Bank of America Children's Touring Production of NEW KID Hits the Road Today

The Bank of America Children's Tour, New Kid, hits the road today, September 17, to begin a run of performances at schools throughout the Central New York region. Over 9,000 students in 23 schools across a five county region will see the production running now through December 10.

Told from the perspective of Nick, who recently immigrated to America, New Kid promotes tolerance and compassion, addressing racism, prejudice, peer pressure, and conflict resolution. Nick is struggling with a new language and new way of life. The kids at his new school make fun of him because of his customs and strange language. The twist is that the Americans speak a kind of gibberish which neither Nick nor the audience understand.

Performed in striking visual terms, New Kid offers an extraordinary opportunity to share a rich theatrical experience with students. "New Kid is an uncomplicated, dutifully heartwarming play that chronicles Nick's eventual mastery of a new language, his triumph over schoolyard bullies and his acquisition of a friend, Mench, who learns to be culturally sensitive," said the Washington Post.

Each fall, the Bank of America Children's Tour brings high-energy, interactive, and culturally diverse performances to elementary school audiences. Productions are designed to be offered in any theatre, cafeteria, classroom, or open space, with fully staged scenery, costumes, and sound. Performances include a talkback with the actors, and pre- or post-show sessions with Teaching Artists can be arranged upon request.

Limited dates remain for booking New Kid. For more information, visit syracusestage.org or call 315-442-7755.

A public performance of New Kid will take place on Saturday, November 7 at 11 a.m. in the Archbold Theatre at the Syracuse Stage/Drama Complex, 820 East Genesee Street. This event will be free and open to the public.

The Bank of America Children's Tour is co-produced by Syracuse Stage and the Department of Drama (SU Drama) in Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts. The four member cast is comprised of SU Drama students: Crystal Ferreiro (Mom), Mitchell Harrison (Mug), Melissa Lawson (Mencha), and Cheech Manohar (Nick). Directing the production is Lauren Unbekant, Director of Educational Outreach for Syracuse Stage. Designers of the production include Jessica Ford (Scenic and Costume), Kate Foretek (Sound Designer), and Emmett Van Slyke (Additional Music).

ABOUT SYRACUSE STAGE

Syracuse Stage is Central New York's premier professional theatre. Founded in 1974, Stage has produced more than 300 plays in over 40 seasons including a number of world, American, and East Coast premieres. Each season 70,000 patrons enjoy an adventurous mix of new plays, and bold interpretations of classics and musicals, featuring the finest theatre artists. In addition, Stage maintains a vital educational outreach program that annually serves more than 15,000 students from 14 counties. A solid core of subscribers and supporters helps keep Syracuse Stage a vibrant artistic presence in Central New York. Additional support comes from the government, foundations, corporations and Syracuse University. Syracuse Stage is a constituent of the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, and a member of the Arts and Cultural Leadership Alliance (ACLA), the University Hill Corporation and the East Genesee Regent Association. Syracuse Stage is a member of The League of Resident Theatres (LORT), the largest professional theatre association in the country.

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