOLIDAY showcases two playful pieces by Shostokovitch and one nod to Tschaikovsky with a fresh, new interpretation of “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy”.  Adding to the fun are classic secular pop songs bringing humor and excitement.  This Texas troupe also highlights their roots and a country western flare with company member B. Wolf’s original number, “How Do You Decorate a Cactus?”  Ms. Burks states, “All of the songs included were written to inspire warmth and happiness at holiday time, and that is our intention too.”

The show introduces many familiar Christmas characters.  A jolly Santa in his cowboy boots greets audience members and introduces a variety magic show of white-gloved hands using abstract forms and shapes, which finally morph into an ice-skating Frosty.  Fascinating and mysterious items create holiday spells and pizzazz such as shiny trumpets, bouncing balls, and twirling, angelic shapes, but the story consistently follows the journey of Ranger Bob in three scenes.  Wisconsin Ranger Bob, a large hand puppet, has traveled to the frozen tundra of Alaska searching for proof of flying reindeer.  His story is interspersed with a glitzy cat and her frisky kittens, a waddling penguin family, and Granny Grit, the world’s oldest living armadillo from West Texas accompanied by her horse, Clopper.  How does Granny decorate a cactus for Christmas without getting hurt?  Why does Mrs. Claus tell her husband and all the elves to “order pizza”?  And most importantly, will Ranger Bob lose his job and his hope after 15 years of no sightings? 

Kathy Burks Theatre Company members performing in this production are Kathy Burks, Sally Fiorello, Patricia Long, Douglass Burks, Becky Burks Keenan, Derik Webb, Ziggy Renner, and B. Wolf.

Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts’ SANTA’S HOLIDAY FOR STRINGS: A PUPPETRY EXTRAVAGANZA is a frolicking festivity of Christmas music, light and laughter!  Enjoyed by all ages.

ARTISTIC STAFF
Director – Douglass Burks and Sally Fiorello
Composer Lyricist and Scripted Dialogue — B.Wolf
Sound Design – Douglass Burks
Scenic Design – Sally Fiorello
Lighting Design – Melissa Cashion
Puppet Design and Construction - Kathy Burks, Sally Fiorello, Beck Schlabach
Costume Design and Construction - Patricia Long and Rosemarie Powell
Shadow Puppet and Projection Design – Sally Fiorello

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DALLAS CHILDREN’S THEATER, ROSEWOOD CENTER FOR FAMILY ARTS
5938 Skillman Street, Dallas, Texas 75231

PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES:
Fridays     November 28 & December 5, 12, 19         7:30pm
Saturdays    November 29 & December 6, 13, 20         1:30pm
Saturday    December 6                    4:30pm
Sundays    November 30 & December 7, 14, 21         1:30pm & 4:30pm
Monday    December 22                    11:30am
Tuesday    December 23                    10am & 11:30am

Performance times: Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 1:30pm; Saturday, December 6 at 4:30pm; Sundays at 1:30pm & 4:30pm; Monday, December 22 at 11:30am; Tuesday, December 23 at 10am & 11:30am

Ticket Prices:
Friday - $19 Adult & Youth Section A; $14 Adult & Youth Section B
Saturday/Sunday - $24 Adult / $22 Youth Section A; $20 Adult / $18 Youth Section B
Saturday/Sunday senior discount - $20 Section A, $16 Section B
Saturday/Sunday college student discount - $19 Section A, $14 Section B

DCT Box Office: 214-740-0051
Tickets also available on-line!  www.dct.org

Target Time Family Series: Saturday, December 6 at 4:30pm, all tickets $12!
(Sponsored by Target Stores)

Weekday Student Matinee shows also available Tuesdays through Thursdays.  Please call ArtReach Booking at 214-219-2049.

SANTA’S HOLIDAY FOR STRINGS: A PUPPETRY EXTRAVAGANZA is sponsored by Target.

Dallas Children's Theater's 2008-2009 Season is sponsored by The Dallas Morning News; WFAA-TV Channel 8; The New 103.7 Lite FM; Maintenance of Dallas, Inc.; The Rosewood Foundation; Target; TACA; Charles Schwab & Co.; The Wachovia Foundation; M.R. and Evelyn Hudson Foundation; The Hersh Foundation; Communities Foundation of Texas; Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation; The Embrey Family Foundation; Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation; The Barbara Bush Texas Fund for Family Literacy; and the Dee and Charles Wyly Family.  Co-produced by El Centro Community College and supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, and Texas Commission on the Arts.  American Airlines is the official airline of Dallas Children's Theater.

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