Pittsburgh International Children's Theater to Present THE TEACHER FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, 2/16-23

Pittsburgh International Children's Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, presents the Pittsburgh premiere of Theatreworks USA's The Teacher from the Black Lagoon & Other Story Books ("Dogzilla," "I Want My Hat Back," "Grumpy Bird," "Lily's Purple Plastic Purse," "Love Splat (Splat the Cat)," and "The Grasshopper and the Ant") from February 16-23, 2014, at six performance locations throughout the area.

"We are proud to present award-winning theater to families throughout the community and provide opportunities for younger audiences to experience live performance, some for the first time. This stage premiere brings to life seven classic tales and is sure to delight everyone in the family," commented Pamela K. Lieberman, Manager of Children's Programming-Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Executive Director-Pittsburgh International Children's Theater.

Performance Locations:

City: Byham Theater, Sunday, February 23 at 2:00 p.m.

East: Penn Hills High School, Wednesday, February19 at 7:00 p.m.

North: Marshall Middle School, Thursday, February 20 at 5:30 & 7:30 p.m.

West: Moon Area High School, Friday, February 21at 7:00 p.m.

South: Mellon Middle School (new location*), Saturday, February 22 at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Butler: Seneca Valley Senior High School, Sunday, February 16 at 2:00 p.m.

* Mellon Middle School is located at 11 Castle Shannon Boulevard, Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228. The auditorium entrance is on the Washington Road side of the school, between Washington Elementary School and Southminster Presbyterian Church.

Theatreworks USA brings to life seven popular children's books in The Teacher from the Black Lagoon & Other Story Books through a series of mini-musicals.This production is directed by Jeremy Dobrish with choreography by Connor Gallagher. Tommy Newman wrote the revue's opening number, "All You Need is a Book." The scenery is designed by Rob Odoriso, with costumes by Lora LaVon. This 60-minute musical is recommended for ages 3 and up.

"The Teacher From the Black Lagoon," based on book by Mike Thaler and Jared Lee, adapted by Michael Ogborn, follows Hubie's imagination as he faces his comically horrific fears and discovers that his new teacher is pleasantly human after all. "Dogzilla," written by Dav Pilkey, adapted by Kevin Del Aguila and Eli Bolin, re-enacts the terror in Mousopolis as residents run for their lives from the dreaded Dogzilla. Can they get rid of that stinky dog before it's too late? "Grumpy Bird," written by Jeremy Tankard,adapted by Kevin Del Aguila and Eli Bolin, teaches how to follow-the-leader with a bunch of happy-go-lucky animals helping grumpy bird turn his day around. "I Want My Hat Back," written by Jon Klassen, adapted by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, tells the story about Bear, who's hat is gone and he wants it back! No one seems to know where it is! When the Deer comes by and asks a simple question, the Bear's memory suddenly returns and he renews his search with a vengeance. "Lily's Purple Plastic Purse," written by Kevin Henkes, adapted by David A. Austin, is based on Lily who loves everything about school, especially her teacher, Mr. Slinger-until he takes away her musical purse. "Love Splat (Splat the Cat)," written by Rob Scotton, adapted by Sam Carner and Derek Gregor, playfully addresses young love when Splat sends Kitten a special valentine to win her heart even though she doesn't seem to like him at all. Finally, "The Grasshopper and the Ant," based on a fable by Aesop and adapted by Eric Marsh, teaches that feeding the belly and feeding the soul both have value while an Ant community narrowly focused on work and possessions learns from the music of little Grasshopper.

Since 1961, Theatreworks USA has enlightened, entertained, and instructed over 78 million people in 49 states and Canada. The company tours approximately 16 shows from its ever-growing repertoire of 117 plays and musicals, performing for about four million people annually. Under the direction of Barbara Pasternack (Artistic Director) and Ken Arthur (Managing Director), Theatreworks USA is the only children's theatre to receive both a Drama Desk and a Lucille Lortel Award, and they are known for an extensive multi-cultural guest artist roster, including storytellers, puppeteers, poets, and magicians.

Individual tickets ($11 at the door; $9.50 in advance) can be ordered online at www.TrustArts.org/kids, by calling (412) 456-6666, or in person at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue. Group tickets can be ordered by calling (412) 471-6930.

ABOUT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S THEATER: Pittsburgh International Children's Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, opens the door for children to experience professional performing arts programming which inspires, challenges, educates, and stimulates respect for and an understanding of all cultures in an entertaining and enlightening way. The Family Series, now in its 44th season, introduces children to the arts early in life sparking their interest and appreciation so they continue to enjoy and support the arts as they grow up.

In addition to the Family Series, the Children's Theater division also presents the annual Pittsburgh International Children's Festival, one of only four international children's theater festivals in the nation. Now in its 28th year, the Children's Festival will take place May 14-18, 2014.

ABOUT THE PITTSURGH CULTURAL TRUST: The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has overseen one of Pittsburgh's most historic transformations: turning a seedy red-light district into a magnet destination for arts lovers, residents, visitors, and business owners. Founded in 1984, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is the cultural and economic revitalization of a 14-block arts and entertainment/residential neighborhood called the Cultural District. The District is one of the country's largest land masses "curated" by a single nonprofit arts organization. A major catalytic force in the city, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a unique model of how public-private partnerships can reinvent a city with authenticity, innovation and creativity. Using the arts as an economic catalyst, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has holistically created a world-renowned Cultural District that is revitalizing the city, improving the regional economy and enhancing Pittsburgh's quality of life. Thanks to the support of foundations, corporations, government agencies and thousands of private citizens, the Trust stands as a national model of urban redevelopment through the arts. www.TrustArts.org.

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