NYMF and Center Stage Theatre Present BEAUTYFULL, 10/2 & 10/3

The New York Musical Theatre Festival and Center Stage Theatre are please to announce BEAUTYFULL, an original musical written by Jill Jaysen with music and lyrics by Mark Shepard as part of the 2010 Festival. BEAUTYFULL will be performed first on Saturday, October 2nd at 1:00pm and 5:00pm at The Seabury Center, 45 Church Lane in Downtown Westport. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by emailing Beautyfulltickets@gmail.com. For NYMF, performances are Sunday, October 3rd at 1:00 and 4:30pm at the Duke Theatre located at 229 West 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenue. Tickets are $20, and can be ordered by calling (212) 352-3101 or visit www.nymf.org.

The story features ten year-old Iris and her desperate desire to fit in with the popular "beautiful" girls. Her drive to be part of the "in crowd" is so strong that she is willing to do whatever it takes to be included. Iris learns that compromising yourself comes at a cost, popularity isn't all it's cracked up to be, and the true meaning of the word "Beautyfull" is more accurately reflected from the inside rather than observed on the surface.

The uplifting story, conceived by Jaysen and Dr. Jennifer Wider, was inspired by the Dove "Evolution" ad that spotlights how make-up and Photoshop create distorted, unrealistic images of physical perfection that, if left unchecked, threaten to undermine the unique, individual beauty that is more than skin deep.

This show was created with significant input from the cast and member of Centre Stage Theatre Company who range in age from eight to twelve. The Centre Stage process of full immersion in the creative process not only empowers the children, it also ignites passionate performances from this young, but talented cast. The clarity and authenticity of youth is powerfully demonstrated in both word and song as even the youngest are given a voice and the magical, purity of spirit they possess creates clarity and candor where conformity and chaos once reigned.

"BEAUTYFULL spotlights the importance of being comfortable with who you are and resisting the pressure to conform at the cost of your individuality," explained Jill Jaysen, Center Stage founder and author of this original work. "The show is a catalyst for change that engages and inspires the cast and the audience to persevere through trials and always remain true to yourself."

"It's amazing how much pressure is placed on young children these days to fit in and conform. And all the pressure can take a toll on their emotional health," said Jennifer Wider, M.D., a nationally renowned women's health expert, author and radio host, and a collaborator on the concept for this original play. "BEAUTYFULL is a play of empowerment, in which the main character overcomes this pressure and realizes that true beauty comes from within and exists in everyone."

Center Stage Theatre Company is an acting school and theatre company founded in Westport, Connecticut in 2004 by Jill Jaysen to empower students to discover and build on their strengths in a pure positive environment. Students who range in age from kindergarteners through senior citizens learn the Stanislavsky method of acting from Broadway actors, award-winning directors and accomplished industry professionals. They participate in the development of the original musicals developed by this unparalleled theatre company and they acquire the confidence to take center stage in their lives and shine.

Center Stage's innovative approach has yielded industry-wide acclaim including the Moss Hart Memorial Award Silver Trophy (often referred to as the regional Tony Award) in 2008 naming Chocolate Soup the best musical in the six states of New England. Center Stage productions also won the Moss Hart Memorial Award in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The New York Musical Theatre Festival has invited Center Stage to participate in this prestigious event in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. For more information about Center Stage, visit www.cstcompany.com or call 203.341-9659.