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News Releases 
"Cause you never know where you might be tomorrow... Or who you'll meet or what you'll do or where you'll be." -Pippi, Pippi Longstocking 
For Immediate Release: April 19, 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:
The Children’s Theatre Company brings its sensational 41st, grand opening season to an end with the rebellious antics of Pippi Longstocking. This popular CTC classic, which was completely re-imagined for the 2000-2001 production, was written by Astrid Lindgren, with English translation by Thomas W. Olson and Truda Stockenström, music composed by Roberta Carlson, and lyrics by Roberta Carlson and Thomas W. Olson. This new production blossomed then and will again under the artistic vision of director, choreographer and music director Matthew Howe, scenic and properties designer Joseph Stanley, lighting designer Rebecca Fuller, costume designer Mary Anna Culligan, and sound design by Chris Heagle. CTC’s 2005-2006 season is proudly sponsored by Target.
With her red pigtails, freckles on her nose, and mismatched socks, Pippi Longstocking is one of the most beloved characters in children’s literature and on our stage. With her mother an angel in heaven, and her father a sea captain, this independent girl lives in a house with a horse on the porch and a monkey named Mr. Nilsson. Her new friends, Tommy and Annika cheer her defiance when she refuses to acquiesce to the wishes of the adults who keep trying to make her conform. She does not want to go to school, she will not go to the Children’s Home, and she single-handedly defeats the thieves that would steal the gold left her by her pirate father. Just when she finally has a chance to join her father at sea, she elects to remain with Tommy and Annika.
“Pippi Longstocking is a celebration of one of the great characters in children’s literature,” says CTC artistic director Peter C. Brosius. “Pippi is an irrepressible force who does things her own way. She was a scandalous and controversial creation when she was first introduced years ago in Sweden. She made people think, challenged convention and re-imagined how we understand the world. Pippi teaches all of us about the importance of our own courage and the power of our imaginations to help us through challenging times.”
The 30-member acting company for this production, include Jessie Shelton as Pippi, Maeve Colleen Moynihan (most recently in Esperanza Rising at CTC) as Annika and Nathan Barlow (most recently in CTC’s Aladdin) as Tommy. They are joined by CTC resident acting company members, CTC performing apprentices, guest artists and student actors.
Astrid Lindgren’s book is the 12th most translated book in the world. Since its premiere in the ‘82-83 season, Pippi Longstocking has been produced at CTC in the ‘88-89 season, on tour in ‘90-’91 and on the mainstage again in the 200-2001 season. It is Pippi’s indomitable, fiercely happy-go-lucky spirit that speaks to the rebel in all of us.
Pippi Longstocking is Swedish author Astrid Lindgren’s own adaptation of her children’s books Pippi Longstocking and Pippi Goes on Board for the stage. Lindgren first created the character of Pippi Longstocking when her sick daughter asked for a bedtime story in 1941. In addition to three Pippi books, she has also written over thirty children’s books, a handful of plays, many films, and radio and TV series.
WHEN:
Pippi Longstocking previews April 25 – 27, opens April 28, and runs through June 18, 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 available on CTC's photo distribution website: www.ctcpix.org
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