Celebration Theatre Presents THE NEXT FAIRY TALE, Closes 4/24

Celebration Theatre presents THE NEXT FAIRY TALE, with book, music and lyrics by Celebration Theatre company member Brian Pugach, musical direction by Wayne Moore, choreography by Jeffrey Polk, directed by Celebration Theatre's Artistic Director, Michael A. Shepperd and produced for Celebration Theatre by John Michael Beck. THE NEXT FAIRY TALE is the first world premiere production that was work-shopped, developed and produced fully in-house at the Celebration Theatre. THE NEXT FAIRY TALE will close on Sunday, April 24 at Celebration Theatre, 7051B Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood.

THE NEXT FAIRY TALE begins at the dawn of a new century. Every hundred years, the fabled magic mirror chooses which "hero's quest" shall become the next fairy tale. It is up to the Fairy Godmistress, Minerva, to assign the quest to a Fairy Godmother to ensure its success. The mirror selects Prince Copernicus, and Minerva meets with him to better select the most appropriate Godmother. She is at first pleased to learn that Copernicus wishes to save his true love from a dragon, then horrified to learn that his true love is another Prince! Appalled by the idea of a fairy tale about two princes in love, she assigns the quest to Hazel, a failed Godmother on probation, and the laughing stock of her peers. Soon, all the storybook world's characters must take sides in the struggle, fighting to protect their centuries-long traditions - or to help Hazel succeed in her quest which will change the way fairy tales are told forever!

ABOUT THE HISTORY OF "THE NEXT FAIRY TALE"

THE NEXT FAIRY TALE began its development in the summer of 2008 at UCLA, where theatre students gathered monthly to read segments as they were written and give their input to the show's author and composer Brian Pugach. The initial draft was completed by September, 2008, and the show found its way to the Celebration Theatre when an excerpt was performed and well-received at the Salon, Celebration's writers' circle. The Next Fairy Tale had its first staged reading at Celebration that December.

The reading was remounted at UCLA after Pugach made revisions based on audience feedback and the input of Celebration's artistic director Michael A. Shepperd. The show received UCLA's Musical Theatre Writing Award, the Martin Sosin/Peter Matz Musical theatre Writing Award, and First Runner-Up in the Tim Robbins Playwriting competition. It became popular among UCLA students, and the show's song "Cinderella Story" was performed at graduation for the School of Theatre, Film and Television's Class of 2009.

After another round of revisions, which tightened the script and introduced two new songs, the show had a final staged reading at Celebration. While the former readings used podiums and casts of UCLA students, this one, directed by Cate Caplin, used an age-appropriate cast and full costumes, props and staging. This reading received the most enthusiastic response up to that point and earned First Runner-Up in the Academy for New Musical Theatre's Search for New Musicals.

The Academy's prize was a table read and an in-depth discussion with the author on how to improve the show. Michael Shepperd joined Pugach for this to provide input and continue Celebration's involvement in developing the script and score. With this feedback, the current draft of The Next Fairy Tale was written, and a few months later it was announced as the third show in Celebration's 28th season. The score has since been revised with new vocal arrangements by music director Wayne Moore, and Pugach has made further changes as it continues on its journey to Opening Night!

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM AND CAST

BRIAN PUGACH (Book, Music and Lyrics, Associate Producer) earned his BA in Theatre at UCLA. Among other works, his writing includes the musical No Reservations (Martin Sosin/Peter Matz Musical Theatre Writing Award, UCLA Musical Theatre Writing Award; performed in UCLA premiere), Dictionary Love (UCLA premiere), Ooogy Green and Other Fables (songwriter/performer; Celebration/Geffen), and A Christmas Carol (songwriter, Celebration). The Next Fairy Tale has won the Martin Sosin/Peter Matz M.T. Writing Award, the UCLA M.T. Writing Award, and first runner-up in the Tim Robbins Playwriting Competition and the Academy for New Musical Theatre's Search for New Musicals. Recent acting credits: Harold and Maude (Harold; Pacific Resident Theatre Co-Op), Our Town (PRT Co-Op), Mukashi Mukashi (UCLA/Geffen), F*cking Men (Celebration) and the world premiere of Treefall (Rogue Machine; StageSceneLA Best Featured Actor in a Drama). Brian is thrilled to be a company member of Celebration Theatre.

Michael A. Shepperd (Director) At Celebration (as actor): The Bacchae, Four, Milk Cartons and Bar Tricks. Michael also adapted Coffee Will Make You Black: the West Coast premiere and run of which was wildly successful. He most recently directed the smash-hit, Los Angeles premiere of [title of show] and the 2008 version of Celebration Theatre's A Christmas Carol. LA credits: Master Harold and the Boys (Colony Theatre), Intimate Apparel (NAACP Theatre Award: supporting actor) at San Diego Rep, Caroline, or Change (Ahmanson), The Blacks (Evidence Room), Steel: John Henry and the Shaker (Ovation Award, Lead Actor) Oasis Theater, Raisin (ICT, NAACP Theatre Award nomination), and Parade (MTG). Voice of Audrey II in the Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors directed by Jerry Zaks and the recent Musical Theatre West production. Film/TV: "NCIS," "Criminal Minds," "Frasier," "Monk," "Ally McBeal," "Arrested Development, "E.R." and "Strong Medicine."

The CAST of THE NEXT FAIRY TALE features: Rachel Genevieve, Christopher Maikish, Gina Torrecilla, Kendra Munger, Patrick Gomez, Charles Sedgwick Hall, Stephanie Fredericks, Nell Teare, Vash Boddie and Ben Caron.

THE NEXT FAIRY TALE has assembled an award-winning design team. The scenic design is by Victoria Profitt. The lighting design is by Matthew Denman. The sound design is by Martin Carrillo. The costume design is by Raffel Sarabia and the prop design is by Michael O'Hara. Joyce Basch (known as "the" Ms.gician of the Magic Castle) will serve the production as Magician Consultant. The show is Stage Managed by Kevin Wisney. The show will be produced by John Michael Beck with Parnell Damone, Ryan Bergmann, Brian Pugach & CameRon Faber. Celebration Theatre's Artistic Director is Michael A. Shepperd, Managing Director is Michael C. Kricfalusi.

ABOUT THE SCHEDULE AND PRICING

THE NEXT FAIRY TALE will preview on Wednesday, March 2; Thursday, March 3; Friday, March 4 & Saturday, March 5 at 8pm; Sunday, March 6 at 3pm; Wednesday, March 9 & Thursday, March 10 at 8pm and will open on FRIDAY, MARCH 11 at 8:00pm and run through Sunday, April 24, 2011.

Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sunday matinees at 3pm. Ticket prices are $30.00 for all performances. Opening Night Gala on Saturday, March 12 is $35.

THE NEXT FAIRY TALE is performed at Celebration Theatre, 7051B Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood. For Tickets, please call 323-957-1884 or visit the Celebration Theatre website at www.celebrationtheatre.com.

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