For Immediate Release: March 22, 2006
Media Contact: Karen Gross, Arden Theatre Company, 215.922.8900 x49

Arden Theatre Company presents the 2005-2006 Arden Children's Theatre spring production: The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. Based on the beloved book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, the irreverent parody gives classic fairy tales a wickedly delightful twist. The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales begins previews on Wednesday, April 19; opens Saturday, April 22; and runs through Sunday, June 11 (the show has been extended due to popular demand). The show is most enjoyed by families with children ages five and older. The Arden Theatre is located at 40 N. 2nd Street in the heart of Old City, Philadelphia.

What do you get when you take classic fairy tales and turn them on their head? According to The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, the Ugly Duckling grows up to be A Really Ugly Duck, Cinderella snubs Rumpelstiltskin, and the Princess kisses a frog only to end up with a mouthful of slime. Intertwined throughout the show, the zany takes on traditional fairy tales are sure to delight audiences of all ages.

Whit MacLaughlin, OBIE and Barrymore Award-winning director and designer, returns to direct The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales at the Arden after directing the world premiere of The Dinosaur Musical earlier this season. He has also directed Bunnicula, The Boxcar Children and Sideways Stories from Wayside School at the Arden Theatre Company and is a 2002 recipient of a Pew Fellowship in Performance Art.

Playing the role of Jack, narrator of The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales (and also the protagonist of the story "Jack's Bean Problem"), is Christopher Patrick Mullen of Hellertown, Pa. Mullen is a popular performer on the Philadelphia stage, previously seen in the Arden Theatre Company's world premiere The Girl with the Silver Eyes in 1990. He has been a company member of The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival since its inception in 1992. The stellar ensemble cast of locally-based performers includes Chris Faith of Perkasie, Pa.; Julianna Zinkel of Philadelphia, Pa.; Sarah Doherty of Philadelphia, Pa.; Rainey Lacy of Philadelphia, Pa.; and Jeffrey D. Cousar of Philadelphia, Pa.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales features a spectacular, highly imaginative set and costume designs inspired by the book. The layout of the Arden Theatre Company's Arcadia Stage has been reworked so audience members enter the theatre through the heart of the fantastical set itself before taking their seats. Designed by Matt Saunders, the multi-level set features revolving doors, barbershop poles and falling letters. "The set looks like a surreal playground," says Fran Brookes, Arden Theatre Company Production Manager.

Eye-popping costumes by Rosemarie McKelvey bring the book's characters vividly to life with whimsical, colorful details: look for the Stinky Cheese Man with a round of cheese on his head and Little Red Running Shorts in sporty garb. Sound design for the show's lively text and music is created by Jorge Cousineau, recipient of the 2004 F. Otto Haas Award for Emerging Theater Artist.

First published in 1992, The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales quickly became a favorite family book. Featuring cheeky, fractured fairy tales by Jon Scieszka and vibrant, fantastical illustrations by Lane Smith, the book was designated as a Caldecott Honor Book in 1993. The Caldecott Honor is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales was also selected as a Best Illustrated Book of the Year by The New York Times. Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith's other collaborations include The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! (1989), Math Curse (1995), and Squids Will Be Squids (1998).

All performances will be followed by a post-show discussion and an opportunity for children to meet the cast.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales previews begin on Wednesday, April 19, 2006. Opening night is set for 7 p.m. April 22, and the show runs through Sunday, June 11, 2006. Tickets, currently on sale, range from $14 to $30 (children 12 and under $14-$16; teens $18-$22; adults $26-$30) and may be purchased by calling the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122 or ordered online at www.ardentheatre.org or visit the box office at 40 N. 2nd Street in Philadelphia. Discounts are also available for groups of 20 or more.

The Arden is accessible to people with disabilities, providing wheelchair accessibility, assisted listening devices and large print programs at every performance. Accessible seating is available by reservation. For more information, call the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122.

WHERE:
Arden Theatre Company
40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia

WHEN:
April 19 - June 11, 2006

REVIEWING PRESS: Will receive invitations to the Friday, April 28, 12:00pm performance of The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales.

Other members of the press: Are invited to see the show during the run by scheduling tickets through the Public Relations Associate at 215.922.8900 x49 or kgross@ardentheatre.org.

WHO:
Based on the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith
Adapted by John Glore
Directed by Whit MacLaughlin
Scenic Design by Matt Saunders
Costume Design by Rosemarie McKelvey
Lighting Design by Andrew Billiau
Sound Design by Jorge Cousineau

Cast
Christopher Patrick Mullen as Jack
Chris Faith - Ensemble
Julianna Zinkel - Ensemble
Sarah Doherty - Ensemble
Jeffrey Cousar - Ensemble
Rainey Lacy - Ensemble

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