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September 14, 2009
For Immediate Release
For more information: Isaac Walters (801) 863-8434
University Marketing & Communications: Erin Spurgeon, (801) 863-6807
UVU’s Department of Theatrical Arts opens both its theater season and the doors of the brand new, black box Noorda Theatre with the classic "Charlotte’s Web" this week. UVU’s innovative production uses life-sized puppets onstage to recreate this heartwarming favorite tale. The production opens Sept. 17 and plays through Oct. 3 with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and matinees on Saturday Sept. 19 and 26.
"Charlotte’s Web" marks the grand opening of the Noorda Theatre, an innovative theater space that can completely transform from one performance to the next. Construction was completed on the black box theater this past summer, making it the newest theater to open in Utah County. "Charlotte’s Web" is also the first show presented in conjunction with the Noorda Regional Theater Center for Children & Youth, UVU’s new youth theater program. This program and theater were made possible through a gift from the Ray & Tye Noorda Foundation.
"This facility and the productions it will present are a testament to Ray & Tye Noorda’s vision and their commitment to the young people of the state and region," said Barbara Hammond, assistant dean for the UVU School of the Arts.
This first production is based on the classic children’s tale by E.B. White, which was named by the Children's Literature Association as "the best American children's book of the past 200 years." The playwright, Joseph Robinette, working with the advice of the author, has created a play that captures this beloved work in a thrilling theatrical presentation. The beautiful friendship between Wilbur and Charlotte comes to life through the use of life-sized puppets that are inspired by Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical "The Lion King" and London’s National Theater production of "War Horse." These beautiful puppets were created by local artist and puppet-maker Nat Reed.
"I'm excited to be working on this American classic," said Chris Clark, UVU Department of Theatrical Arts assistant professor and "Charlotte’s Web" director. "We're hoping to tell the story in an innovative way. Our animals are all played by puppets, which are constructed with an intricate mix of marionette and rod puppetry. It's an exciting challenge to mix live actors and animal puppets onstage, and hopefully the end result is seamless storytelling and a touching experience for the audience."
Due to the popularity of the show, all weekday matinees have been sold out to elementary schools. Additional matinees are available on Saturday, Sept. 19 and 26. This show is suitable for families with young children, with a guide available online at www.uvu.edu/theatre.
Tickets can be purchased by phone (801) 863-PLAY (7529) or online at www.uvu.edu/theatre. UVU Theater and its season are supported by the School of the Arts.
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