Molly Shannon's TILLY THE TRICKSTER Debut to Tackle Bullying at Atlantic Theater, 9/21-10/13

When Molly Shannon's "Tilly the Trickster" makes its world premiere at Atlantic Theater, September 21 - October 13, at least one cast member will be fulfilling an important personal goal.

"The epidemic of bullying and school violence in our country," said actress Elisabeth Ness, "makes it clear that we need to do a better job of instilling empathy in America's children. I'd been searching for a way to do this through theater - so I was really excited when I was cast in this unique musical."

In "Tilly the Trickster", Tilly (and her young audience) learns the concept of empathy. "While the adults enjoy seeing their own lives reflected onstage, the kids are having so much fun laughing at the pranks dreamed up by Molly Shannon that they don't realize they're learning what it means to 'walk in someone else's shoes'," said Ness, who plays both Tilly's mother, and her music teacher Mrs. Mooney.

"Tilly the Trickster", adapted from the book by Molly Shannon, features music and lyrics by Drew Fornarola, and book by Jeremy Dobrish. With: Direction by Jeremy Dobrish, choreography by Alison Beatty. Featuring Mia Weinberger (Tilly), Elisabeth Ness (Mom/Mooney), Robbie Rescigno (Dad/Principal), David Bernstein (Peppermint), Laura Barbiea (Emily/Teddy), and Ronald Peet (Luke). The show runs at the Linda Gross Theater, 336 W. 20th Street. Saturdays and Sundays, September 21 - October 13 at 10:30 AM. Recommended for ages 4 and up. For more information, visit atlantictheater.org.

Molly Shannon is an actress best known for her work on "Saturday Night Live" as well as in numerous films, including "Superstar," "Never Been Kissed," and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." "Tilly the Trickster" is her first book; it is published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, with illustrations by Ard Hoyt.

Elisabeth Ness is an actor, singer, and creative entrepreneur. An alumna of Yale University, she performs onstage, on camera, and in voice-over. Stage credits include Broadway Across America's national tour of "Go, Diego, Go, Live!"; special events and world premieres at NYMF, Signature Theatre, Ars Nova, Lincoln Center, and the Williamstown Theater Festival; and the Helen Hayes Awards-recommended production of "Farragut North" at Olney Theatre in D.C. For more information about her stage work, festival award-winning films and internationally-premiering features, national commercials, and voice-overs for major brands, check out www.elisabethness.com.

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