PREMIERE STAGES 2011 MUSICAL FUN SERIES

(UNION, NJ) – Premiere Stages, the professional Actors' Equity Association theatre in residence at Kean University announces the seventh year of its Musical Fun Series.  A summer program of musical theatre for young people and their families, the 2011 series presents works by Pushcart Players and Yates Family Theatre during the summer.

On July 13 at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, Pushcart Players will perform Peter and the Wolf, an adaptation of the traditional Russian folktale set to music by Sergei Prokofiev.  While providing a charming introduction to the world of music and musical instruments, this enchanting tale is all about the adventure of growing up.  Danger becomes a reality and creative innovation becomes essential as young Peter meets the challenge of survival in the outside world.

"This is a captivating tale," said Ruth Fost, co-founder of Pushcart Players and the production's director and writer.  "Enriched by glorious visual effects, it will win the hearts of all who experience it, while offering a special moment in time for family audiences to share."

The musical features puppetry along with live actors in performance.  Pushcart is New Jersey's leading educational theatre for young audiences, celebrating their 35th year of bringing live theatre to children across the nation as well as abroad.  Highlights of Pushcart's history include performances in the former Soviet Union as well as two invited performances at the White House.

On July 20 at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm, Yates Family Theatre presents Alice in Wonderland.  This original musical by founder Bill Yates is a rollicking journey through the mixed up world on just the other side of the looking-glass.  Lewis Carroll's time-honored classic gets the trademark Yates spin: hilarious hi-jinks and glorious fun, complete with Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and, of course, Alice.

Yates Family Theatre is also in their fourth decade of performing for children across the nation.  Founded by husband and wife Bill and Peggy Yates, all nine of their children have performed with the troupe throughout the years, along with hundreds of other performers.

The professional company is now lead by Daniel Yates, who said of their production of Alice in Wonderland, "This mad-cap adventure delivers toe-tapping tunes and delightful twists while underscoring the value of reading, the necessity for a fair-minded rules of law and the importance of due process."

The Premiere Stages 2011 Musical Fun Series will be held at Kean University Center Little Theatre, 1000 Morris Avenue in Union.  Tickets can be ordered by calling Premiere at 908-737-4092.  Standard tickets are $14, with special rates available for groups of 30 or more.  Camps, scout troops, day care centers and other community groups are encouraged to book early.  Group sales can be arranged by calling 908-737-4077.  Visit the website at www.kean.edu/premierestages.

Premiere Stages offers affordable prices, air-conditioned facilities and free parking close to the theatres. Premiere Stages provides free or discounted tickets to patrons with disabilities. All Premiere Stages facilities are fully accessible spaces. Please call for a list of sign-interpreted, audio-described or open-captioned performances. Large print programs are available at all times. Publications are available with advanced notice in alternate formats.

Premiere Stages is made possible in part through funding from The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, The Provident Bank Foundation, The New Jersey Theatre Alliance, and through the generous support of individual patrons.