Photo Flash: THE SNOWY DAY AND OTHER STORIES By Ezra Jack Keats' Celebrates Martin Luther King Day

The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats announces two performances on MLK Day, January 21st at St. Luke's Theatre. Adapted for the stage by Jerome Hairston with music by Victor Zupanc, the show is inspired by four of Keats' most beloved stories, including the 1963 Caldecott Award-winning picture book, The Snowy Day.

The show celebrates the wonder of childhood in the city: from making tracks in freshly fallen snow, to learning how to whistle, to imagining new worlds with a best friend who lives across the hall. Incorporating shadow puppets and songs along with live action, the 40 minute show for young children will appeal to all ages. After last year's successful 5 month run, the production is currently playing for school audiences and has three upcoming performances for the public: Monday, January 21st at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, and Wednesday, February 20th at 11:00 am.

Director/Producer Julia Beardsley O'Brien (dir. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) thinks this poignant script has emerged at a critical moment. Ms. O'Brien states: "The Snowy Day won the Caldecott Medal the same year Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his 'I Have a Dream' speech. And although we have made progress, it is still uncommon today to find protagonists in picture books who are not white, and rarer still for young people of color to see actors who resemble them onstage. Dialoguing with all children about race issues in America is essential, and one of my hopes is that this production will open doors for adults to begin that discussion with the children in their lives. Keats initiates this conversation by simply letting the audience step into another person's shoes. Whatever experiences an audience member is bringing into the theatre, I believe they will be able to find a glimpse of their own childhood through watching Peter navigate his many feelings in the big and small moments of his life. I hope to give audiences the chance to connect with the multitude of things we all have in common through our shared humanity."

From the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation: "Ezra Jack Keats (1916-1983) was a pioneer in American children's literature. He based the lives of his multiracial characters on his childhood but added loving parents, friends and pets. He wanted no child to be an outsider. 'If we could see each other exactly as the other is,' he wrote, 'this would be a different world."

The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats performs for the public on Monday, January 21st at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, and on Wednesday, February 20th at 11:00 am at St. Luke's Theatre. Ongoing matinee performances for schools and other groups can be arranged by calling 718-483-5989 or via e-mail at thesnowydayplay@gmail.com. Tickets at $35 are available through www.telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200. Running time is 40 minutes; the show is most appropriate for children age 3-8. For more information visit www.thesnowydayplay.com.

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