Press Room:
"Madeline" plays at Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre on April 29, 2005

For more information contact:
Emily Fraize, 501-396-0308
efraize@arkarts.com
April 15, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"Madeline" plays at Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre on April 29, 2005

This classic tale of Parisian life was originally written by and inspired by the paintings of Ludwig Bemelmans. Adapted for stage by John Clark Donahue, “Madeline” tells the story of a very precocious little girl who stands out among her classmates. Fearless and full of fervor, Madeline was accidentally left high on a Ferris wheel and not so dry when a terrible storm blew in while attending a Gypsy Carnival with Miss Clavel, her teacher, and her schoolmates. This headstrong heroine was rescued by the Gypsies and whisked away to a new life among the circus. Journey with Madeline as she says “Au Revoir” to her stringent studies and “Bonjour” to adventure!

The cast of “Madeline,” directed by John Isner, includes: Don Rush as Painter; Elizabeth Campbell as Madeline; Riley Knight as Pepito; Kristy Barrington as Miss Clavel; Elena Snow, Sara Gochenour, Nicole Sullivan, Madison Sullivan, Alexandria Elkins, Sky Cardwell, Celina Miranda, Sophie Overton, Raven Duda, Alexandra Fletcher and Kirby Fullerton as 11 Little Girls; Randee as Gypsy Mama; Josh Rice as Ring Master; A.J. Spiridigliozzi as Fiddler; Dale Bicker as Strong Man; Kameron Lunon, Hope Roberts, Faith Hurtado, Rachel Stephens, Katie Greer, Victoria Vander Schilden, Stewart Fullerton and Audrey Boswell as Gypsies.

Ludwig Bemelmans began writing children’s books in 1934, publishing “Madeline” in 1939. He won the Caldecott Medal for a “Madeline” tale in 1954 and published over 40 children’s books in his lifetime.

“Madeline” runs through Sunday, May 15, 2005. Individual tickets for the production are $14 and $12 for groups of ten or more. To reserve tickets, call the Arkansas Arts Center at 501-372-4000.

CHILDREN'S THEATRE INFORMATION
Posters: Commemorative posters of each Children's Theatre production are available for $10
Public Showings: 7:30 p.m. Friday; Morning, Matinee and Evening performances available depending on weekend, Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday
Location: Arkansas Arts Center – 9th and Commerce, Little Rock, AR 72202
Season Sponsor: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Media Sponsor: Little Rock Family
Performance Sponsor: McKenzie, Jack, Anderson and Margaux Mourot