Tales from the Middle East, Touchstones newest family theatre work, premiers at Touchstone Theatre (www.touchstone.org) March 29 April 6, 321 E. 4th St., Bethlehem. A young girl, Shari, travels with her family from our Bethlehem to Lebanon, Israel, and Kuwait and then home again. Caught in the swirl of cultures and differing customs and traditions she tells her story of stories as she pieces together what it really means to be home.

Tales from the Middle East is partially in response to the current attention on the Middle East, which often has a negative and violent feeling about it, says playwright, Vicki Haller, Ensemble Member / Education Coordinator at Touchstone Theatre. Our goals are to tell a compelling story, but also to create empathy, sensitivity, and new understanding, hopefully preparing our local youth to be ever more compassionate and informed citizens.

The play features the Touchstone Apprentice Company of Abigail Getty, Jen Jaynes and Jeffrey Stingerstein. Direction & Costume Design by Margie Anich (Ensemble Associate), Set & Music Design by James P. Jordan (Ensemble Member / Technical Director), Light Design by Bill George (Ensemble Member / Co-Founder), Prop Design by Tom Christian (Apprentice) and Stage Management by Kirsten Brooks (Ensemble Intern).

Tales from the Middle East runs March 29 April 6, Friday at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm & 7pm and Sundays at 2pm. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets, call Touchstone at 610-867-1689. Tickets may also be purchased online by visiting www.lvartsboxoffice.org.

Celebrating more than 25 years, Touchstone Theatre produces and presents both original and classic productions, with dedication to the renewal of theatre as a vital art form. Touchstone works to foster collaboration on a local and national level through educational and youth empowerment programs, using theatre as a community-building tool. Visit us on the web at www.touchstone.org.