Center Stage's ANIMAL CRACKERS Opens Tonight

Tonight Center Stage officially kicks off the 2013-14 Season with the Opening Night of Animal Crackers, the classic toe-tapping, knee-slapping Marx Brothers musical. Under the direction of BJ Jones, Animal Crackers will run through October 13.

Preview audiences-young and old-have been laughing up a storm at the antics of Groucho (Bruce Randolph Nelson), Chico (Jonathan Brody), and Harpo (Brad Aldous). They are calling it "Great, wonderful fun," "one of the best shows I've seen," a "great start to the season!" and enthuse that "the acting is terrific" and "the dancing is spectacular."

Filled with secret identities, love affairs, and stolen art, Animal Crackers proves the genius of the Marx Brothers is as spot on as ever. This new adaptation by Henry Wishcamper is based on the original book by George S. Kaufman & Morrie Ryskind, music and lyrics by Bert Kalmar & Harry Ruby, and features new orchestrations by Doug Peck.

Animal Crackers runs through October 13. Tickets start at $19 and can be purchased by calling 410.332.0033, or visiting www.centerstage.org. Full information on the season can be found at www.centerstage.org/2013-14season.

Animal Crackers is sponsored by Bank of America, with additional support from McCormick & Company and KPMG. Center Stage is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. An agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development, the MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance to nonprofit organizations, units of government, colleges, and universities for arts activities. Funding for the MSAC is also provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Maryland Public Television is a Media Partner for Center Stage's 2013-14 Season.