PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: November 6, 2009

Media Contact: Michelle Sanders, Public Relations Manager

(425) 392-1942 x124

www.villagetheatre.org

VILLAGE THEATRE PIED PIPER PRESENTS

GOODNIGHT MOON AND THE RUNAWAY BUNNY

PRODUCTION BY MERMAID THEATRE OF NOVA SCOTIA

Everett, WA - Village Theatre Pied Piper announces that Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s touring performance of Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny will be coming to the Everett Civic Auditorium on Saturday, November 21, 2009.

The classic bedtime story Goodnight Moon has charmed families for generations. Runaway Bunny evokes the same innocence and love of Goodnight Moon because this story features a bunny pretending to leave home and his mother’s responses to his ideas. Both tales feature endearing rabbit characters, and the soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dream-like imagery are sure to infuse young audience members with a reassuring sense of security.

Now in its 37th season, Mermaid Theatre has earned international acclaim for its unique interpretations of the works of Eric Carle (The Very Hungry Caterpillar ), Leo Lionni (Swimmy, Frederick & Inch by Inch), and Sam McBratney (Guess How Much I Love You). These widely-travelled productions incorporate innovative puppetry, striking scenic effects, and evocative original music to provide young audiences with an effortless introduction to the performing arts and the excitement of reading. Erica Weir, Pied Piper manager comments, “Mermaid Theatre does amazing work! Although the show is based on books that are very popular with toddlers and preschoolers, it is sure to be a delight for older kids and families as well.”

In addition to the public performance, school matinee performances of Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny will also take place at Theatre at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue (November 19, 2009, 10:00AM and Noon) and Everett Civic Auditorium (November 20, 2009, 10:00 AM and Noon). School performances may be arranged by calling Village Theatre’s Youth Education office at (425) 257-6343.

Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny have been adapted, directed, and produced by Jim Morrow, with music by Steven Naylor, and original stories by Margaret Wise Brown. This 60-minute musical is recommended for audiences in grades PreK-3 and their families, and incorporates a post-show talk back with Mermaid Theatre performers. For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Michelle Sanders at (425) 392-1942 x124 or at .

What: Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny

Produced by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia

Based on the books by Margaret Wise Brown

Illustrations by Clement Hurd

Directed by Jim Morrow

Music by Steven Naylor

Recommended for Grades PreK-2

Where: Everett Civic Auditorium

2415 Colby Avenue

Everett, WA 98201

When: November 21, 2009, 2:00 PM

Tickets: $12-$14

Box Office: (425) 257-8600 or www.villagetheatre.org

About Village Theatre Pied Piper

The Pied Piper program is dedicated to enriching the cultural lives of young people and supporting the classroom objectives of educators by bringing first-class educational performances to students, teachers, and families in the Puget Sound area. A Programming Advisory Committee, made up of teachers, principals, administrators, and parents advise on the selection of productions and presentations for each season’s series, with the final selections being made by Village Theatre's educational and artistic staff.

About Village Theatre

Based in Issaquah, WA, with operations in Everett, Village Theatre is a leading producer of musical theatre in the Pacific Northwest. Producing entertaining quality productions for the entire family since 1979, Village Theatre has grown into one of the region's best-attended Equity theatres, with over 18,000 Subscribers and 170,000 projected total attendance each season. Through its Village Originals program, Village Theatre is nationally recognized for its contribution to the development of new musicals, having launched over 85 new works to date. Village Theatre also takes pride in nurturing tomorrow’s audiences through its youth education programs, Pied Piper and KIDSTAGE, serving over 54,000 young people, families, and schools annually.

Village Theatre season sponsors are The Boeing Company, Continental Airlines, Microsoft, and Lombardi’s

Village Theatre is also funded in part by 4Culture, ArtsFund, ArtsUnited, Axonus, City of Everett, City of Issaquah /Issaquah Arts Commission, Continental Airlines, Encore Arts Program, The Herald, Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter, KING5.com, Larkspur Landing, Lombardi’s Neighborhood Italian, Margaret A. Cargill Foundation, Microsoft, National Endowment for the Arts, Overlake Hospital and Medical Center, Port Blakely Communities/Issaquah Highlands, Rowley Properties, and Washington State Arts Commission. Village Theatre is a member of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre and Theatre Puget Sound.

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