Don't Be Afraid of Your Shadow!
Boston Children's Theatre Presents the World Premiere Musical
Calvin's Monster
BOSTON, MA:
Who is Calvin's monster? It's his shadow! In a new musical adapted by Burgess
Clark and based on the book "Fairy Tale Moments" by Marcia Trimble, Calvin
learns how to overcome his fears- with a little help from his fairy tale
friends. Written for children and the young at heart, CALVIN'S MONSTER will be
performed by Boston Children's Theatre (BCT) at the Roberts Studio Theatre at
the Boston Center for the Arts on February 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 2 pm.
An engaging, entertaining and whimsical story, CALVIN'S MONSTER tells a modern
tale about friendship. staying strong, and overcoming adversity. According to
CALVIN'S MONSTER director and BCT Executive Artistic Director Burgess Clark, the
storyline and musical numbers will appeal to all ages. "Parents will appreciate
the humorous way in which important messages about facing our fears is
communicated, and children will identify with the fun and quirky characters who
befriend Calvin," explained Clark. "Peter Pan, Little Red Riding Hood,
Cinderella and Snow White all make appearances, and in a nod to our modern era,
they all text and use cell phones. This is a new musical for a new generation of
theater audiences."
CALVIN'S MONSTER follows the adventures of 8-year old Calvin and his school
librarian as he turns to her for help in understanding what he's afraid of and
how to overcome those fears. By enlisting the help of beloved fairy tale
characters who come to life in 2012, Calvin realizes that he's not alone and
that everyone has obstacles to overcome. Encouraged by his new friends, Calvin
develops the tools he needs to face his fears and become stronger in the face of
adversity. With a musical score by Jessie Soursourian and Austin Davy, CALVIN'S
MONSTER will have audiences singing about dragons, self esteem and the value of
friendship.
The first of two new works in BCT's 2011-2012 season, CALVIN'S MONSTER marks a
commitment by BCT to expanding the repertoire of plays and musicals for young
people. "Our mission is to not only produce familiar and classic titles for
children, but to develop new theatrical projects for future generations," said
Clark. "BCT is proud to introduce two new works to the Boston stage during our
60th Anniversary season. In addition to Calvin's Monster, we are also presenting
the World Premiere play Reflections of a Rock Lobster in March which also
explores the themes of overcoming adversity, taking a stand and making a
difference in our society."
CALVIN'S MONSTER features Boston actress Shana Dirik as Mrs. Knowley together
with a cast of 12 young local actors between the ages of 12 and 19. The cast
includes Bedford resident Natalie Vatcher as 'Rapunzel'; Belmont resident Alex
Aroyan as 'Dragon'; Boxford resident Kristina Kastrinelis as 'Snow White';
Braintree resident Rachel Padell as 'Cinderella'; Charlestown resident Kevin
Paquette as 'Wolf'; Marblehead resident Paige Vigneron 'Swing'; Newburyport
resident Colin Budzyna as 'Calvin'; Newton resident Alex Levy as 'Jack';
Sherborn resident Nolan Murphy as 'Peter Pan'; and Stoneham resident Emily Pinto
as 'Little Red Riding Hood.'
CALVIN'S MONSTER will be performed at the Roberts Studio Theatre at the Boston
Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont Street, Boston, MA on Saturdays and Sundays
February 4, 5, 11 and 12. All performances are at 2 pm. Tickets are $25.00 and
can be purchased by visiting the BCT website at
www.bostonchildrenstheatre.org
or calling the BCT Box Office at 617-424-6634, x222. School groups can also
reserve tickets for weekday performances by contacting the BCT Box Office.
