Photo Flash: Winning Plays Tour the DC National Capital Area With Free Performances Starring Emerging Talent from Moonlit Wings

Moonlit Wings Productions has presented over fifty free world-premieres of new theater-for-youth productions every summer since 2008. This Friday three new shows play across the National Capital Area and admission is FREE for the public!

These productions feature performers from Moonlit Wings "Applause" Performing Arts Camp presented in collaboration with Fairfax County Park Authority. Just last month, Washington Family Magazine awarded Moonlit Wings Productions first-runner up for Best Children's Theatre/Drama Instruction.

Founding Artistic Director Walid Chaya says, "This summer's three shows are winners of our annual Playwriting Contest. Selected writers, chosen from many international submissions, have their scripts field tested and produced up to three times during our summer season, each with a different cast and venue. Previous productions have continued Off-Broadway and received publishing."

Performances are on the Friday's of August 4, 18 and 25 in Falls Church, Springfield, McLean and Herndon. For more information and the show schedule visit moonlitwings.org/applause.

Here is a sneak peek at the summer season and Play Contest winners:

BARNYARD FOLLIES by Sam Carner - this musical first premiered Off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizon's in 2014 with a staged reading and is making its National Capital Area debut! When greedy developers threaten to buy the struggling Wholesome Acres Farm in Middleton, Ohio and turn it into a parking lot, the animals who live there hatch a plan keep their home: they'll put on a show.

In need of some help and the proper artistic vision to corral their many and varied talents, they appeal to Felicity a New York City cat who secretly directs some of the biggest hits on Broadway, though her owner Reynold Ruffy takes all the credit. Eager to appease his brilliant feline muse, Reynold agrees to travel to Ohio with Felicity and their secretary and create a musical extravaganza that could save the farm.

SNOW WHITE AND THE QUEEN OF MEAN by Tommy Jamerson - a classic story takes on a modern twist! When a princess with a "heart as pure as freshly fallen snow" crosses paths with a dastardly, and spotlight-stealing monarch, chaos takes over the kingdom. It's up to Snow and her gang of vertically-challenged besties, the Seven Dwarfs, to help set things right. Journey through a rib-tickling good time that not only plays homage to The Brothers Grimm folktale, but teaches a lesson or two of forgiveness, friendship, and feminism.

A PIRATE CAROL by Daniel Prillaman - a new treasure inspired by the Dickens' tale! The nicest pirate in the world must be taught the error of her friendly ways. Her teacher: the ghost of her former, mean-spirited first mate who takes her on a journey through time. ? Explore a pirate's past and present and find out what's in store for her future sailing the seas!

Samantha Jalajel, Education Director at Moonlit Wings, says "Local talent ages 7-14 star in the shows and teens run behind-the-scenes. Most productions are themed along community outreach projects with previous drives for local homeless shelters, SPCA, and Salvation Army giving the young performers a well-rounded actor experience."

Productions are directed with new staging every two weeks by a professional group of DC & NY acting pros: Mason Catharini, Kelsey Yudice, Dominique Butler, Clancey Yovanovich, Kendra Weingast, Ashley Davis, Meghan Landon and Nicole Flenniken.

Moonlit Wings fall programs were just announced, starting mid-September with classes featuring "Beauty & the Beast", plus camps during fall holidays and FCPS Teacher Workdays. Ages 4-14 get in the spotlight and register at moonlitwings.org/kids or email info@moonlitwings.org to get a program started with your school or group.

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