For Immediate Release: February 4, 2005
Media Contact: Marc S. Goldberg, Storybook Musical Theatre, 215.659.8550

Storybook Musical Theatre will present the World Premiere of the classic children's tale, based on the Grimm Brothers' story, "The Elves of the Shoemaker". The Abington-based, professional children's theater company will present the magical fable from February 28 to March 13 at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center, 800 Tomlinson Rd, Bryn Athyn, PA.

In the third production of Storybook's 2004-05 season, Storybook's Artistic Director, Patricia Goldberg has created the new book adaptation with music by local composer Jeff Reim, in a musical for children ages three and older, as well as the accompanying adults.

"Elves and the Shoemaker" tells the tale of a poor shoemaker, about to lose his shop to a mean landlord, that is delighted and somewhat bewildered by the all the new shoes that magically appear overnight in his shop. The enchanted visits mark a new life for him and his wife, but the secret of the good deeds is a mystery. Who or what is really responsible and what will become of the humble cobbler and his wife?

Storybook has gathered five talented, local, professional, Equity actors for their cast:

The long suffering cobbler is played by Storybook regular, Dana Schmidt, of Jenkintown. Dana was seen earlier this season as Beauty's father in "Beauty and the Beast". Other Storybook credits include "Rapunzel", "Little Red Riding Hood", "Emperor's New Clothes" and "Frog Prince". He has been seen in many feature films and television specials. When not acting, Dana is a licensed auctioneer and deals in antiques and collectibles.

The cobbler's wife is played by Storybook newcomer Demetria Joyce Bailey, of Collingswood, N.J. Regional credits include "Stories from the Sisters Circle" at Freedom Theater, "Changing Faces of Medicine for American Historical Theater, "Twilight Time" at Hedgerow Theater, and "Ushers, he Musical" at Plays and Players Theater. In addition, her TV credits include "Hack" and "The Wire and she has been heard on KYW Newsradio, WYSP And UPN57.

The mean landlord, who tries to evict the cobbler and his wife, is played by another Storybook regular, David Mulholland, of Bristol, PA. David was last seen in Storybook's "Wizard of Oz" as the Wizard. Other Storybook credits include "Princess and the Pea", "Emperor's New Clothes", "Jack and the Beanstalk", and "Robin Hood" just to name a few. Regional credits included "Tuesdays with Morrie" at Act Out Theater, "Only A Girl" with Lightkeeper Productions, "Our Town" at Delaware Theater Company and "Snow Queen at the Prince Theater.

Playing one of the secretive elves is Jen Faith Brown, of Levittown. Jen was just seen as two of the miners in Storybook's "Snow White". Additional Storybook credits include "Princess and the Pea". She is one of the founders of Lightkeeper Productions and was recently seen in the play "Only a Girl", a piece she helped create. Regional credits include: "Arms and the Man" and "An Ideal Husband" at Alabama Shakespeare Festival, "Our Town" at Syracuse Stage, "Paint Your Wagon" and "Sound of Music" at New London Barn Playhouse.

Playing the other elf is Chris Faith, of Perkasie, PA. Chris was also just seen as two miners in Storybook's "Snow White". Last season Chris was the Lion in "Wizard of Oz". Other Storybook credits include: "Robin Hood", Prince and the Pauper", "Frog Prince", "Emperor's New Clothes" and "Jack and the Beanstalk". Other local credits include "The Uneasy Chair" at 1812 Productions and "Forever Plaid" and the Sellerville Theater.

Individual tickets are $10.00 with group discounts available. Show times are weekdays at 10:15 am, Saturdays at 11:00 am and Sundays at 2:00 pm. There is no show Monday, March 7.

All Storybook productions are appropriate for ages 3 and older. After each performance, as always, everyone will have the opportunity to meet the characters for a hand shake, pictures, or an autograph. For information, reservations or directions, call the box office at 215-659-8550 or check Storybook's website at: www.storybookmusical.org.

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