Orlando Shakes Presents World Premiere of MAGIC TREE HOUSE Musical

Jack and Annie return to Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF (Orlando Shakes) this fall for the world premiere of Showtime with Shakespeare: A Magic Tree House Adventure, running from October 19 - November 17, 2017 in the Margeson Theater. With book and lyrics by Jenny Laird and Will Osborne and music and additional lyrics by Randy Courts, Orlando Shakes' newest children's musical is based on the book Stage Fright on a Summer Night by The New York Times bestselling author Mary Pope Osborne. Tickets ($9 - $20) can be purchased by calling (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, online at www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 E. Rollins St.).

Presented with theater in-the-round seating, Showtime with Shakespeare: A Magic Tree House Adventure sends Jack and Annie back to Elizabethan England to help the Bard himself. In this brand-new musical, Jack and Annie meet William Shakespeare-one of the greatest writers of all time. But Mr. Shakespeare is having a hard time with some of the actors in his latest show. Are Jack and Annie ready to make a big entrance? Or will it be curtains for Shakespeare? Don't miss Jack and Annie in the world premiere of their third musical adventure at Orlando Shakes!

"Children and families have always loved our Magic Tree House productions," said Anne Hering, director of education at Orlando Shakes. "We're thrilled to invite Mary Pope Osborne fans back to the theater for a new magical adventure starring William Shakespeare."

With the goal of expanding arts access to underserved audiences, Orlando Shakes will be sharing their Children's Series production with a wider group of schools in Florida, via a free live online stream of two of their scheduled performances of Showtime with Shakespeare: A Magic Tree House Adventure on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Only schools outside a 30-mile radius of the Theater will be invited to participate in the free live streaming event. To register for the live stream and to receive more information, visit www.orlandoshakes.org/streaming.

"Orlando Shakes has a strong commitment to theater and education," said Hering. "Our live stream will give teachers outside of the Orlando area the opportunity to give their students a professional theatrical experience."

In addition to offering schools the chance to view a free live stream of Showtime with Shakespeare: A Magic Tree House Adventure, Orlando Shakes has partnered with Mary Pope Osborne's Classroom Adventures Program to have a copy of the book Stage Fright on a Summer Night donated to 20,000 Title 1 second grade students in Orange County. First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise that provides new books, learning materials, and other essentials to children in need, will distribute the donated books. All books will be distributed in October 2017. Mary Pope Osborne's Classroom Adventures Program is designed to use kids' love of Magic Tree House adventures and their identification with Jack and Annie to spark interest in learning across the curriculum and accomplish classroom requirements in creative, meaningful and long-lasting ways.

Showtime with Shakespeare: A Magic Tree House Adventure features Austin Larkin as Jack, Alexis Harter as Annie, Tyler Tanner as Will, Helena Whittaker as Morgan/Ensemble, Joshua Parrott as Dan the Bear/Ensemble, Terrance Campbell as Bear Owner/Ensemble, Isiah Columbus as Lysander/Ensemble, and Junior Nyong'o as Titania/Ensemble.

The Orlando Shakes artistic team includes Director and Musical Director Steve Mackinnon, Scenic Designer VAndy Wood, Lighting Designer Alyx Jacobs, Costume Designer Kristina Tollefson, Costume Assistant Rosibel Hernandez, and Sound Designer Britt Sandusky.

Showtime with Shakespeare: A Magic Tree House Adventure is presented by Orlando Health and Publix Super Markets Charities. The live stream performances are made possible by the Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation.

This project is funded in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of OrlandoAtPlay.com and UAArtsEd.com. This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND RELATED EVENTS

Preview Dates - October 19-20, 2017 at 10:15 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Opening Date - October 21, 2017 at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Sensory Friendly - November 1, 2017 at 10:30 a.m.

ASL Interpreted - October 28, 2017 at 2 p.m.

Live Online Stream - November 16, 2017 at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

OPENING DAY CELEBRATION - Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Join us one hour before both opening day performances to take part in free crafts and activities. Free to all opening day ticket holders. No RSVP required.

SENSORY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE - Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at 10:30 a.m.

Orlando Shakes invites families with children that have sensory, social, cognitive, or physical challenges to participate in our Sensory Friendly performance. In addition to lighting, sound, and vocal cues being adjusted, patrons will be able to exit the theater with ease during the performance should their child become overwhelmed. Social stories and other resources will also be available to patrons via Orlando Shakes website prior to the performance.

ASL SHADOW INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE - Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 2 p.m.

A sign language interpreter shadows each actor, providing a rich theater experience for our patrons who use sign language. This is also an excellent experience for hearing theater patrons as well as they will be able to enjoy a new and different style of theater.

SHAKE OUT THE SILLIES

Join members of the cast for interactive pre-show fun for the whole family. The fun starts 10-15 minutes prior to every performance.

AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS

Stick around after Saturday performances of Showtime with Shakespeare: A Magic Tree House Adventure for a special autograph session with the stars of the show.

TICKET INFORMATION

PRICING

Tuesday - Friday at 10:15 a.m.; 10:30 a.m.; 12 p.m. - $9

Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. - $14 children; $20 adults

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