FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Interviews available
For a PDF Version of the Fall 2008 Press Release

Tel: 212-633-6629
info@childrenstheatercompany.org
www.childrenstheatrecompany.org

Ugly Duckling and King Kunka Bunka & His Rotten Royal Rascals

Season Run: Oct. 18, 2008 to Nov. 2, 2008
Where: Los Angeles Baha'i Center, 5755 Rodeo Rd
(enter La Cienaga) Los Angeles, CA 90016
Tickets: Through reservation only $12 For Adults and Children
Reservations and Information: Call 212-633-6629

Saturdays, Oct. 18, 25 / Nov. 1 (Benefit Show)
Sundays, Oct. 19, 26 / Nov. 2

What People Are Saying About Children's Theater Company?

"Mature words that sound all the more stirring when uttered by young voices."
- Laurel Graeber, NY Times

"A colorful and lighthearted way of teaching children about the dangers of prejudice. One of New York's most successful working models of 'unity in diversity'."
- Barbara Aria, Time Out

NEW YORK, January 8th, 2008--Opening its eighth season, the award winning Children's Theatre Company's Winter/Spring 2008 Season will be premiering three musicals that focus humorously, musically and thoughtfully on issues relating to the environment and ecology, disabilities and discrimination, and service and sacrifice. It's The Ugly Duckling retold! The story lyrically recounts the tale of transformation of the misunderstood swan duckling while at the same time poignantly tells a story of anyone who has ever felt out of place or discriminated against. The characters in this story all seek kindness and a sense of acceptance for who they are. The Lorax & Money Bags is an original musical based on the much-loved children's story by Dr. Seuss that will endear you to that lovely character of the Lorax and his plea for the need to care for our delicate environment. And finally, Wayward Knight takes the audience on a knights' noble quest to understand his purpose. Has the king's knight been loyal to the king by following his heart, or has he been a "wayward" knight after all?

"Children's Theatre Company was created because I was inspired by the concept of artists-in-service who are dedicated to themes of social awareness," says Mehr Mansuri, Artistic Director and Founder of Children's Theatre Company. "I was indeed starving as an actor but not physically starving, rather spiritually starving. This company feeds the souls of many, not just the kids, but even artists like me."

"The balance you create -- between seriousness and humor, roots of power and flights of optimism, intellect and unabashed joy -- is exquisite. What you are doing is truly wonderful and you should be very proud of your efforts and accomplishments."
- Harry Belafonte.

Nationally acclaimed, CTC has made several appearances on Good Morning America participating in dialogue on the impact of war on children and encouraging literacy in the nation, and has been selected as the official spokespeople for UNICEF/FOX Kids literacy and girls’ education television campaigns. CTC has performed with the likes of Harry Belafonte and Wynton Marsalis, including special performances for Nelson Mandela at the United Nations. The group has received rave reviews from the NY Board of Education and has also appeared on Sesame Street, CNN, Live with Regis and Kelly, were honored with the Verizon Literacy Award 2002 and performed Casey at the Bat with James Earl Jones at the American Airlines Theatre.

Children's Theatre Company is a non-profit organization that provides not only a creative haven for children through theatre and arts, but also a 'think-tank' where values such as peace, racial harmony, and unity in diversity are explored and indeed, celebrated. CTC maintains a resident of child actors and artists, performing and exhibiting their work in a rotating repertory of musical plays and exhibitions housed at the Baha’i Unity Center’s John Birks Gillespie Auditorium in Greenwich Village, which the group received as a space grant. Named for Dizzy Gillespie, it is a fabulous 141-seat red-velvet proscenium theatre. While developing their talents, children also confront and examine themes and issues, which face humanity and the world, which they will inherit. CTC's goal is to provide each child an honest, reverent, relevant, and challenging artistic experience. Visit www.childrenstheatrecompany.org.
For audition information, call 212-633-6629.