Pittsburgh theater continues family series with ‘Corduroy’
PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater continues its 2003-2004 Family Series with “Corduroy,” Theatreworks USA’s new jazz-inspired interpretation of the classic children’s book by Don Freeman about the quest for friendship. The production, which will be presented Jan. 11-17, is a great tie-in to literacy for children in grades K through fourth.
The production opens at the Byham Theater in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District on Sunday, Jan. 11, and travels around Pittsburgh, ending at Mt. Lebanon High School on Saturday, Jan. 17.
A special performance will be given at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, at the Kelly-Srayhorn Theater in East Liberty.
The Kelly-Strayhorn Theater performance represents the first time a Family Theater Series show has been presented in East Liberty and is the first new location to be added to the series in 11 years.
“We are trying to stay true to our mission by reaching out to more audiences in the city by bringing professional theater to families in their neighborhoods at affordable prices,” said Maranne Welch, founding artistic director, Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater.
“Corduroy” is a story about little Lisa Carolina Evelina Brown, a country girl new to the big city. She discovers that everything dances to a different beat in the big city – buildings stretch to the sky, the sidewalks jump and everything looks unfamiliar. Lisa is all-alone, singing the blues until she spies Corduroy, a lonely teddy bear unloved and stranded on a department store shelf because of his imperfections – a missing button. Lisa just knows she and the bear will be a great pair, but how can she convince her mother?
A new neighbor suggests that the key to making friends is like the key to creating jazz music, “loosening up and listening:” relax, find the groove and the rhythm of the situation and figure out how you fit in the mix.
Lisa does just this as the story unfolds and is told with the help of energetic rhythm-and-blues and jazz inspired music and lyrics composed by Scott Davenport Richards, award winner of the 2001 Johnathan Larson Award. The liberetto was adapted from Don Freeman’s book by Cusi Cram, Emmy-nominee for TV’s “Arthur.”
“Corduroy” arrives to Pittsburgh with six actors and a stage manager in two vans complete with scenery, props and costumes. The performance is about 60 minutes in length and is recommended for children ages 4 and up.
To order tickets, call 412-321-5520.
For more information, visit www.pghkids.org.
A limited number of ticket donations are available by calling Tickets for Kids at 412-781-KIDS.