This summer, Theatreworks USA, the nation’s leading not-for-profit professional theatre for young audiences, will present the Off-Broadway Premiere of the new musical PETE THE CAT. It will begin performances on July 19 and run through August 18, with its benefit opening on July 25 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre (121 Christopher Street, between Bleecker and Hudson Streets).
When Pete the Cat gets caught rocking out after bedtime, the cat-catcher sends him to live with the Biddle family to learn some manners – and boy are they square! But for the groovy blue cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up, so the minute Pete walks in the door, he gets the whole family rocking. The whole family, that is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized, uptight second grader on planet earth. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect friend to help him out. Join Jimmy and Pete as they set off on an adventure in Pete’s VW Bus to find inspiration, Magic Sunglasses, and friendship!
Tony-nominated Dan Knechtges will direct PETE THE CAT which features book and lyrics by Sarah Hammond and music by Will Aronson and is based on the popular series by Kimberly and James Dean. The cast includes Adante Carter (NY: Sweetee), Matt Dengler (Broadway: The Visit, A Little Night Music), Brandi Porter (Regional: Little Shop of Horrors), Kyle Sherman(Regional: City of Angles), and Sam Tedaldi (NY: Searching for Romeo). The creative team includes scenic design by Rob Odorisio, costume design by Jennifer Caprio, orchestrations by Frank Galgano and Matt Castle, casting by Jason Blitman, the associate director is Zi Alikhan and production stage manager is Philip B. Richard II.
Launched in 1989, the mission of Theatreworks USA’s Free Summer Theatre Program is to provide New York City youth with their own theatre tradition that not only entertains but also educates and fosters positive values and an appreciation for theatre. This summer 15,000 FREE tickets will be distributed to PETE THE CAT.
Performances begin Wednesday, July 19th at the Lucille Lortel Theatre (121 Christopher Street). Opening Night and the Annual Opening Night Benefit is set for Wednesday, July 25th (6:30 PM). This limited engagement runs through August 18th. Educational and not-for-profit group reservations can be made by calling 212/627-7373 beginning mid-May.
Tickets for PETE THE CAT are FREE and are available on a first-come, first-served basis in-person at the Lucille Lortel Theatre Box Office (121 Christopher Street) on the day of the performance. Tickets for each day’s performances will be distributed beginning one hour prior to the first performance of the day. There is a limit of four (4) tickets per adult per day. Individual tickets are extremely limited for the weekday daytime performances.
Please note: Reservations cannot be made by the general public. Only reservations from not-for-profit and educational organizations are accepted. Strollers are not allowed in the theater; no babies in arms. Please be considerate of fellow audience members. No food or drink is allowed inside the Lucille Lortel Theatre.
WANT TO SEE THE SHOW BUT DON’T WANT TO WAIT IN LINE? VIP Members can get reserved seats by becoming a Donor to Theatreworks USA. All donations are tax-deductible and go directly to offset program costs. For every $50 you donate, you are entitled to either one reserved Adult VIP s or one reserved Child VIP ticket for the performance of your choice. Limit 10 tickets per donor. VIP reservations, including weekend performances, must be received no later than 12pm on Friday each week. For more information on becoming a Donor and supporting free theatre for youth, call 212/647-1100, ext. 131 or e-mail development@twusa.org. All sales final.
For more information on this show or the other programs offered by Theatreworks USA, visit www.TWUSA.org.