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News Releases 
"It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world, and moral courage so rare." -Mark Twain 
For Immediate Release: February 20, 2007
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 launches the world premiere of Mark Twain's intemporal tale, Huck Finn. The production is adapted and directed by Greg Banks (Antigone and Sleeping Beauty at CTC) with music by Victor Zupanc, set by Joseph Stanley, costumes by Mary Anna Culligan and lighting design by Paul Whitaker.
Greg Banks' innovative interpretation of this ever relevant American tale creates a muscular and exciting theater experience. In his signature actor-centric style, Banks asks the audience to participate with three actors, two musicians, and a series of rafts to recreate the harrowing adventures of Huck, his friend Jim and the countless, quirky characters they encounter along their epic Mississippi journey.
Banks' style intentionally challenges the imaginations of young audience members. They become essential, in fact, to the story telling process. The simplicity of the production elements supports the tour de force performances and Banks' small cast gives this timeless tale a contemporary life.
"To see someone change from a traveling huckster, to a dog, to a man with a gun, to a steam boat, helps you understand the different qualities of each characterization, and it's exciting to watch," said Banks.
Dean Holt, a CTC company member since 1994, brings thoughtful acceptance to the role of Huck. Ansa Akyea, last seen on the CTC stage in The Watsons Go To Birmingham - 1963, plays Jim as well as other characters. Terry Hempleman, last seen on the CTC stage in Anon(ymous), completes the acting trio and provides all the unforgettable characters Huck and Jim meet on their rafting adventure through the antebellum South. Hempleman takes on the multiple perspectives of a bullfrog, dog, pig, steamboat, river and myriad other characters.
Holt, Akyea and Hempleman will be joined onstage by composers and musicians Victor Zupanc, CTC's music director for seventeen seasons and Joe Cruz, one of the area's finest multi-stringed instrumentalists. They will provide an integrated and lively soundscape for the production.
Inspired by the way a river moves, Paul Stanley has designed a set that combines a series of rafts. Banks' said, "We hope to create an environment where "young people would like to play when no one else is around."
WHEN:
Huck Finn opens March 9, 2007 and runs through April 7, 2007. Preview performances are Tuesday, March 6, Wednesday, March 7, and Thursday, March 8.
The Huck Finn regional tour begins April 10, 2007 and will make stops in Red Wing; St. Louis, MO, Cambridge/Isanti, Dassel/Cokato, Marshall, Menomonie, WI and Grand Rapids. The tour will end on May 25, 2007 in Grand Rapids.
CTC will host the PAY WHAT YOU CAN performance of Huck Finn on Wednesday, March 14 at 7:00PM. Tickets go on-sale Wednesday, March 7, one week prior to the performance.
WHERE:
The Children's Theatre Company Mainstage, 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
TICKET INFORMATION:
Ticket prices are $13-28 for children, seniors, and students, and $19-34 for adults. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. For more information, call the CTC Ticket Office at (612)874-0400 or check out the website at www.childrenstheatre.org.
Images are available on CTC's photo distribution website: www.ctcpix.org
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