Starlight Children's Theatre's PETER COTTONTAIL III to Play Kauffman Center, 3/29-31

It's time to start hopping down the bunny trail when Starlight Children's Theatre presents the regional premiere of Peter Cottontail III, March 29-31 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway.

The musical tells the story of Peter Cottontail III who learns the day before Easter that his Grandfather is retiring and Peter is the new Easter Bunny! The young bunny manages to get into some trouble in a nearby cabbage patch, but with the help of a new friend, Peter realizes that he is mature enough to be the Easter Bunny after all. Audiences will be humming along to catchy songs like "Here Comes Peter Cottontail," "To be the Easter Bunny," and "The Secret of Springtime."

"This production really has the look and feel of the old Rankin and Bass television specials including the clearly defined villains. Peter Cottontail, of course, ends up saving the day," said Director Jerry Jay Cranford. "Plus it has upbeat musical numbers, dancing and singing.

"It's a perfect treat for Easter weekend and certainly family friendly. Even the youngest children will have a good time," he said.

Starlight Children's Theatre, now in its second season, is a partnership between the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and Starlight Theatre with the goal of creating fully produced children's theatre productions for Kansas City. The partnership also allows for qualified schools to receive bus money to attend the school matinees through Kauffman Center's Open Doors Transportation Fund. The school matinees for Peter Cottontail III are March 27 and 28.

The talented cast includes Cathy Barnett, Walter Coppage, Valerie Dykes, J. Will Fritz, TJ Lancaster and Ken Remmert. Young adults cast members are Haley Nelson, Brendan Hulla, Emerson Pereira and Journey Tupper. Teen ensemble members are Joann Armstrong, Ally Banks, Jake Bartley, Lucas Dorell, Lindsey ReEd Hart, Katie Hulla, Reagan Ogle and Terrace "TJ" Wyatt.

The creative team includes Jerry Jay Cranford (director), Kevin Brogan (musical director), Sean Glass (lighting designer), Jonathan Rowell (sound designer), Jason Harris (set designer), KC Costume Co., Kent Andel (production manager), and Brooke Redler (production stage manager).

Tickets for Peter Cottontail III are $15- $40 and are available at the Kauffman Center Box Office at www.kauffmancenter.org or 816.994.7222. VIP single tickets are available for $59 a ticket at kcstarlight.com or 816.363.STAR (7827) and include exclusive seating in the first two rows of the theater, autograph and photo session with the cast, show souvenir and a tax-deductible donation to Starlight Children's Theatre.

Discounted group tickets and student matinee tickets can now be ordered by contacting Stacey Million, Starlight's group sales manager, at groups@kcstarlight.com or 816.997.1137. A study guide for educators and group leaders will be posted prior to the performance at www.kcstarlight.com. Qualifying schools may also apply for bus transportation assistance from the Kauffman Center's Open Doors Transportation Fund; more information is available at www.kauffmancenter.org.

Deaf or hard-of-hearing patrons, can order tickets by calling Kansas Relay at 800.766.3777 or Missouri Relay at 800.735.2966.

Starlight Theatre Association is dedicated to producing, presenting and promoting excellence in musical theatre and the performing arts for diverse audiences of all ages, with continued programming for families and children. Starlight strives to enrich our region for all residents and visitors by building appreciation for the performing arts, making live theatre and music affordable and accessible, providing superior theatre arts education and community outreach programs, and delivering exceptional customer service.

Pictured: Peter Cottontail III (J. Will Fritz) in the Starlight Children's Theatre performance of Peter Cottontail III at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts March 29-31. Photo by J. Robert Schraeder.

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