Tartaglia Principal for the Day at Staten Island's PS 41

The creator, producer and writer of the Drama Desk Award-nominated Off-Broadway musical hit John Tartaglia's ImaginOcean, John Tartaglia, will be the school principal for the day at PS 41 (216 Clawson Street) on October 7.

The Emmy Award and Tony Award nominated Tartaglia was invited by the school to step in as guest principal and meet the children (grades Pre-K to 5), along with some official "duties" such as loudspeaker announcements and lunch duty. In addition, the star will hold assemblies for students to talk about making dreams come true and what his life is like as an actor and puppeteer.

According to PS 41 principal, Elise Feldman, "We could not believe that John said 'yes' when we proposed this idea to him. Our students love him from Johnny and the Sprites and from ImaginOcean -- and their teachers love him from Avenue Q! It is clear how much he loves kids and wants to bring the arts and other opportunities to the community. We can't wait to have him here!"

John Tartaglia said, "I am excited to meet children and bring a little theatre magic and excitement to their classrooms. It is so important to me to expose kids to the arts whenever possible. I am so honored that I have fans at PS 41 and I can't wait to play the role of principal!"
John Tartaglia is best known for his star (Tony Award nominated) turn in the Broadway show Avenue Q;  his acclaimed 12 years as the youngest puppeteer ever to work on Sesame Street; and for creating, producing and starring in Disney Channel's series Johnny and the Sprites, for which he received an Emmy Award nomination. He also starred recently on Broadway in Shrek The Musical, and in Beauty and The Beast.

His latest success is the innovative glow-in-the-dark musical John Tartaglia's ImaginOcean, the off-Broadway Drama Desk nominated hit at New World Stages.  John is the creator, writer and producer of the show, along with voicing FIVE of its main characters.  ImaginOcean is an underwater theatrical experience like no other, featuring extraordinary puppets, memorable original songs, and a heartwarming journey about a trio of fish named Tank, Bubbles, and Dorsel.
More at www.imaginoceanthemusical.com.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.