Orlando Rep Theatre Hosts 3rd Annual Target Family Theatre Fest 7/17-7/26

The Orlando Repertory Theatre (REP) invites families to attend the 3rd Annual Target Family Theatre Festival in Loch Haven Park from July 17th - July 26th; featuring performances by Mr. Steve from PBS Kids, Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could, Justin Roberts and the Not Ready For Nap Time Players, Thoroughly Modern Millie, SNACK, international puppet shows and many more!

The Target Family Theatre Festival is a fun experience at an affordable price! The REP is proud to partner with Target and Orange County Division of Art and Cultural Affairs to present the Target Family Theatre Festival, an event designed to promote cultural awareness in Central Florida, and to develop theatre for family audiences, by producing shows, training young artists, and offering educational experiences in the arts.

This year's festival brings some of the top children's recording artists in the country to Orlando's Loch Haven Park. Mr. Steve from PBS Kids has performed at the White House, the Kennedy Center and Fenway Park. He entertains children with his catchy songs featuring interesting and clever lyrics, and has won numerous awards including two Parent's Choice Gold Awards. Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could was nominated for a Grammy for Best Musical Album for Children for their album, Wake Up with Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could, and has performed at venues across the country. Justin Roberts and the Not Ready For Nap Time Players has received rave reviews from national media outlets including The New York Times, Newsweek, People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, and The Chicago Tribune. He has also been featured on The Today Show.

This year's festival also presents a variety of diverse shows and performers, such as Thoroughly Modern Millie, Snack, Mr. Richard and Origami Tales by Kuniko Yamamoto. The REP will partner with IBEX Puppetry for the first International Puppet Festival featuring performers from Spain, France, Canada, and Mexico. Performances include; Poli Dégaine (Punchy Draw) by Compagnie La Pendue (France); El Hombre Cigüeña (The Stork Man) by Los Titiriteros de Binéfar (Spain) co-presented by Michelee Puppets; Nosferatu (Dracula) by Bob Theatre (France) co-presented by Pinocchio's Marionette Theatre; The Box? A Show of Feelings by Coad Canada Puppets (Canada); and Emilio and The Enchanted Cow by Marionetas De La Esquina (Mexico) with performances in English and Spanish. El Hombre Cigüeña (The Stork Man) and Nosferatu (Dracula) are funded in part by a grant from the Southern Arts Federation in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs.

"We are beyond excited by the talent that is lined up for the Festival this year. Between our national acts, international shows, and locally produced performances, there is almost too much from which a family may choose to spend a summer afternoon," says Jeffrey Revels, Artistic Director of The REP. "Some of our favorite music for young people will be performed by award-winning singers and bands - this music is for families who rock! These are not the traditional toddler favorites, but kid-friendly songs that adults can appreciate as well. Justin Roberts' boldly accepts responsibility in one of his songs called My Brother Did It! Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could sing about that grand family institution Road Trip! Mr. Steve gets us all ready for a Marvelous Day! Our great friends at IBEX Puppetry are responsible for bringing puppet shows from France, Canada, and Mexico to Orlando this year, as our Festival takes on a much more international flavor. Kuniko Yamamoto from Japan uses origami as the centerpiece of her show. PB & J Theatre Factory brings SNACK to the Festival this year, using food as a storytelling device in this physical comedy. And to top it all off, our Youth Academy anchors the Festival with the Tony Award winning musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie! There is no better family entertainment to be found in July than right here in Loch Haven Park."

Since opening its doors, Target has given 5 percent of its income to organizations that support education, the arts, social services and volunteerism. Today that equals more than $3 million every week. "At Target, our locAl Grants are making a difference in the communities we serve," said Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target. "We're proud to partner with The Orlando Repertory Theatre as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work."

This year, the festival kicks off with The REP's Youth Academy production of Thoroughly Modern Millie on July 17th and a free Opening Day Celebration on July 18th from 10 am - 2 pm. The celebration is an exciting family event complete with shows, live entertainment and fun, hands-on activities for kids! This year's Opening Day Celebration features free performances of Thoroughly Modern Millie, Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could, Origami Tales by Kuniko Yamamoto, Mr. Richard, Brass Band of Central Florida, Cantastic and many more.

The 3rd Annual Target Family Theatre Festival begins July 17th with the opening of Thoroughly Modern Millie and continues with a variety of family-friendly and affordable shows through July 26th. Tickets range from $6 - $12 for all performances. All shows take place at the Orlando Repertory Theatre at 1001 E. Princeton Street Orlando, FL 32803 and the Orlando Shakespeare Theater at 812 E. Rollins St. Orlando, FL 32803. Please visit www.orlandorep.com <http://www.orlandorep.com> or call 407-896-7365 ext. 224 for complete festival schedule and information.

The 3rd Annual Target Family Theatre Festival is sponsored by Target and a grant from Orange County Division of Art and Cultural Affairs. The Orlando Repertory Theatre is a non-profit organization and is supported in part by United Arts of Central Florida, State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment of the Arts.

 

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