'Max & Ruby' Family Show Begins at Theatreworks 12/7

Theatreworks USA, the nation's leading not-for-profit professional theatre for family audiences, launches its 47th season with the New York premiere of the live stage adaptation of the hit children's television series Max & Ruby, for a limited engagement at Off-Broadway's Lucille Lortel Theatre (121 Christopher Street), Friday, December 7, 2007 through Sunday, January 13, 2008, with an official Opening on Sunday, December 9 at 2PM.

Max & Ruby features music and lyrics by Carol Hall and book by Glen Berger, and is based on the series of stories by Rosemary Wells and the popular television program on Nick Jr. and Noggin (produced by Nelvana Studios and Silver Lining Productions). The production is directed by Randy White (A Year with Frog and Toad; Underneath the Lintel).

"In Max & Ruby, seven-year-old Ruby and her mischievous little brother Max want to put on a play for Grandma. But, as is typical with Max, many comedic hurdles arise along the way, 'til Ruby finally calls on her Bunny Scout friends to help them try to finish the play on time!" explain press notes.

With songs including "Things in Twosies," "Cowboy!," "Blue Tarantula" and "Bunny Scout Anthem," Max & Ruby is recommended for children ages 3 and up.

Grammy nominee Carol Hall has written several children's songs for "Sesame Street" and was a major contributor to Marlo Thomas' landmark children's classic, "Free To Be You and Me." Also a two-time Drama Desk Award winner, Hall is the composer/lyricist for the popular musicals The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public. Her other theatrical writing credits include A…My Name Is Alice and Sweet Main Street.

A six-time Emmy nominee for his work on the PBS children's series "Arthur" and "Postcards from Buster," Glen Berger has also written episodes of "Time Warp Trio" and "Peep," and is the head writer for the PBS series "Fetch." His recent playwriting credits include The Wooden Breeks and Underneath the Lintel. He is the book writer for the upcoming musical Spider-Man.

Max & Ruby stars Lee Markham as Max, Kelly Felthous (Seussical) as Ruby, Jonathan Monk (The History Boys, St. Louis Rep.) as Gracie / Alien Green Gorilla, Amelia Morgan-Rothschild (Seussical) as Valerie / Sally-Swims-A-Lot, Karla Mosely (TV's "Hi-5") as Louise / Eel and Nancy Slusser (Menopause the Musical) as Grandma / Lobster Balladeer.

The production features choreography by Tracy Bersley (The Revengers Tragedy), scenic design by Louisa Thompson (25 Questions for a Jewish Mother), costume design by Junghyun Georgia Lee (The Water's Edge), lighting design by Tyler Micoleau (A Very Common Procedure), sound design by Eric Shim (Essential Self Defense), orchestrations by Dave Hab (Anne of Green Gables) and musical direction by Jana Zielonka (I Love You Because).

Tickets for Max & Ruby are only $25 each, and are now available by visiting or calling TicketCentral.com at 212-279-4200.  This production is 60 minutes long and is recommended for ages 3 and up.

The regular weekly performance schedule for Max & Ruby is as follows: Fridays at 6 p.m.; Saturdays at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.; Sundays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. There is no 5 p.m. performance on Saturday, December 8.

Beginning Wednesday, December 26, in additional to the regular weekly schedule, Max & Ruby will also play Wednesday, Thursday and Friday matinees at 2 p.m. For more information, please visit www.twusa.org.

Photo by Joan Marcus: Lee Markham and Kelly Felthous

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