CRT Kids to Open THE HEROIC ADVENTURES OF PUSS N BOOTS World Premiere, 7/11

Cortland Repertory Theatre's "CRT KIDS" program will present four performances of "The Heroic Adventures of Puss N Boots", in its world premiere. Written by local playwright Kim L. Hubbard, this original children's show stars the six performing interns at CRT in the 2013 summer season. The funny and exciting show is appropriate for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade, and also carries an important anti-bullying message.

Performances of "Puss N Boots" are available on July 11, 13, 19 and 20 at 10:00 am at the Little York Pavilion. Tickets are $6.00 per person, and may be purchased by calling 800-427-6160 or in person at "CRT Downtown" Box Office at 24 Port Watson Street in downtown Cortland. Tickets are also available for sale 24 hours a day through the CRT website at www.cortlandrep.org. The show is a wonderful introduction to live theatre for young people.

In this story, the adventurer in fine footwear Puss and his good friend, the tom-boy Little Red (complete with a wolf-fur lined red hoodie) are on their way to Grandmother's house for a party. Along the way, they meet Ginger, the gingerbread girl who is sobbing because other kids make fun of her because she's different from them. Puss and Red befriend her, telling her that true friendship is "priceless treasure". Nearby, the big bully Captain Hook lurks with his two rather unwilling cohorts: the blue-skinned Little Boy Blue and the contrary Mary Mary. When Hook hears the kids talking about treasure, he jumps to the wrong conclusion and immediately plans to steal it. Soon, a fun swordfight ensues, secrets are revealed and lessons are learned as everyone - even Hook - comes to understand that their differences are what make each one of them special.

Homer resident Kim L. Hubbard directs the show as well, as he has previously with the CRT KIDS productions of "Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz", "The Jungle Book", "Treasure Island" and many more. Assistant Director is Meredith Van Scoy, who has previously assisted Mr. Hubbard with many CRT children's shows.

The cast, all members of CRT's Performing Intern Company include Xavier Rayes as Puss, Erika Toderic as Little Red, Clara Childress as Ginger the Gingerbread Girl, Danny Burgos as Captain Hook, Nate Wipple as Little Boy Blue and Anastasia Teel as Mary Mary.

CRT Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson said this about the play: "I couldn't be more proud of this production, Kim as both a writer and director, and this cast! This has turned out to be a very important story to tell, especially with so many schools teaching anti-bullying lessons. This play ties in perfectly to that, as well as being a funny and interesting production to see. It's truly great for the whole family."

Stage Manager Kait Samuels, also a member of the CRT intern program, leads the production staff, which includes Scenic Designer Cully Long, Costume Designer Jimmy Johansmeyer, Lighting Designer Louis Kreienkamp, Sound Designer Seth Asa Sengel, and Properties Designer Lisa Guild. Nick Ryan serves as Technical Director.

Tickets are also on sale for CRT's upcoming performances of "The Full Monty", "The 1940's Radio Hour", "Shipwrecked: An Entertainment" which stars Kim Hubbard, and "I'll Be Back Before Midnight". See CRT's website for more details at www.cortlandrep.org.

Pictured: Xavier Reyes as Puss, Nate Whipple at Little Boy Blue and Anastasia Teal as Mary Mary.

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