For Immediate Release: December 1, 2005
Media Contact: Jessica Calter, Arden Theatre Company, 215.922.8900 x22

Arden Theatre Company opens its twelfth Arden Children's Theatre production, The Dinosaur Musical, this Sunday, December 4. Since its inception in 1999, Arden Children's Theatre has seen huge growth in attendance, but more recently the Arden has noted a trend in children attending with grandparents. The Arden anticipates an increase in this trend at this weekend's world premiere of The Dinosaur Musical. From the creators of last seasons smash hit A Year with Frog and Toad, The Dinosaur Musical runs through Sunday, January 22, 2006 and is recommended for families and children ages five and older.

Arden Artistic Director, Terrence J. Nolen, is pleased to see this trend in intergenerational theatre attendence, "We've always tried to make Arden Children's Theatre about families and not just kids. A positive theatre experience can be great family bonding as well. I'm very excited that families are including older generations in the fun." Besides having a great time, there are many proven benefits to grandparents and children attending theatre together. Mary L. Gavin, MD, Medical Editor of KidsHealth a Media Division of General Pediatrics at Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children points out, "Children who establish a close bond with their grandparents learn about their cultural heritage and family history, which can give them a stronger sense of belonging" and "grandparents may have lots of time to spend [with] kids. Such dedicated attention only improves your child's developmental and learning skills."

Arden Theatre Company offers an added opportunity for grandparents and children to spend valuable time together with the Family Usher Network (FUN). Kids eight and older and their adult chaperones are invited to join FUN which takes place during weekend performances of The Dinosaur Musical. In addition to seeing the show, families participating in FUN receive an exclusive backstage tour, hand out programs, tear tickets, seat patrons and help straighten up the theatre after the show. FUN gives kids a behind-the-scenes peek at how plays are created, instills the value of community involvement and teaches valuable social skills.

A family adventure of prehistoric proportions, The Dinosaur Musical is the latest world premiere from Robert Reale and Willie Reale, creators of the Tony Award-nominated A Year with Frog and Toad. In this adventurous musical, dwindling food supplies force surviving dinosaurs to agree not to eat each other. When T-Rexes go back on their word it's up to a small band of peaceful dinosaurs to save the planet. The Dinosaur Musical marks the return of Joshua Lamon (A Year with Frog and Toad, Sideways Stories from Wayside School, Sweeney Todd), Barrymore Award-winner for his role as Snail in A Year with Frog and Toad and Barrymore Award-nominee Ben Dibble (A Year with Frog and Toad, Sideways Stories from Wayside School, Sweeney Todd), Toad in A Year with Frog and Toad. Filled with rip-roaring fun, The Dinosaur Musical is the don't miss event this holiday season. All performances will be followed by a post-show discussion and an opportunity for children to meet the cast.

The Dinosaur Musical runs through Sunday, January 22, 2006. Tickets, currently on sale, range from $14 to $30 (children 12 and under $14-$16; teens $18-$22; adults $26-$30) and may be purchased by calling the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122 or ordered online at www.ardentheatre.org. Discounted group rates are also available. The Arden is fully accessible to all persons with disabilities, including wheelchair accessibility, assisted listening devices and large-print programs. Accessible seating is available by reservation. For more information call the Arden at 215.922.1122, log on to www.ardentheatre.org or visit the box office at 40 N. 2nd Street in Philadelphia.

WHERE:
F. Otto Haas Stage
Arden Theatre Company
40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia

WHEN:
November 30, 2005 - January 22, 2006

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