For Immediate Release: October 10, 2005
Media Contact: Marc S. Goldberg, Storybook Musical Theatre, 215.659.8550

Storybook Musical Theatre, one of the Philadelphia area's premiere theater companies for family entertainment, will present its fourteenth season of musicals based on classic fairy tales, children's stories, and folk lore. The Abington, PA. based, non-profit, professional, Equity children's theatre's three-show season will be comprised of audience favorites based on stories from the Grimm Brothers, Old English legend and Tales of the Arabian Nights.

In addition, Storybook has planned several special events throughout the season including a repeat of special auctions for prizes including select children's walk-on roles in one of its plays and a very Special Family Fun at Storybook Day in May, 2006, featuring Storybook characters, family-fun activities, food, face-painters, clowns, a chance to build a gingerbread house, and more!

Again this season, one of its productions will play at three different venues, giving an opportunity to families and groups from throughout the Philadelphia area to experience the show at a location closer to them.

"Jack and the Beanstalk," an original musical by Patricia Goldberg and Kevin Arruda, will kick off the season, playing first from November 15 to 18 at the Klein Branch Theater, 10100 Jamison Av. in Northeast Philadelphia. The show then transfers for a holiday season run at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center in Bryn, Athyn, PA., (Huntingdon Valley), from December 19 to 30 and concludes at the Bluett Theater at St. Joseph's University, January 10 to 14, 2006. This well-known tale, based on an Old English myth, tells the story of poor Jack, who is instructed by his mother to sell his beloved cow, but ends up with a handful of beans instead. His adventure begins when a giant beanstalk magically appears in his backyard and he ventures to the top and confront a nasty ogre and his wife.

The second offering will be the tale of another poor boy in search of his fortune. "Aladdin,", an original musical based on the Tales of the Arabian Nights, will be presented February 27 to March 12, 2006 at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center in Bryn Athyn, PA. The book is by Storybook Artistic Director, Patricia Goldberg, with original music by composer, Kevin Arruda.

The story follows a poor urchin boy, who discovers an old, tarnished lamp, that he discovers has some very unusual powers. However, an evil magician, and his bumbling sidekick, try to steal the precious find away along with the accompanying genie.

"Hansel & Gretel" , based on the Grimm Brothers' fairy tale, will be the final offering of the season. One of Storybook's most popular and beloved shows, it tells of a sister and brother, who are set into the woods by their parents, to find food, but accidentally stumble upon an enchanted, gingerbread house, occupied by a joy, old witch, who would just love to have them for dinner.

This musical adaptation is also by the writing team of Patricia Goldberg and Kevin Arruda. It will first play the Mitchell Performing Arts Center from May 13 to 26. Then it will transfer to St. Joseph University's Bluett Theater for a run May 30 to June 3. It will conclude with a summer engagement back at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center from July 17 to 29, 2006.

Individual tickets are $10.00 for children and $12.00 for adults. School and group discounts up to 30% are available, as is a reduced rate, 3-show subscription plan. Show times vary with each production. All Storybook shows are appropriate for age 3 and older and everyone gets to meet the cast for a handshake, photo or autograph, after every performance. For information, to obtain a seasonal brochure, or to book a group or school trip, call Storybook Musical Theatre at 215-659-8550 or visit its web site at: www.storybookmusical.org.

mission is the cultural enrichment and education of children (as young as age 3) and their families by introducing them to original musical adaptations based on fairy tales, folk lore and children's literature. It hopes to stimulate young imaginations and help develop a life-long appreciation of theater and the arts.

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