Photo Flash: 'Max & Ruby' at Theatreworks USA

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) beginning today 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.

Max & Ruby stars Lee Markham as Max, Kelly Felthous as Ruby, Jonathan Monk as Gracie / Alien Green Gorilla, Amelia Morgan-Rothschild as Valerie / Sally-Swims-A-Lot, Karla Mosely as Louise / Eel and Nancy Slusser as Grandma / Lobster Balladeer.

The production features choreography by Tracy Bersley, scenic design by Louisa Thompson, costume design by Junghyun Georgia Lee, lighting design by Tyler Micoleau, sound design by Eric Shim, orchestrations by Dave Hab and musical direction by Jana Zielonka.

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 6PM; Saturdays at 11AM, 2PM & 5PM; Sundays at 11AM & 2PM. There is no 5PM 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 2PM For more information, please visit www.twusa.org.

Photos by Joan Marcus