Cast of 'Pinkalicious' Announced; Opens 1/13 at New World Stages

Vital Children's Theatre is pleased to announce the opening of its hit production of Pinkalicious, The Musical, with book and lyrics by Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann, music, lyrics and orchestrations by John Gregor, and based on the book "Pinkalicious" by Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann. The production is directed by Teresa K. Pond.

Featured in the company are Greg Barresi, Erin Wegner Brooks, Molly Gilman, Mathew Pelliccia and Meg Phillips.

Pinkalicious, The Musical previews Saturday, January 12 at 2:00 pm, and opens Sunday, January 13 at 11:00 am. Performances continue Saturdays at 2:00 pm and Sundays at 12:00 noon. There is no performance on Saturday, January 19. All tickets are $28.00 and the show is appropriate for children ages 4 to 12. For tickets and information visit www.vitaltheatre.org or call Telecharge.com at (212) 239-6200. New World Stages is located at 340 West 50th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues.

"Pinkalicious, The Musical is the story of a girl who can't stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor's office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe - a dream come true for this pinkloving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this predicament," explain press notes.

Lyricist, composer and orchestrator John Gregor received a 2004 Frederick Loewe Award for his musical With Glee, for which he wrote the book, music and lyrics. With Glee was recently presented in a workshop by the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, NYU, and premiered this fall at the New York Musical Theater Festival. His musical adaptation of Gogol's tragicomic short story "The Overcoat" has been presented at the Bridewell Theatre in London, as well as by the Barrington Stage Company and at The New York International Fringe Festival. He has also co-written several children's musicals for Vital Theatre Company, including The Changeling and The Bully.

The book "Pinkalicious" was published by HarperCollins in June 2006. The Original Book Authors and co-book writers of Pinkalicious, The Musical, Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann, are sisters who grew up in New York City. Children's Book Author and Illustrator Victoria Kann's award-winning artwork has graced the covers and pages of many magazines, newspapers and books, including Harper's magazine, Business Week and the New York Times. Elizabeth Kann's writing has appeared in a variety of publications, including the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Chicken Soup for the Soul and the Chocolate for the Soul series. Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann's latest book, Purplicious, is now available. You can visit the Kanns' we! bsite at www.cupcakesforall.com.

Director Teresa K. Pond has produced and directed numerous plays, musicals and operas during her seven-year tenure as Producing Artistic Director of ACT (Alaska). Musicals include West Side Story, The Music Man, The Wizard of Oz, Camelot, Honk! Regional work includes Macbeth, Tartuffe, Lysistrata, The Man Who Came to Dinner and Of Mice and Men. Her award-winning production of Half Life was hailed as the top show of The New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC) in 2005 (New York magazine). Recent work includes Extraordinary! at Vital Theatre Company, Perfect Wedding and Run for Your Wife at Millbrook Playhouse.

Featured in the title role of Pinkalicous is Meg Phillip, who originated the role at Vital Theatre Company last winter. Molly Gilman, another original cast member, reprises her role as Dr. Wink. Molly has been with the production at Vital Theatre Company, at Soho Playhouse and on the road since the production's inception. Joining the company from the touring production are Greg Barresi as Peter Pinkerton and Mathew Pelliccia as Mr. Pinkerton. New to the company is Erin Wegner Brooks as Mrs. Pinkerton. Erin can currently be seen in Vital Theatre Company's production of Littlest Light on the Christmas Tree, running through January 6.

VITAL THEATRE COMPANY commissions four to five new musicals for children each season. Since its founding in 1999, Vital Theatre Company has been honored with two AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE by the Off Off Broadway Review and received high acclaim from audiences and critics alike for being "a wonderful place for parents to introduce their kids to the glories of live theatre, done well and at modest prices." Now in its 9th season, the company is dedicated to producing entertaining and educational theatre for young audiences. To date, the company has presented 38 original productions for over 35,000 children and their families. www.vitaltheatre.org