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News Releases 
Grimm Tales on Tour - CTC's Sweet Sixteen Tour Takes Off 
For Immediate Release: August 3, 2001
Minneapolis, MN - For the 16th consecutive year, The Children's Theatre Company (CTC) is demonstrating its commitment to all of the communities in Minnesota, as well as the region, with a touring production of Grimm Tales. From September 2001 until February 2002, the production will be staged nearly 100 times in 42 cities in seven Midwest states, including 23 stops in Minnesota communities. The tour will have a grand kick-off on Saturday, September 22 before heading for Glenwood, Minnesota.
"Our tour has become a part of the fabric of Minnnesota life," says CTC artistic director Peter C. Brosius. "We are proud of our sixteen years of consecutive touring and the contributions we make to the upper midwest, especially Minnesota."
During the four-month tour, six cast members, seven crew members, and one stage manager will live out of their suitcases. The group will stay in over 45 hotels and eat nearly 300 meals out or in a vehicle (with an occasional home-cooked meal) as they criss-cross the Midwest. The cast and crew of Grimm Tales are not the only things that need to travel for this production. While one passenger van transports the cast and crew, a large 26-foot truck will house set pieces, lighting equipment, costume crates, and two crates of props. The set is designed to be quickly and easily taken apart and assembled at each venue. Typically, the crew has four to five hours in which to assemble and take down the set. In order to accomplish this in the tight time period required, each venue provides eight to ten volunteers to assist CTC crew with the task. Many tour stops include workshops which are offered to students of every age and skill level, and cover topics from Improvisation and Auditioning to Technical Theater and Playwriting.
This production of Grimm Tales, is based on a recent adaptation of the work of the Brothers Grimm, and hits the road fresh from successful engagements in London and New York. This lively collection features music, merriment and a new twist on some of our old favorites like Ashputtel (Cinderella), The Golden Goose, Little Red Cap (Little Red Riding Hood), and The Hare and the Hedgehog. Director David Bradley describes it as "a very theatrical, ensemble-oriented piece emphasizing the vigorous spirit of the tales as they were originally told. The production will be infused with music and adventurous movement that will capture the wit, emotion and transformative power inherent in the stories."
Grimm Tales is based on four stories from the most famous collection of classic tales compiled by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Kinderund Hausmarchen ("Children's and Household Tales") published in 1812. Origins of the tales can be found throughout medieval Europe and Asia, and many of them can be traced as far back as Ancient Greece, Egypt and even China. This adaptation was created by The Young Vic Company in England though a process of improvisation and study about the stories. The Young Vic's Artistic Director Tim Supple brought in Carol Anne Duffy, an award-winning British poet to put their work onto the page. The collaboration was a great success and won critical acclaim in London before going to New York.
For this touring production of Grimm Tales, a team of artists has been assembled from all over America. Director David Bradley is a Resident Director and teacher at The People's Light and Theatre Company of Malvern, Pennsylvania. Jim Pyne, scenic designer, is also part of the creative staff at People's Light and Theatre Company. Lighting Designer Rebecca Fuller is a member of CTC resident staff. New Jersey composer Vince di Mura was commissioned to create the score that adds to the distinct feel of this piece. And Minneapolis costume designer Sonya Berlovitz has created the rough earthy look for the actors to move in and out of their multiple roles throughout the performance.
The Children's Theatre Company has toured regionally, nationally, and internationally for more than twenty years. The annual regional tour of the Upper Midwest was established in 1986. For many residents of small towns and rural communities, a CTC production may be the only professional theatre they are exposed to at home. Approximately 60,000 people will see this theatre production.
Grimm Tales receives major underwriting from its Lead Sponsor, Cargill, and major sponsorship from 3M and the Land O'Lakes Foundation. Additional funding is provided by the Blandin Foundation. This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature. In addition, the project is supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
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