New Dietz Play Honus and Me Steps Up to Bat at SCT Starting March 31st

Seattle Children's Theatre will present the world premiere of Honus and Me, adapted by acclaimed local playwright Steven Dietz (Go, Dog. Go!) from the book by Dan Gutman. Dietz will also direct the production that is set to open March 31st.

In Honus and Me, young Joey Stoshack finds himself face to face with baseball great Honus Wagner after serendipitously finding the coveted T-206 baseball card-the most expensive baseball card of all time. Together they travel back in time, into the seventh game of the 1909 World Series, where Honus helps Joey boost his self-esteem and gain confidence in his ability to play baseball.

"In a world where heroes are harder and harder to come by, Honus Wagner still stands as a gold standard for what sticking by your principles can mean; driven not by money or fame but rather by the love of baseball, he truly deserves to be an American hero," said SCT Artistic Director Linda Hartzell. "It is with great joy that we bring our audiences this inspiring tale that bridges two such different spheres-arts and sports-while celebrating the fun that can be found in both."

Widely considered to be one of the best all-around baseball players in history, Johannes Peter "Honus" Wagner was known for his long relationship with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team that won the first World Series in 1903. Wagner was also famed for demanding that his baseball card be discontinued when he discovered that a tobacco company was promoted on the card. Children's author and sports enthusiast Dan Gutman has written 67 books, most about sports; Honus and Me was published in 1997.

Steven Dietz's 20-plus plays and adaptations have been widely produced at regional theatres, Off-Broadway and internationally. SCT has premiered three of his plays for young audiences: Still Life With Iris (KennedyCenter Fund for New American Plays Award); The Rememberer (Lila Wallace/Reader's Digest Award); and Go, Dog. Go! (co-authored with wife Allison Gregory).

The cast for Honus and Me includes Gabriel Baron as Joey Stoshack, Peter Crook as Dad, David Drummond as Honus Wagner, Troy Fischnaller as Ty Cobb, Timothy Hyland as Birdie/Ensemble, Charles Leggett as Coach/Ensemble, Marianne Owen as Mrs. Young, and Morgan Rowe as Mom.

The production features set design by Craig Wollam, costume design by Jeannette deJong, light design by Rick Paulsen, and sound design by Chris R. Walker.

SCT is will partner with Treehouse for this production, offering a free child's admission to any show in SCT's 2006-2007 season to those who donate money or athletic gear to Treehouse when they come to a performance of Honus and Me. Treehouse is a nonprofit organization that makes a difference for more than 3,000 KingCounty foster children a year by providing services that supplement their material needs, help them learn, and give them a real childhood as well as hope for the future. For more information, call (206) 767-7000.

Honus and Me, recommended for ages eight and older, opens March 31st and has
been extended to run through June 11th. For tickets call (206) 441-3322, or visit www.sct.org

Gabriel Baron as Joey Stoshack and David Drummond as Honus Wagner

Gabriel Baron as Joey Stoshack

David Drummond as Honus Wagner

 

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