Playhouse Jr. to Present PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL and THE ADVENTURES OF NATE THE GREAT

Playhouse Jr., Point Park University's quality children's theatre company, will be wrapping up the 2016-2017 season and kicking off the summer with two unique and comedic shows for children of all ages.

Both shows will be running from May 6-21 at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, 222 Craft Ave. Performance dates include Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Adult tickets are $10 and student tickets are $5. In celebration of Mothers' Day, all mothers' tickets are complimentary for the weekend of May 13. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office at 412-392-8000 or visiting www.pittsburghplayhouse.com.

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Pinkalicious The Musical

Music and Lyrics by John McGregor

Book and Lyrics by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann

Directed by April Daras

Rockwell Theatre

Recommended for all ages

Despite warnings from her parents, Pinkalicious has an issue: she can't stop eating pink cupcakes. As a result, she develops Pinkititis and turns completely, head to toe, PINK! Based on the fantastically popular book series, Pinkalicious, this wildly entertaining musical features a determined young girl discovering the impact of too much of a good thing along with the antidote: eating green food.

"As I get older, the world grows increasingly complicated by politics, technology and a myriad of socio-economic forces. It's a special gift to work on a snappy musical filled with the simple and surprising pleasures of childhood," said Daras. "Add to that the chance to work with an energetic, gifted company of actors and a talented design and production team...every rehearsal feels, in the words of Pinkalicious, 'like my birthday, only sweeter!'"

This Playhouse Jr. production features scenic design by Tucker Topel, costume design by Cathleen Crocker-Perry, lighting design by Dan J. Kendgia, and sound design by StEve Shapiro.

April Daras has directed more than thirty-five plays, musicals and readings for Oasis Theatre at Theatre Row Studios, Swine Palace, Swamp Radio, Capital City Shakespeare, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Davis & Elkins College, and Florida State University. Her work as a director covers a range of styles and genres from classical to contemporary, experimental to commercial. New work holds a special place in her heart and she is honored to have collaborated with labor poet Mark Nowak and playwright and producer Ian Mairs in the telling of new tales. Daras's most recent productions for IUP's Theatre-by-the-Grove: Tammy Ryan's Soldier's Heart, and Jackie Sibblies Drury's We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as Southwest Africa, From the German Südwestafrika, Between the Years 1884-1915, were both awarded invitations to present at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Region II Festival in 2016 and 2017. Daras joined the faculty of Point Park University's Conservatory of Performing Arts last fall as a Visiting Assistant Professor. She is a company member of Pittsburgh Playback Theatre.

The Adventures of Nate the Great

Based on the series of books Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

Adapted for the stage by Pamela Sterling

Directed by Kelly Trumbull

Rauh Theatre

Recommended for all ages

When there's a mystery in the neighborhood, there's only one person to contact: Nate, the great kid detective! He has never met a case he couldn't solve. With his trusted assistant, Kate, and faithful dog, Sludge, Nate the Great follows the clues until the mystery solved! Always, of course, leaving a note for his mother and wearing galoshes along the way!

"The process of working on The Adventures of Nate the Great with students at Point Park has been an absolute delight," Trumbull said. "Their imagination, sense of play, and commitment to ensemble work has created a magical world that we can't wait to share with audiences."

This Playhouse Jr. production features scenic design by Stephanie Mayer-Staley, costume design by Terra Skirtich, lighting design by Nicole White, and sound design by Howard Patterson III.

Kelly Trumbull is thrilled to be directing Playhouse Jr.'s The Adventures of Nate the Great. Previous directing experience includes Rent at the Community College of Allegheny County and various one act plays as part of the Young Playwrights Festival Honorable Mention Reading Series at City Theatre. Local acting credits include productions with Pittsburgh CLO (The 39 Steps, Boeing Boeing), Quantum Theatre (The Master Builder), The REP (By the Way, Meet Vera Stark), Bricolage (Strata, In the Raw: Revolution), No Name Players (Brewed, The Truth About Santa), City Theater Company (Momentum Festival, Young Playwright's Festival), and Pittsburgh Public Theater's Young Company (The Crucible). She currently serves on the faculties of Carnegie Mellon University's School of Music and Point Park University's Conservatory of Performing Arts. Additionally, Kelly has numerous commercial, TV, and film credits. She holds a BFA in Acting from Syracuse University and a master's degree in Educational Theater in College and Communities from New York University.

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