Columbia Children's Theatre Presents DUCK FOR PRESIDENT, and Sometimes Duck for Adults Only...

After last season's uproarious adaptation of Doreen Cronin's Click, Clack, Moo, Columbia Children's Theatre (CCT)--the Midlands' only professional theatre for families and young audiences--will present a new musical adaptation of her next book Duck for President, September 16 - 25.

The production's run opens on September 16 with a red carpet event at 6:00 p.m., followed by the show at 7:00. Regular show times are Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. All performances are held at Columbia Children's Theatre on the 2nd level of Richland Mall, 3400 Forest Drive.

Opening night tickets are $15.00 for children and $20 for adults. Tickets for the Saturday and Sunday performances are $10.00 for children three years of age through adult. The 7:00 p.m. performances on Saturday evenings will have a special ticket price of $5.00 for everyone. Advance tickets can be purchased securely online at columbiachildrenstheatre.com. For more information contact CCT at 803-691-4548. The production is sponsored by Columbia SC Moms Blog.

Special Performances

On Friday, September 16 at 6:00 p.m., CCT is partnering with Columbia SC Moms Blog to host an Opening Night "Red, White and Blue" Carpet Event. The evening will include pre-show activities including games and crafts, a costume contest (wear your best "barnyard chic"), food by Chicken Salad Chick, drinks and desert. Contest and door prizes include goods and services area merchnts. At 7:00, attendees will be treated to opening night of Duck for President, followed by a meet and greet with the cast. Tickets for the opening night performance and reception are $15 for children and $20 for adults and are available at columbiasc.citymomsblog.com/.

Friday, September 23 will see the return of CCT's underground, adults-only experience, Late Night Date Night at 8:00 p.m. A unique concept for a children's theatre, this performance allows the cast to perform the script with strategic emphasis and innuendo that gives rise to unpredictable comedy best reserved for ages 16 and older. Admission to Late Night Date Night is by donation at the door, and patrons donating at least $10.00 will have the opportunity to send a word backstage that the cast will have to work into the show.

About the Production

Both Click, Clack, Moo and Duck for President were originally developed by Chicago's Lifeline Theatre. With book and lyrics by James E. Grote and music by George Howe, Duck for President picks up the story after our barnyard friends (Duck, Cow, Hen and Pig) have discovered the power of the written word to get the things they need. When they become dissatisfied with their plight on The Farm they begin to question the authority of who's in charge, namely Farmer Brown. So they decide to hold an election to crown their new farmer! Being an ambitious Duck (as politicians often are), he continues his rise from the barnyard all the way to the Presidency!

Named the 2004 New York Times Best Illustrated Book, Duck for President was also chosen as the 2005 Book Sense Children's Illustrated Book of the Year. It has also been read regularly to children at the AnnuAl White House Easter Egg Roll.

"We specifically chose this title for our season opener as the run dates fell right in the throes or our national presidential election-and not just because we already had the costumes!" said CCT Artistic Director Jerry Stevenson. "It's a fun and funny way for children to learn how our democracy works, and yes, even some of the inherent flaws within it."

The production features many CCT regulars and some new-comers as well. Julian Deleon will reprise his role of Farmer Brown, Paul Lindley II and Jeremy Reasoner will take on the role of Duck while BlakeLee Cannon and Courtney Reasoner will portray Cow. The role of Hen will again be played by both Jackie Rowe and Erica Cooper. Pig will be played by CCT new-comers Karly Minacapelli and Jillian Carey. Noah Barker (Shrek in CCT's summer YouTheatre production) will understudy Farmer Brown. Choreography is by Lisa Sendler with direction by Jerry Stevenson.

Columbia Children's Theatre is a professional resident not-for-profit theatre dedicated to providing quality Live Theatre experiences for families and young audiences, and is supported in part by the City of Forest Acres, The Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties and the South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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