The Keegan Theatre Announces HOW TO CATCH A LEPRECHAUN, 12/22 & 29

The Keegan Theatre announced the launch of its "Wee Keegan" pilot program today, aimed at evaluating the interest in family-friendly theater in Dupont Circle. On Saturday, December 22, and Saturday, December 29, at 11:00 am, Keegan will offer staged readings of How To Catch a Leprechaun, a new children's musical by local playwrights Mario Baldessari and Ethan Slater – and a play which made its debut earlier this year at the 2012 Kennedy Center Page To Stage Festival. The readings are fun for all ages, and will be followed by some post-reading theater games and refreshments offered by Keegan company members and actors.

"Keegan has been knocking around the idea of producing children's programming for many years," says Mark A. Rhea, Keegan's Producing Artistic Director, "but we need to determine whether there's enough interest here in our neighborhood. The purpose of the Wee Keegans staged reading is to test the waters and gauge the community support for family programming. Our hope is that there will be enough support to justify launching the Wee Keegan program fully in coming seasons, with full productions and special events for kids and families as a regular part of our programming."

Rhea continues, "We have some great Keegan staff helming the project, and I'm excited to see how our audiences respond to family-friendly fare. How To Catch a Leprechaun is a terrific story for all ages, and it's a natural fit for Keegan for the obvious – Irish! – reasons. Mario and Ethan have written a charming story with catchy music and a great sense of humor. We're very optimistic that people will love this and that their kids will have a great time at the theater."