'TWAS THE NIGHT and THE ELVES AND THE TOYMAKER Come to Studio East for the Holidays

Now in its 14th year, 'Twas the Night... is a hilarious musical spin on this country's most famous holiday poem, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and has become a cherished holiday tradition for many Eastside and Seattle area families. This year, Storybook Theater also presents a new holiday tradition in Kirkland, The Elves and the Toymaker, a musical comedy based on the classic fable, written for the Storybook Theater crowd.

'Twas the Night... is fun for all ages in a relaxed, family-friendly theater environment with two rotating casts of 40 kids and adults. In the Big Family household, all the rules are broken as reindeer dress like chorus girls, cats and mice share the same stage in harmony, and a troupe of Victorian carolers attempt to hold this wild holiday together. There's even an audience sing-a-long to keep everyone on their toes. And for those that come every year, you're always guaranteed new surprises! 'Twas the Night... is recommended for ages 4+, and has a running time of 1 hour and 40 minutes, including intermission. All tickets are $15. All performances are at the Studio East Mainstage Theater located at 11730 118th Ave NE in Kirkland. Performances run Nov. 29 - Dec. 21, Sat/Sun @ 11am, 2pm and 5pm. Plus 3 Friday evening performances Dec. 5, Dec. 12, and Dec. 19 @ 7pm.

This year, Storybook Theater begins a new holiday tradition with The Elves and the Toymaker. A Toymaker and his wife have been working day and night to get toys ready to give to boys and girls everywhere, but on the morning they are to be delivered, the toys have disappeared! Instead of giving up, the Toymaker and his wife decide to rebuild, and two silly and very generous Elves decide they want to help the Toymaker by secretly finishing the job. The Elves and the Toymaker is intended for ages 3 & up, and has a run time of 55 minutes. Performances are December 13 & 14 at 11am, 1pm & 3pm at the Kirkland Performance Center. Unlike other Storybook Theater productions, this show is a limited engagement and will not be touring. Tickets are $15 and available from the Kirkland Performance Center Box Office only.

About Studio East and StoryBook Theater - Studio East Training for the Performing Arts was founded in 1992 to provide theater arts education for young people on the Eastside. It was founded on the belief that through the performing arts children can build confidence, and acquire leadership and teamwork skills while learning discipline, dedication and responsibility. Starting with one theater program for teens in 1992, Studio East has become one of the largest children's theater training programs in the Seattle area. Today, Studio East serves over 70,000 people annually with a comprehensive program of drama classes, theater arts camps, Mainstage productions and live performances for children from ages 3 through 19. 2012 marked Studio East's 20th anniversary season.

Studio East also produces StoryBook Theater, an adult professional touring troupe that introduces young children to live theater at venues throughout the Puget Sound area. Studio East creates opportunities for young people to discover and explore the performing arts.

Studio East recently received Kirkland's CACHET Award, presented by Kirkland Mayor Joan McBride and the Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission. Studio East, one of two winners, received the award for its dedication to arts education in Kirkland's community. CACHET stands for Collaboration of Arts, Culture, Heritage, Education and Theatre.

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