Patrick Waller is Tom Sawyer for Nashville Children's Theatre 9/22-10/11

Patrick Waller plays the title role in the Nashville Children's Theatre production of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, running September 22-October 11. Part of Twain and Twang , Nashville's Citywide Celebration of Mark Twain, a year-long salute to the work of writer Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer is a companion piece to the Tennessee Repertory Theatre production of Big River, slated for a run in spring, 2010.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is based on the novel by Mark Twain, conceived and written by Ken Ludwig, with music and lyrics by Nashville songwriter Don Schlitz.

While Tullahoma native Waller tackles the title role as Tom Sawyer for NCT, he will play Huck Finn in The Rep's production of Big River. Peter Vann, cast as Huck Finn for NCT, will play Tom Sawyer for The Rep. Award-winning actress Rona Carter will play Widow Douglas in both productions. Jeff D. Boyet and Henry Haggard will both appear as various characters in the two productions. Rounding out NCT's cast for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer are Vanessa Callahan as Becky Thatcher, Ross Brooks as Injun Joe and Patricia Taber as Aunt Polly.

But actors aren't the only things being shared by the two productions. Gary Hoff's steamboat set, now being built at NCT will be adapted for Big River's run at TPAC's Andrew Johnson Theatre.

Tickets for the performance on Tuesday, September 22 and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 26 are half-price as part of the Target Family Time Series. Children attending those two Target-sponsored performances will receive a free gift. Composer-lyricist Don Schlitz will speak with the audience about writing the music for the show and will also play and sing a few of the songs himself.

With a live, old-time country band onstage, the story of the mischievous and iconic Tom Sawyer is told with excitement and humor as Tom, Huck and Becky dive in and out of trouble, according to director Scot Copeland, NCT producing director. Paul Carrol Binkley is music director of the production, which features lighting design by Scott Leathers, sound design by Dan Brewer and costume design by Patricia Taber.

Nashville Children's Theatre is an ensemble of professional artists who create theater for Nashville and Middle Tennessee audience: "We strive to make the imaginative celebration of our hopes, struggles and joys a vital part of the shared experience for young people, families and our community," a company statement reads.

NCT was founded in 1931 by the Junior League of Nashville and is recognized as the oldest professional children's theater in the country. A national leader in professional theater arts and education programs for young people, NCT was ranked by TIME magazine as one of the top five children's theaters in the country.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is recommended for ages 7 and up. Family performances are scheduled at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22 and Saturday, October 10; at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, October 3 and 10; and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 4 and 11. School performances are Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. All performances are open to the public, and reservations are recommended. Individual ticket prices are $12 per child (ages 2 to 17), and $17 per adult. Group discounts are available. A sign-interpreted performance is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, at 2 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org or call (615) 254-9103.

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