MY MOM IS TRYING TO RUIN MY LIFE Begins 2/16 at WorkShop Theater

WORKSHOP THEATER COMPANY in conjunction with JEM THEATRICALS is presenting the New York premiere production of MY MOM IS TRYING TO RUIN MY LIFE, a new family musical comedy. The musical, with book by Kate Feiffer and MJ Bruder Munafo, music by Paul Jacobs, lyrics by Sarah Durkee, is based on the acclaimed picture book MY MOM IS TRYING TO RUIN MY LIFE, by Kate Feiffer with illustrations by Diane Goode (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books). The musical will be directed by Debbi Katz and choreographed by Danyelle Demchock of the Young Performers Dance Academy. MY MOM IS TRYING TO RUIN MY LIFE will play a four-week limited engagement at the WorkShop Theater (312 West 36th Street). Performances begin Saturday, February 16 at 12 pm and continue through Sunday, March 10 at 3 pm. Press are invited to all performances.

If Emma's mom is so great, why is she trying to ruin her daughter's life? She talks too loudly, worries about everything and kisses Emma in front of her friends. It wouldn't be that bad if she just gave her one kiss on top of the head, but no, she kisses Emma all over her face. Can Emma stop her mom before she ruins the rest of her life? A heartwarming coming of age story with spectacular original music, MY MOM IS TRYING TO RUIN MY LIFE will have audiences laughing and singing.

The first workshop production of MY MOM IS TRYING TO RUIN MY LIFE played to sold out audiences at The Vineyard Playhouse on Martha's Vineyard in 2010. In 2011, MJ Bruder Munafo (Artistic Director of the Vineyard Playhouse) and Kate Feiffer teamed up with multiple Emmy Award-winning songwriters Paul Jacobs and Sarah Durkee to turn the play into a musical. The Vineyard Playhouse presented the first staged reading of the musical in the summer of 2012. WorkShop Theater Company's Educational Wing presented a second reading in late 2012.

In keeping with the WorkShop Theater Company's overall mission, the Educational Wing is dedicated to providing a creative home for young actors to hone their talents and cultivate projects from inception through finished productions.

"We work with children of diverse backgrounds to introduce the process of synthesizing new works through Page to Stage adaptations and the collaborative relationships between writers, directors, actors and designers. We pair professional teaching artists and guide young actors through the process of creating new works," say Marie Mascia-Mancl, General Manager of Workshop Theater Company. "We have found that many professional kids are looking for a setting in which to work during the "tween" years when they can't find continuous employment. This program allows them that home and gives us the opportunity to teach college level skills and techniques. We are very excited to bring to life this wonderful piece as we combine this amazing cast with an incredibly talented creative team. Everyone involved is helping to fulfill our mission."

The production stars Michael Bernardi* (Surflight's Once Upon a Time in New Jersey) as Officer Smith, Maddie Glass as Isabelle, Andrew Hubacher* (WorkShop's Life on the Mississippi) as Dad, Kayla King as Mom, Claire Kwon as Julie, Noah Marlowe* (Bdwy: Mary Poppins) as Tommy, Shelly McPherson* as Tommy's Mom/Officer O'Dooley, Sydney Ryan Robles as Danielle, Madisyn Shipman* (Bdwy: Enron; Off-Bdwy: Pippi Longstockings) as Christina/Lulu the dog, Garielle Smith-Goldson as Malika, Ryan Bauer Walsh* (Nat'l Tour: Billy Elliot) as Mr. Lucky/Officer Ortiz, Lauren Weintraub* (North Shore's Annie) as Emma, and Ashton Woerz* (Bdwy: Priscilla Queen of the Desert; Nat'l Tour: Radio City Christmas Spectacular) as Andrew.

The production features scenic design by Dana Kenn and lighting design by Diana Duecker. Joe Marquet is the sound designer, Zach Rand is the production assistant, Evan Bernardin is the associate producer, Marie Mascia-Mancl is the general manager and Sierra Garland is the stage manager.