Orlando Shakespeare Theater Brings Children’s Book To Life In A Night In New Orleans: A Magic

ORLANDO, Fla. - Oct. 2, 2013 - PRLog -- Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF presents the Rolling World Premiere of A Night in New Orleans: A Magic Tree House Adventure, co-written by Will Osborne and Murray Horwitz with music composed by legendary Jazz composer Allen Toussaint, from October 17 – November 23, 2013 in the Margeson Theater. Tickets ($9 and $12) may be purchased by calling the Box Office at (407) 447-1700, online at http://www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center at 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando’s Loch Haven Cultural Park.

Orlando Shakes’ Rolling World Premiere of A Night in New Orleans: A Magic Tree House Adventure follows beloved Magic Tree House characters, Jack and Annie, on the most haunted night of the year – the eve of All Saints Day – as they search for a young Louis Armstrong. On a mission to inspire young artists to share their talents with the world, can the duo find Louis and set him on the path to becoming the King of Jazz? Complete with a live jazz band, this new musical will transport audiences back to 1915 New Orleans where the streets are filled with music and the night is filled with ghosts!

“Orlando Shakes is thrilled to present the Florida Premiere of A Night In New Orleans: A Magic Treehouse Adventure!” said Director of Education Anne Hering. “A live band will compliment the cast, making this a unique theatrical event for all ages.”

Best-selling author, Mary Pope Osborne, will donate a copy of her Magic Tree House Book #42: A Good Night for Ghosts (on which the musical is based) to all Title I third and fourth graders who attend A Night in New Orleans with their schools. Mary Pope Osborne previously donated over 28,000 Magic Tree House books to every Orange County Title 1 third grader and classroom teacher through her Gift of Books Program this past May.

Coinciding with the opening of A Night in New Orleans, JetBlue Airways has generously donated 20,000 Magic Tree House books and backpacks to Title 1 Elementary students in Orange County Public Schools. This donation is part of JetBlue’s third-annual Soar with Reading program, an award-winning summer literacy initiative that places age-appropriate books in the hands of children in underserved areas (www.SoarWithReading.com). This year the airline welcomed new program partners Random House Children’s Books and Magic Tree House author Mary Pope Osborne. As part of the program, JetBlue will also donate Magic Tree House books to New York, Boston, Ft. Lauderdale,Los Angeles, and San Juan, PR.

A Night in New Orleans: A Magic Tree House Adventure features actors Anachebe Asomugha, Damian Barray (as the young Louis Armstrong), Sophie Bell, Bridgette Hoover, Chris Metz, A. Ross Neal, Joel Oramas, and Jeffrey Todd Parrott. The Orlando Shakes artistic team includes Director/Musical Director Steve MacKinnon, Choreographer Kim Ball, Set Designer Robbin Watts, Lighting Designer Mary Heffernan, Costume Designer Mel Barger, and Sound Designer Britt Sandusky.

A Night in New Orleans: A Magic Tree House Adventure is sponsored by Massey Services, The City of Orlando, and Mary Palmer & Associates. Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is supported by United Arts of Central Florida with funds from the United Arts collaborative campaign and by State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Arts Council.