Children's Book Author to Appear at Westport Country Playhouse's TWINKLE TAMES A DRAGON

Westport Country Playhouse will host a book signing by Katharine Holabird, author of the children's book series "Angelina Ballerina" and "Twinkle," on Sunday, February 12, from 2 to 3:45 p.m., in the lobby, between performances of the musical "Twinkle Tames a Dragon," based on Holabird's newest book.

Books from the "Angelina Ballerina" and "Twinkle" series will be available for purchase, or children may bring copies from their own collections for the author's signature.

Katharine Holabird grew up in Chicago, where she loved dancing with her sisters. In 1969 she graduated from Bennington College in Vermont, and then moved to London, where she became a freelance writer and met illustrator Helen Craig.

Holabird wrote "Angelina Ballerina" for her two daughters when they started ballet lessons "and loved everything pink!" Since then, Holabird and Craig have collaborated on over 30 Angelina Ballerina books for children, as well as the TV animation series, two musicals, and two Angelina Ballerina children's ballets in London. There are Angelina Ballerina Dance Academies in the USA, UK, and Australia.

Recently, Holabird's writing has taken her from Angelina Ballerina's Mouseland to the Sparkle Tree Forest, as she started writing about a magical fairy called Twinkle. "I love fairies and magic, and Twinkle is a really wonderful character - just like Angelina!," the author said.

"Twinkle Tames a Dragon" will be presented on Sunday, February 12, at 1 and 4 p.m., as part of The Playhouse's Family Festivities Series. The musical is about fairies, friendship, and dragons. Twinkle has always wanted a pet and is thrilled when Fairy Godmother grants her wish. While her friends get cute little pets, a naughty dragon named Scruffy is NOT what Twinkle had in mind! Can Twinkle tame her dragon in time for Fairy Pet Day?

Produced by Vital Theatre Company, the show is recommended for ages 2 to 7. Running time is approximately one hour. Tickets are $20.

Upcoming Family Festivities shows include "Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat" on Sunday, March 19, produced by Childsplay. Sally and her brother find out that the Cat in the Hat is the most mischievous cat they will ever meet when a rainy afternoon is transformed by the Cat and his antics. "Pete the Cat," on Sunday, April 2, produced by Theatreworks USA, finds Pete the Cat sent by the cat-catcher to live with the un-hip Biddle family to learn manners. "Story Explorers" interactive book reading programs at The Westport Library are scheduled one week prior to each of the shows at 2 p.m. on Sat., Mar. 11, and Sat., Mar. 25.

Family Festivities shows are presented on selected Sundays from November through April. Family Festivities Corporate Sponsors are Pitney Bowes and Northern Trust. Family Festivities Sponsor is Darlene Krenz. The Family Festivities Series is also supported by the Westport Young Woman's League.

Everyone in the audience requires a ticket. For more information or tickets, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Tickets are available online 24/7 at www.westportplayhouse.org. Stay connected to The Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse), follow on Twitter (@WCPlayhouse), or view Playhouse videos on YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).

The mission of Westport Country Playhouse is to enrich, enlighten, and engage the community through the power of professionally produced theater worth talking about and the welcoming experience of The Playhouse campus. The Playhouse creates this relationship with the community and provides this experience in multiple ways by offering: Live theater experiences of the highest quality, under the artistic direction of Mark Lamos, from May through November; educational and community engagement events and opportunities to further explore issues presented by the work on stage; special performances and programs for students and teachers with extensive curriculum support material; Script in Hand play readings throughout the year to deepen relationships with audiences and artists alike; the renowned Woodward Internship Program during the summer months for aspiring theater professionals; Family Festivities presentations from November through April to delight young and old alike and to promote reading through live theater; and the beautiful and historic Playhouse campus open for enjoyment and community events year-round. The value of the Westport Country Playhouse to all it touches is immeasurable.

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