23rd Annual Pittsburgh International Children's Festival Runs 5/13-5/17

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, in collaboration with The City of Pittsburgh, The University of Pittsburgh, The Carnegie Library, and The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, is proud to present the 23rd annual Pittsburgh International Children's Festival on Tuesday, May 13, through Sunday, May 17, 2009. The Children's Festival takes place in various venues throughout the city's university district of Oakland, including Schenley Plaza. The Festival is currently one of only four international theater festivals for children in the United States.

The Children's Festival features an array of staged performances by International Artists, including the U.S. premieres by companies from the Republic of Congo, Spain and the Netherlands; classic books turned into stage productions, Good Night Moon and The Runaway Bunny; a visually stunning performance by Compagnia TPO from Italy; the world premiere of "Harmony Street" by local artists Resonance Percussion; and everyone's favorite, Mister Rogers' Neighbors.

Tickets are required for admission to these seven international featured events and can be purchased in advance by calling 412-456-6666 or on the festival grounds at the central box office located near the historic log cabin outside of the Charity Randall Theatre (Stephen Foster Memorial) on the Cathedral of Learning Lawn. Groups may call 412-471-6930.

Additionally, free performances will be held at the Target Community Stage located in Schenley Plaza under the round tent. Performances will feature more than 20 different regional and International Artists: dancer, musicians, comedians, storytellers and more.

Festival Grounds Activities with over 30 partner organizations take place weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Highlights include a Barnyard Petting Zoo, PNC Carousel rides, Roving Art Cart, hands on crafts and much more. All details and show times are available at pghkids.org.

TICKETED PERFORMANCES
African Sunshine (U.S. Premiere)
Presented by Compagnie Punta Negra (Republic of the Congo)
Best for all ages; Performance: 40 minutes
Location: Synod Hall, behind St. Paul's Cathedral, 125 N. Craig St., btw Fifth Ave. & Bayard St.
Dates: May 13 & 15: 11:15am & 12:30pm
May 14: 9:45 & 11:15am ?
May 16: 2 & 3:30pm
May 17: 12:30 & 2pm

Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny
Presented by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia (Canada)
Best for ages 2-8; performance: 45 minutes
Location: Charity Randall Theater, within the Stephen Foster Memorial, Univ. of Pittsburgh,
4301 Forbes Ave, btw Bigelow Blvd. and Bellefield Ave
Dates: May 13, 14 & 15: 9:45 & 11:15 am
May 16 & 17: 11am & 12:30pm

Kraft (U.S. Premiere)
Presented by Bambalina (Spain)
Best for ages 4+; Performance: 40 minutes
Location: Bellefield Hall Auditorium, within Bellefield Hall, Univ. of Pittsburgh,
315 S. Bellefield Ave, btw Fifth Ave and Forbes Ave
Dates: May 13: 9:45 & 11:15am
May 14: 12:30pm
May 15: 9:45am
May 16 & 17: 11am & 12:30pm

Farfalle (Butterfly): The Butterfly Garden logo & image
Presented by Compagnia TPO (Italy)
Best for ages 4+; Performance: 45 minutes; interactive installation Sessions: 20 minutes.
Location: Studio Theatre; Cathedral of Learning, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Rm B-72, LowerLv
Dates: May 13, 14 & 15: 9:45 & 11:15am; Installations: 1 & 1:30pm
May 16: 11am & 12:30pm; Iinstallations: 2:00, 2:30, 3:00 & 3:30 pm

Harmony Street (World Premiere)
Presented by Resonance Percussion (USA)
Best for ages 5+; performance: 45 minutes
Location: Charity Randall Theatre, within the Stephen Foster Memorial, Univ. of Pittsburgh,
4301 Forbes Ave., btw Bigelow Blvd and Bellefield Ave
Dates: May 13, 14 & 15: 12:30pm
May 16: 2pm
May 17: 3:30pm

Mister Rogers' Neighbors
Best for ages 2-8; performance: 40 minutes.
Location: Carnegie Lecture Hall, Carnegie Museums of History & Art, Forbes Ave, Oakland
Enter the lecture hall from Schenley Drive around Schenley Plaza
Performances: May 14: 9:45
May 15: 11:15am

The Hobbit From Beneath the Stage (U.S. Premiere)
Presented by Beumer & Drost (Netherlands); Best for ages 7+; Performance: 50 minutes
Location: Bellefield Hall Auditorium; within Bellefield Hall, Univ of Pittsburgh,
315 S. Bellefield Ave, btw Fifth Ave and Forbes Ave
Dates: May 13, 12:30pm
May 14: 9:45 & 11:15am
May 16 & 17: 2 & 3:30pm

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