Photo Flash: First Look at Stages Theatre Company's NUMBER THE STARS

Opening tonight at Stages Theatre Company (STC): NUMBER THE STARS, based on the Newbery Award winning book by Lois Lowry.

Directed by Jeannine Coulombe, this story takes place in Copenhagen in 1943, as German troops begin their campaign to "relocate" all of the Jewish people of Denmark. Annemarie Johansen's best friend, Ellen Rosen, is taken in and concealed as part of her family. The best friends live like sisters, until it becomes clear that something more needs to be done for Ellen, her family and the Jews of Denmark. Through the eyes of ten year old Annemarie, we see the Danish Resistance and their plan to smuggle the entire Jewish population of Denmark across the sea to Sweden, and the heroism of entire nation reminds us that there is pride and human decency in the world even during times of terror and war. This production is recommended for ages eight and up.

The talented cast of local youth performers includes: Natalie Dekker, Nyle Dickel, Theodore Emo, Sally-Anne Hunt, Clare Judge, Grace Lynch, Arden Michalec, Greta Nackerud, Hannah Paulsen, Rebekah Sheih, Lucas Schutz, Kaelan Tonjes, and Lily Wangerin. Performing along with these youth, local adult actors Jennifer D'Lynn Aasen, Anna Hickey, Matt Ouren, and Bruce Rowan will also be performing.

The creative team for NUMBER THE STARS includes: Artistic Director - Sandy Boren-Barrett; Director - Jeannine Coulombe; Stage Manager - Amanda Gehrke; Lighting Designer - Mike Kittel; Tech Director - Jim Hibbeler; Costume & Make-Up Designer - Samantha Fromm Haddow; Sound Designer - Aaron Gabriel; Production Manager - Melanie Salmon-Peterson, Props Designer - Merritt Rodriguez; and Set Designer - Joe Stanley.

NUMBER THE STARS opens Friday, April 29th, and runs through Sunday, May 22nd, and is recommended for ages eight and up due to the heavy content and dialogue. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.stagestheatre.org for performance dates and times, or by calling the Box Office at (952) 979-1111, option 4, Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.

Tickets are $16 for adults; $14 for seniors, ages 60+; $12 for children, ages 5 to 17. All performance for this production are in the Hopkins Jaycees Studio, and are general admission.

Stages Theatre Company was founded in 1984 and since then has grown to become one of the largest professional theatres for young audiences in the country. We engage young artists with themes relevant to their lives and involve them in creating magical works featuring young people in meaningful roles. Through theatrical productions, workshops, conservatory classes and other outreach programs, Stages Theatre Company annually serves more than 130,000 young people and their families.

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