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News Releases 
"Papa always says, 'if you are connected to the land, you are connected to life.'" -Esperanza, from Esperanza Rising 
For Immediate Release: March 2, 2006
WHO:
The Children's Theatre Company (CTC), the nation's leading theater for young people and families and recipient of the 2003 Tony® Award for Outstanding Regional Theater.
WHAT:
CTC's second winter production will be the world premiere of Esperanza Rising, by Lynne Alvarez adapted from the award-winning book by Pam Muñoz Ryan. The production is directed by Rebecca Lynn Brown, with music composed by Victor Zupanc, scenic design by Riccardo Hernandez, costume design by James Schuette, lighting design by Matt Frey, sound design by Victor Zupanc, dramaturgy by Elissa Adams, choreography by Joe Chvala and stage managed by Chris Schweiger.
CTC's 2005/2006 season is proudly sponsored by Target.
"We are thrilled to have this remarkable creative team and outstanding acting company assembled for Esperanza Rising," said CTC artistic director Peter C. Brosius. "For many, it is their first experience at CTC, for others it is a return. Together, they will all breathe life into this world premiere."
Esperanza Rising is the story of a young girl who is uprooted, transplanted and re-grown in alien soil. The glorious, live music of Mariachis carries Esperanza (whose name means "hope") across the dividing line that cuts through the center of this play. That line (both literal and figurative) divides two countries, two cultures, and two languages. It also separates Mexico and California, the year 1930 from 1931 and Act I from Act II. Brought up in the lush and beautiful world of the Mexican aristocracy and then torn away and replanted in the impoverished world of a migrant labor camp in California, Esperanza ultimately fulfills the promise of her name.
The twenty-five member company includes CTC performing apprentices; student actors including Erin Nicole Hampe as Esperanza; guest artists including Raúl Ramos, Catalina Maynard, Melanie Rey and Bob Davis; and musicians Roberto Rodriguez, Joe Cruz and Victor Zupanc.
Esperanza Rising has been chosen as the St. Paul Reads book for the current school year. Award-winning author Pam Muñoz Ryan will be in town for the opening weekend.
Author Pam Muñoz Ryan has written over twenty-five books for young people, the most celebrated being Esperanza Rising, winner of the Pura Belpre Medal, the Jane Addams Peace Award, an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults, and the Americas Award Honor Book.
For many years, Lynne Alvarez was an honored poet who at age 31 abruptly turned to playwriting and has succeeded in that arena as well. According to playwright Mac Wellman, "The plays of Lynne Alvarez possess a poetry and eerie quietude that is unique in our dramatic literature."
WHEN:
Esperanza Rising previews March 14, 15, 16, opens March 17 and closes April 15, 2006.
WHERE:
The Children's Theatre Company, 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
TICKET INFORMATION:
Ticket prices are $19–34 for adults and $13-28 for children, students, and seniors. Group rates are available. For more information contact The Children's Theatre Company Ticket Office at 612-874-0400 or www.childrenstheatre.org.
Images are now available on CTC's photo distribution website: www.ctcpix.org
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