Gamm Adapts Bill Harley Book for Young Audiences

The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre (The Gamm) Education Department is pleased to present Charlie Bumpers vs. the Teacher of the Year by Bill Harley, adapted and directed by Jessica Chace. Adult actors play a variety of roles in this engaging story about a very normal kid's experiences with terrifying teachers, best friends, playground bullies, and the joys and fears of making one's way through the world.

Charlie Bumpers vs. the Teacher of the Year, adapted from the Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award-winning book,runs from September 30 through October 15 at The Gamm Theatre, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket, RI. Tickets are $12; or $10 for groups of 5 or more. Seating is general admission. Call 401-723-4266 or order online at gammtheatre.org. Charlie Bumpers vs. the Teacher of the Year launches Gamm Education Presents, a new program producing plays for young audiences and their families.

"It's The Gamm's goal to serve audiences of all ages and cultivate future theater lovers," said Gamm Managing Director Oliver Dow. "This collaboration with renowned artist Bill Harley is the perfect way to introduce this exciting new programming to the public."

"While Charlie Bumpers is humorous, the underlying message is about negotiating the world with kindness and compassion. Charlie is by no means a perfect kid but it is his innate generosity that drives his actions," said Harley, a local Grammy Award-winning children's entertainer, story-teller and author. "I'm completely delighted that The Gamm will be staging a new production based on 'Charlie Bumpers vs. the Teacher of the Year.' I have the greatest respect for The Gamm's work, and am even happier that actors and directors I know and love will be working on the project. Charlie lives!"

Meet Charlie Bumpers, the star of a series of books by local Grammy Award-winner Bill Harley. Charlie Bumpers' worst fear is confirmed: he has the strictest teacher in the school for fourth grade! It doesn't matter that she's been named Teacher of the Year. He's still afraid of her. After a certain hallway incident last year (don't ask), he's convinced Mrs. Burke HATES him. Up until now, he's been able to wriggle out of the messes he gets himself into, but how will he survive a whole year under a teacher who is just waiting for him to make another stupid mistake? "Harley magically weaves the simple lesson that people, even teachers, can surprise you." Kirkus Reviews "Bill Harley gives readers with pesky little sisters, annoying big brothers, know-it-all classmates, impatient parents and mystifying teachers validation with his usual funny bone humor and kid-savvy insight...and in signature Bill Harley style, Charlie discovers his own strengths and finds that even adults may have something to learn, too." Parents' Choice

Founded in 1984 as Alias Stage, the non-profit Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre creates the finest of live theater, engaging the audience intensely in current and recurrent issues of consequence. The Gamm further serves the public with educational outreach programming designed to support the theatrical experience, and help sustain and enhance the intellectual and cultural life of its community. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Tony Estrella and Managing Director Oliver Dow, The Gamm is a regionally recognized, award-winning theatre and a proud member of New England Area Theatre (NEAT), a bargaining unit of the Actors' Equity Association.

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