HCT Presents CLASS CLOWN 3/11-20

Hartford Children's Theatre proudly announces the world premiere of CLASS CLOWN, a new play by award-winning children's book author Johanna Hurwitz. Directed by HCT's Associate Artistic Director Ayla Kapiloff, CLASS CLOWN will play HCT's Carriage House Theatre (360 Farmington Avenue) Friday, March 11 through Sunday, March 20, 2011 before embarking on a region-wide school tour.

Lucas Cott is the most rambunctious pupil in Mrs. Hockaday's fourth grade class. He flings pencils and cracks jokes when things seem a bit dull and he always forgets to raise his hand. When his teacher sends home a note, Lucas vows to behave even though it doesn't sound like much fun. Try as he might, most of Lucas' good intentions quickly go awry. When Lucas suggests a circus theme for the end of the year class play, he sees his chance to show Mrs. Hockaday that he can be a real
ringleader. Can he convince his teacher or will he always be the "class clown?" Adapted for the stage from her celebrated 1987 Morrow Junior Books (now HarperCollins) book of the same name, Johanna Hurwitz's CLASS CLOWN is a warm and funny story about a boy who learns that there's a
time and place for everything - even humor.

"We are pleased to announce the world-premiere production of CLASS CLOWN as the next title in our new touring series HCT ON THE ROAD. The experience of collaborating with renown children's author, Johanna Hurwitz on the transformation of one of her most popular books to a fully realized stage production has been a true honor for all of us here at Hartford Children's Theatre. We look forward to sharing this exciting new play with children and families across the state and beyond," said HCT's Artistic Director Ryan Ratelle.

"CLASS CLOWN has sold copies in hard cover and paperback, and has been translated into Japanese, Spanish and Braille. The opportunity to adapt the book into a play is a very exciting new development and I couldn't be more thrilled," says author Johanna Hurwitz. She continues, "Of
course I know the story, but I still can't wait to see the characters come alive on stage at Hartford Children's Theatre."

Johanna Hurwitz is the award-winning author of more than sixty popular books for young readers, including Faraway Summer; Dear Emma; Elisa Michaels, Bigger & Better; Fourth-Grade Fuss and Rip-Roaring Russell, an American Library Association Notable Book. In addition, Hurwitz has
written historical fiction, young adult novels, nonfiction and biographies of Anne Frank, Astrid Lindgren, Leonard Bernstein and Helen Keller.

The cast of CLASS CLOWN includes Shannon Sobolow as "Mrs. Hockaday," Thomas Beebe as "Lucas Cott," Lauren Cassot / Sophie Alter as "Cricket Kaufman," David Black / Ryan Dailey as "Arthur," Brandonlee Cruz as "Julio" and Erin Williams as "Mrs. Cott / Nurse Bogdan / Mime."

CLASS CLOWN features scenic design by Magge Gagliardi costumes by Alyssa Opishinski, lighting design by Christine Hopkins and properties by Lisa Iacono.

Performances of HCT'S CLASS CLOWN will take place at The Carriage House Theatre located at Hartford Children's Theatre (360 Farmington Avenue, Hartford), easily accessible from I-84 and I-91. The performance schedule is as follows: Friday, March 11 at 7 pm; Saturday, March 12 at
2 & 7 pm; Sunday, March 13 at 2 pm; Friday, March 18 at 7 pm; Saturday, March 19 at 2 & 7 pm and Sunday, March 20 at 2 pm.

Tickets for HCT's CLASS CLOWN are $18 for Adults, $13 for Children (13 and under) & Senior Citizens and are available online at www.hartfordchildrenstheatre.org. For more information or to book a school performance, please call the HCT Box Office on 860.429.7970 ext. 12.

CLASS CLOWN is part of Hartford Children's Theatre's HCT ON THE ROAD series. A new touring division, HCT ON THE ROAD launched in November 2010 and allows Hartford Children's Theatre to bring quality, live theatre directly into Connecticut schools. The program's debut production, Schoolhouse Rock Live! was enjoyed by well over 2,500 Connecticut school children during its three months on the road. As the second production in the series, CLASS CLOWN will be available for performances in schools throughout the region from Monday, March 22 through the end of the school year.

CLASS CLOWN is sponsored in part by funding received from NewAlliance Foundation, Maximilian E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation INC., The Greater Hartford Arts Council, Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism and the City of Hartford Arts and Heritage Jobs Grant Program.

The mission of Hartford Children's Theatre is to enrich the lives of the children of Greater Hartford and surrounding communities by providing access and exposure to high quality theatre for young audiences and related educational opportunities. Executive Director Dulcie Giadone, Artistic Director Ryan Ratelle and Education Director Lisa Foss helm the organization now entering its 21st year.

For more information, please call 860.249.7970 or visit us online at: www.hartfordchildrenstheatre.org.

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