January 27, 2010

Tempe, AZ -- Childsplay, Arizona’s award-winning theatre company for young audiences and families, is delighted to welcome the production of “Peter and the Wolf” back from an 8-week, multi-state national tour.Opening in the Studio at the Tempe Center for the Arts on January 30, this musical extravaganza plays through March 13. This production features Childsplay associate artists Jon Gentry and Andrés Alcalá who both toured with the company in October and November.

Peter and his grandfather, along with the duck, the cat, the wolf and the hunters make up the cast of this well-loved story and a memorable musical theme accompanies each character through the play. This innovative piece by Austin playwright Allison Gregory, with original music by Seattle composer Hummie Mann, provides a delightful introduction to theatre and classical orchestration for the youngest of audiences as Prokofiev’s evocative music gets an exciting new riff.

This production marks the continuation of a successful relationship for Childsplay and American playwright, Allison Gregory.  Previously, Ms. Gregory adapted the recent world premiere of “Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!”; wrote “Even Steven Goes to War” (AriZoni Best New Script Award; AATE and UPRP awards; Kennedy Center New Visions/New Voices series); and co-wrote “Go, Dog, Go!” with her husband, Steven Dietz.  Ms. Gregory has worked with South Coast Repertory (Costa Mesa), A.C.T. (Seattle) and A.S.K. Theatre Projects (L.A.). 

Childsplay’s artistic director and founder David Saar is the director of this production.

Synopsis

“Early one morning, Peter opened the garden gate and walked out into the great, green meadow.” It was a tempting meadow and a dangerous one.  Beyond the gate of Grandfather’s house and deep in the meadow, lived a wolf!  Peter is a curious boy and, though warned by his protective grandfather, is not afraid of the wolf.  But once the wolf eats Peter’s friend, the duck, Peter decides something must be done.  Supported by his friends, cat and bird, Peter must rely on his bravery to capture the wolf and his sense of friendship to save it.

Most enjoyed by young people age 3 and up.

Peter and the Wolf
By Allison Gregory
Adapted from the story by Sergei Prokofiev
Lyrics by Allison Gregory and Hummie Mann
Music by Hummie Mann

Directed by David Saar
Music Director: Alan Ruch
Set Design:                   Jeff Lemire
Costume Design:           Connie Furr-Soloman
Choreography:              Molly Lajoie
Lighting Design:            Jennifer Setlow

Cast
Cat                               Kelsi Zahl
Duck/Huntsman            Andrés Alcalá
Peter                            Jason Powell
Bird                             Michelle Cunneen
Grandfather/Wolf          Jon Gentry

Performance Information:
Tempe Center for the Arts/Studio
700 W. Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85281
Tickets -- 480-350-2822 (ext. 0)
www.childsplayaz.org/boxoffice

Schedule:
Saturday, January 30 10 am – Target Storybook Preview
Saturday, January 30 2 pm – Opening
Saturdays at 10 am and 2 pm and Sundays at 1 and 4 pm through Saturday, March 13

Tickets:  $25 for adults; $20 for children/students/seniors
($12 discount tickets for Target Storybook Preview 1/30/10 at 10 am)