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News Releases 
"Grew up with a boy, about Kenny's age, he seen his Daddy lynched. Never spoke again." -Mr. Robert, The Watsons Go to Birmingham 
For Immediate Release: August 4, 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 2006/2007 season, sponsored by Target, continues with The Watsons Go to Birmingham, which is sponsored by Dorsey & Whitney. Based on the book by Christopher Paul Curtis, the production was adapted for the stage by Kevin Willmott and is directed by Clinton Turner Davis (who is making his debut at CTC). The creative team includes scenic design by Matthew Myhrum, costume design by Gypsy R. Ames, lighting design by Allen Lee Hughes, sound design by Andre Pluess, and stage management by Kathryn Loftin.
The 8 member cast includes guest actors Isabel Monk O'Connor, Ansa Akyea, Warren Bowles, and Namir Smallwood, CTC resident acting company member Marvette Knight, CTC performing apprentice Sid Solomon, and student actors Nathan Barlow and Rachel Lyons. The production will play in repertory with The BFG.
The year is 1963. In Detroit, ten year old Kenny listens to his mother tell stories of growing up in Birmingham, Alabama. But, it is ten year old Kenny who tells the story of this play. When his teenage brother starts getting into trouble (nearing juvenile-delinquency kind of trouble), the whole family - Momma, Dad, Byron, Kenny and Joetta - decide to pay a visit to their Grandma Sands in Birmingham. If anyone can make Byron straighten up, it's definitely Grandma Sands. So, the whole family sets out on a wild and hilarious road trip across America in their car, the "Brown Bomber."
When they make it to Birmingham, however, they find much more than they bargained for. They are as shocked as the audience will be to discover (or re-discover) the racism that was running rampant in 1963. The play is about the warmth and humor of this very real family. It is also about gaining a fresh perspective on some of the most painful moments of the civil rights era. This adaptation of Curtis' award-winning novel is unforgettable.
"I have been a fan of Christopher Paul Curtis's work for years and I am thrilled that he will be joining us for the opening performance of The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963," said Peter C. Brosius, CTC artistic director. "He brings a profound humanity to his work that inspires me, makes me laugh, and challenges me with every book he writes. His books ring of truth, of the intricate details of everyday life, of the difficulties we all face. He awakens our hearts, our souls and our consciences with his joyous and powerful tale of one family and its journey."
The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 was Christopher Paul Curtis' first novel. Soon after its publication in 1995, it was awarded a Newbery Honor and a Coretta Scott King Honor. Born in Flint, Michigan, after high school, Curtis worked on the assembly line at the Fisher Body Plant for 13 years. With his wife's encouragement, he took off a year to finish his first book and was eventually able to leave his plant job permanently. His style combines elements of his own family heritage with important threads in recent American history.
WHEN:
The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 previews September 5 thru 7, opens September 8, 2006 and runs through October 7, 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.
PAY WHAT YOU CAN:
Wednesday, September 20 @ 7:00 p.m.
Tickets on sale Wed. Sept. 13 @ 10:00 a.m.
About Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Clients have relied on Dorsey (www.dorsey.com) since 1912 as a valued, cutting-edge business partner. With more than 600 lawyers in 19 locations in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia, Dorsey provides an integrated, proactive approach to its clients' legal and business needs. Dorsey represents a number of the world's most successful Fortune 500 companies from a variety of disciplines, including leaders in the financial services, investment banking, life sciences, securities, technology and energy sectors, as well as nonprofit and government entities.
About Target
Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,351 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today's best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE:TGT) gives back more than $2 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962 Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.
Images will be available on CTC's photo distribution website: www.ctcpix.org
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