STINKYKIDS: THE MUSICAL Continues WST For Kids Series

Audiences of all ages will love Walnut Street Theatre for Kids' production of STINKYKIDS: THE MUSICAL. The popular children's book comes to life on stage in a fun-filled story about friendship and learning from our mistakes. Featuring Britt and all of her friends from the series, STINKYKIDS: THE MUSICAL runs from February 3rd to 11th with family-friendly matinee times at Walnut Street Theatre.

STINKYKIDS: THE MUSICAL is based on a trio of children's books by Britt Menzies. When 'StinkyKid' Britt wakes up with a massive wad of gum in her hair, she knows she's in trouble. All of her friends are depending on her parents to take them to the new MegaJumper 3000 at Captain Happy's Jumpy-Fun-Super-Bouncy Indoor Palace and she knows this sticky situation could keep them from going, and ruin the whole day! She enlists the help of her friends and mayhem ensues. However, they all learn from their mistakes and, along the way, discover the true value of friendship.

The stage version of StinkyKids was first presented in 2012 by Vital Theatre Company. The book and lyrics were written by Sammy Buck and the music was written by Daniel S. Acquisto. The show went on to win the Off-Broadway Alliance Award and the Best Family Show Award.

Menzies states "One of my greatest successes during the journey of creating StinkyKids was the opening of StinkyKids, The Musical...to witness kids laughing, singing, learning and truly having a memorable moment while experiencing the characters come to life on stage will forever be a magical moment for me as the creator of StinkyKids."

The idea for the StinkyKids book series arose in 2005 when Menzies' two-year-old daughter requested a hand-drawn ballerina from her mother. After completing the first picture, Menzies found a knack for painting the cartoon characters and decided to use the characters to tell stories and empower children to realize that no one is perfect. The name "StinkyKids" came from a fond nickname given to her son - "little stinker," referring to his innocent curiosity. She then went on to write three children's books about the StinkyKids: "The Runaway Scissors," "Have a Heart," and "See a Full Moon." All three feature the "little stinkers" getting into mischief that turns their everyday activities into extraordinary adventures. The StinkyKids work hard to make the right choices and live by the motto: "Always be a leader of good." All three books won the Mom's Choice Silver Award for Best Book.

As part of its educational mission, the Walnut Street Theatre for Kids series encourages families to read together and see the books come to life onstage. Thousands of local students attend WST for Kids performances and experience live theatre for the first time as part of these school trips to the Walnut. A special student matinee performance is scheduled for Friday, February 9 at 10:30am.

Damon Bonetti is thrilled to direct this production of STINKYKIDS: THE MUSICAL. Bonetti recently finished his run as George Bailey in Walnut Street Theatre's Independence Studio 3's production of It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. He previously directed Stinky Cheese Man for WST for Kids and has acted in several Walnut productions including Arsenic and Old Lace, The Glass Menagerie, and Around the World in 80 Days. The show will be choreographed by Marissa Barnathan, a former Walnut Street Theatre Acting Apprentice (2013) who has performed and taught at the Walnut for years. The Walnut also welcomes back Mark Yurkanin (Skippyjon Jones, Junie B. Jones) as the Music and Vocal Director for this production. Marking her debut as Set Designer, current Walnut Properties Apprentice Sarah Sindler transforms the Walnut stage into the StinkyKid's fun and adventure-filled neighborhood and playground. Ryan Peavey (Christmas Carol, South Pacific) returns as Sound Designer for this fast-paced musical comedy. J. Dominic Chacon (A Christmas Carol, Honk! Jr.) completes the design team as Lighting Designer.

Playing the lovable girl in a sticky situation, Britt, is Alexa Cepeda. Billy, her inventive, gadget-loving friend, is played by Dana Orange. Jen, the oldest and "princess" of the group is played by Faith Sacher and Max the sporty swimmer with a crush on Jen, is played by Jared Calhoun. Johnny, the comedian of the group, is played by Stephen Fala and the artistic Hannah is played by Chali Cooke. All are members of The Theatre School at Walnut Street Theatre.

STINKYKIDS: THE MUSICAL is live on stage at the Walnut February 3 through February 11 and is sponsored by the Mutual Fire Foundation. Media partners for this production are Courier-Post and Mix 106.1. For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.

Photo Credit: Walnut Street Theatre

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