Feb. 18-March 28 on DST Mainstage Theatre--in-the-Round

Desert Stages Theatre’s Children’s Series Presents an Original Adaptation of Charlotte’s Webb

DST Founder Gerry Cullity’s Book, Music and Lyrics Stand Test of Time

$12 Tickets at DesertStages.org

Scottsdale, Ariz. (Jan. 19, 2011) – Desert Stages Theatre’s Children’s Series presents an original adaptation of Charlotte’s Web, engaging more than 180 children across the Valley in two complete casts, beginning Fri., Feb. 18 through Sun., March 18.

With tickets at only $12, Charlotte’s Web hits the DST Mainstage on the heels of current musical hit Bye Bye Birdie, and continues the DST tradition of delivering first-rate theatrical entertainment at value prices.

“As is our design for the Children’s Theatre, this musical adaptation enlists the talents of four leads for the show’s two casts,” said Laurie Cullity, cofounder and executive director of DST, who also happens to direct this show. “Part of the mandate of our theatrical academy,” added Cullity, “is to deliver a stage opportunity that allows as many young talents to participate as possible, and still retain a level of excellence.”

The two children’s casts each have two leads to provide the opportunity for more children to experience the challenging roles for the show’s duration.

Based on the beloved tale by E. B. White, the play is performed to a musical score created by the late DST founder Gerry Cullity, in addition to his original script and lyrics to boot.

“Gerry loved this particular production and the statement it made about friendship and looking out for each other,” said Cullity.

Tickets at www.DesertStages.org or by phone at 480.443.1664, ext 1.

This version of Charlotte’s Web is a musical hoe-down as America’s favorite characters from Zuckerman’s Farm -- a gossipy goose, a gloomy sheep, a grouchy rat and, of course, a beautiful spider named Charlotte -- come together to save their friend, Wilbur the pig, from a terrible fate in a spirited country gospel musical adaptation.  From the kick-up-your-heels "Good Morning" melody to the bluegrass tune "Tough Act to Follow," parents will love to share this favorite story-turned-musical about growing up and the wonders of life with their children.

Tickets Online & by Phone.  Tickets for children’s productions are now available online at www.DesertStages.org; or by phone, 480.483.1664, and also at the theatre box office, 4720 N. Scottsdale Road, north side of Scottsdale Fashion Square, next to Coco’s restaurant.  Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 (adults) and $12 (children) day of performance.

Mainstage Series.  Presently on the Mainstage is Bye Bye Birdie through Feb. 6.  In addition, On Golden Pond continues its hit run through Jan. 23, in DST’s intimate Actor’s Café, with American classic A Raisin in the Sun soon to follow Feb. 11.  Visit www.DesertStages.org for details.

About Desert Stages Theatre.  A bustling community playhouse, Scottsdale’s nonprofit Desert Stages Theatre was founded in 1995, and presents more than 400 performances every season, from August to July.  Three show schedules occur simultaneously throughout the year: Actor’s Café performances in the intimate, proscenium-style 60-seat theatre; the Mainstage Series in Cullity Hall, an innovative theatre-in-the-round; and the Children’s Theatre Series, also performed in Mainstage Cullity Hall.  DST is led by cofounder and executive director Laurie Cullity; business manager and cofounder Joan Thompson; and artistic director Terry Helland.  Included in each DST season are children’s productions of original scripts, musical scores and lyrics by cofounder Gerry Cullity whose work is still relished five years after his passing.  Desert Stages has developed thousands of thespians, young and old, many with compelling personal stories of triumph and major stage success and all of whom perform at DST for the pure love of the theater.

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