Alexander Children's Theatre to Present SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! JR. & 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE this Winter

The Alexander Children's Theatre School (ACTS) of Concord, MA is hard at work preparing two productions slated to open this February: The delightfully nostalgic Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. (February 7 and 8) and the Tony Award-winning hit, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (February 14-16). Both musicals will be performed in the theatre at the Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts (40 Stow Street, Concord, MA).

"Presenting two shows within a week of each other is an ambitious task, and our students and staff have been working tirelessly to bring these two exciting shows to the stage," says co-producer James Forbes Sheehan. "This winter's musicals have provided us with the opportunity to let students of all ages shine, and we couldn't be happier about that fact."

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee features a score by Tony Award winner William Finn (Falsettos, A New Brain, Little Miss Sunshine) and a Tony Award-winning book by Rachel Sheinkin, this hilarious musical tale of overachievers' angst chronicles six young outsiders in the throes of puberty who learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser. Overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, these quirky kids learn that a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out and fit in at the same time! The cast of 17 is comprised of students in grades 8 through 12, and it is directed by Ryan MacPherson with music direction by Ben Oehlkers and choreography by Jackie Theoharis. PERFORMANCES are Friday, February 14 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, February 15 at 2:00 and 7:30 pm, and Sunday, February 16 at 4:00 pm. Tickets range from $15 to $20. Some subject matter may be inappropriate for children under the age of 13.

Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. is a fun, family-friendly musical based on the Emmy Award-winning ABC-TV educational animated series that aired from the 1970s through the 1980s! The curtain rises on a schoolteacher, scared about her first day of teaching. When she tries to relax by watching TV, various characters representing facets of her personality emerge from the set and show her how to win her students over with imagination and music! The musical includes such beloved Schoolhouse Rock songs as "Just A Bill," "The Preamble," "Interjections," "Conjunction Junction," and many more! The cast of 10 features children in grades 4 through 7, and it is directed by Sharon Bisantz with music direction by John Eldridge and choreography by Gillian Gordon. PERFORMANCES are Friday, February 7 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, February 8 at 1:00 pm. Tickets are only $10!

Both winter productions will utilize lighting designer Saul Slezas, sound designer Jan Kmiec, stage manager Kelly Hanley Goode, and assistant stage manager Catherine Goode. ACTS' founding director, Stephanie C. Mavrides, will produce both musicals in association with James Forbes Sheehan.

ACTS performances are held at The Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts (40 Stow Street, Concord, MA). Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.ACTS1.org or by calling 781-899-4467. Group discounts are available for both productions; interested parties should email idpactsmail@aol.com.

Since 1999, ACTS has been producing several annual musicals, in addition to offering master classes and workshops with professional artists, weekly dance classes, special summer shows, and other educational opportunities. By combining the work of professional adults with that of students and volunteers, we can create an excellent learning experience for all. We believe that there is something for everyone; every child can succeed in the theater if given the proper guidance, encouragement, and direction. ACTS is a proud member of the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theatres (EMACT). Find us on Facebook or visit our website (www.ACTS1.org) for more information!

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