Children's Theater: Theatreworks USA in Dragons Love Tacos and Other Stories | Pressroom

PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST ANNOUNCES

CITIZENS BANK CHILDREN’S THEATER SERIES

PRESENTS

THEATREWORKS USA
DRAGONS LOVE TACOS AND OTHER STORIES

APRIL 10-16, 2018

SIX PERFORMANCE LOCATIONS-
PITTSBURGH AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

PITTSBURGH ̶ The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is pleased to announce award-winning professional theater company Theatreworks USA will return to Pittsburgh with performances of their newest musical revue, Dragons Love Tacos and Other Stories, based on stories from five beloved contemporary children’s books. Performances take place at six locations throughout the Pittsburgh and surrounding communities, Tuesday, April 10 through Monday, April 16, 2018.

This production is part of the 2017-2018 Citizens Bank Children’s Theater Series, presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. The series brings to our communities a one of a kind experience for families and their children, ages three and up, to see live professional theater by national and international performing artists that inspire, educate, and bring culture awareness and appreciation of the arts in an entertaining and creative environment for everyone to enjoy.

After a brief New York City-area tour in spring 2017, Dragons Love Tacos & Stories began its national tour in fall 2017. Theatreworks USA productions are performed in wide range of venues, from large Broadway-sized performing arts centers in major metropolitan areas to elementary school cafeterias in small towns. This touring production of Dragons Love Tacos and Other Stories features direction by Marcus Stevens and choreography by Wendy Seyb. The scenery is designed by Brian Dudkiewicz, with costumes by Dustin Cross. This production’s curriculum connections with young audiences seek to promote communication and language arts, literature-based development, music, relationships and family. This 50-minute musical is recommended for ages 4 and up.

The five books featured in the musical revue include:

Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri. Dragons love all sorts of tacos—except spicy ones! When a boy throws his new dragon friends a spicy salsa taco party, red-hot trouble ensues. Adapted by Marcus Stevens and Joe Kinosian.

Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein. It’s bedtime for the little red chicken. Papa is going to read her a story, but the chicken can’t help interrupting. Will the chicken ever get to sleep? Adapted by Marcus Stevens and Brian Lowdermilk.

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. A story about the creative spirit in all of us. Vashti can’t draw, but when her teacher says “Just make a mark and see where it takes you.” Vashti discovers she is an artist, after all. Adapted by Sam Salmond.

Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride by Kate DiCamillo, Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. Mercy, a porcine wonder, and Mr. Watson go for a ride every Saturday in Mr. Watson’s automobile. But one Saturday, guess who winds up behind the wheel? Adapted by Brendon Milburn and Janet Allard.

Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa School Days by Erica Silverman, painted by Betsy Lewin. Yee Haw! Cowgirl Kate and her loyal horse Cocoa are the perfect pair. They do everything together, until school is in session—and horses are not allowed! Adapted by Mark Sonnenblick and Ben Wexler.

Performance Locations
Seneca Valley Intermediate High, Tuesday, April 10, 7:00 p.m.
Greensburg Salem High School, Wednesday, April 11, 7:00 p.m.
Marshall Middle School, Thursday, April 12, 5:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Hopewell High School, Wednesday, April 13, 7:00 p.m.
Mellon Middle School, April 14, 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Byham Theater, Sunday, April 15, 2:00 p.m. (Sold Out)
Byham Theater, Monday, April 16, school groups, 10:15 a.m.

Ticket Information Individual tickets (General admission: $12 at the door; $10.50 in advance) can be ordered at these official Pittsburgh Cultural Trust ticket sources: online at www.TrustArts.org/kids, by calling 412-456-6666, or in person at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue. Groups of 10+ can order tickets by calling 412-471-6930 or visit TrustArts.org/groupsales. Subscriptions and Flex Ticket Packages to the Citizens Bank Children’s Theater series are available by calling 412-456-1390. *Children under 2 are free but require a lap pass.

Theatreworks USA
Founded in 1962 by Jay Harnick and Charles Hull, Theatreworks USA is America's largest and foremost equity theatre for young and family audiences. Theatreworks USA's mission is to create imaginative and sophisticated shows that are entertaining and thought provoking, and to ensure that these shows are accessible to audiences across America regardless of geography and socio-economic status. Theatreworks USA has a distinguished history of not only providing young audiences with their first taste of the performing arts, but also giving young actors, writers, directors, and designers an early opportunity to work in this field. The company is managed is under the direction of Barbara Pasternack (Artistic Director) and Michael Harrington (Managing Director). Theatreworks USA has reached over 93 million people in 49 states and Canada, and the company now performs for about two million young people annually. Every year, the company tours approximately ten shows from its ever-growing repertoire of 133 plays and musicals.

Theatreworks USA's honors include a Drama Desk Award, Lucille Lortel Award, the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation Award, the William M. Dawson Award for Programmatic Excellence given by the Association of Performing Arts Presenters, and the Medal of Honor from the Actors Fund of America. For more information: visit: TheatreworksUSA.org

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents a variety of family programming including the following series and festival. For more information please visit www.TrustArts.org.

The Citizens Bank Children’s Theater (now in its 48^th season, 2017-2018), a division of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, opens the door for children to experience professional performing arts programming which inspires, challenges, educates, and stimulates respect for and an understanding of all cultures in an entertaining and enlightening way. The series introduces children to the arts early in life sparking their interest and appreciation so they continue to enjoy and support the arts as they grow up. Performances: for ages 3 and up. 2017-2018 Citizens Bank Children’s Theater Series continues with Dragons Love Tacos and Other Stories, April 10-16, 2018 The Rainbow Fish, Sunday, May 17-20, 2018 (also part of the 2018 EQT Children’s Theater Festival)

The EQT Bridge Theater Series (now in its third season, 2017-2018), for ages 6 and up, expands upon the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s mission of bringing artistic opportunities to children of all ages through culturally diverse performances that will continue to engage young audiences through participation, encouragement of and respect for their creative ideas and develop their interest in the arts. The 2017-2018 EQT Bridge Theater Series continues with Slingsby Theatre Company (Australia) in The Young King (also part of the 2018 EQT Children’s Theater Festival), May 17-20, 2018, Trust Arts Education Center (recommended for ages 7+).

The EQT Children’s Theater Festival (celebrating its 32^nd year in 2018; May 17-20, 2018, various locations throughout downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District) is one of only four international children’s theater festivals in the nation. For the fourth year, the EQT Foundation, the charitable affiliation of EQT Corporation, will serve as the lead and title sponsor of the Children’s Theater Festival. The festival is known for performances and area premieres from artists around the world, free outdoor arts, music and installations, and unique free hands-on activities for any age. The festival welcomes everyone to participate in the educational and cultural experiences that bring people together while enjoying elements of fun and surprise. www.TrustArts.org/pghkids

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Children’s Theater membership is awesome. For more information, visit TrustArts.org/SupportKids, email: members@trustarts.org or call 412-471-3518.

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has overseen one of Pittsburgh’s most historic transformations: turning a seedy red-light district into a magnet destination for arts lovers, residents, visitors, and business owners. Founded in 1984, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is the cultural and economic revitalization of a 14-block arts and entertainment/residential neighborhood called the Cultural District. The District is one of the country’s largest land masses “curated” by a single nonprofit arts organization. A major catalytic force in the city, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a unique model of how public-private partnerships can reinvent a city with authenticity, innovation and creativity. Using the arts as an economic catalyst, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has holistically created a world-renowned Cultural District that is revitalizing the city, improving the regional economy and enhancing Pittsburgh’s quality of life. Thanks to the support of foundations, corporations, government agencies and thousands of private citizens, the Trust stands as a national model of urban redevelopment through the arts.