55 Victoria Street North, St. Paul 55104
For immediate release
Media Contacts:
Robyn Priestley, (651) 292-0321, robyn@paintedturtledesign.com
Kendra Plant (651) 225-9265, kendra@steppingstonetheatre.org
SteppingStone Theatre’s 25th Anniversary Season
SteppingStone Theatre’s Artistic Director Richard Hitchler says, “This will be our 25th Anniversary season of
SteppingStone Theatre. We're celebrating our great history, and looking forward to a fantastic future. This season’s
productions will continue SteppingStone Theatre’s tradition of shows that highlight the imagination and creativity
of our professionally-trained youth performers. It is sure to entertain and delight audience members of all ages.”
He goes on to explain, “SteppingStone has always been more than simply a theatre experience for children, it’s a
family destination, a safe haven for developing young minds, and a building block for tomorrow’s great leaders.
We have a commitment to commissioning the very best playwrights, composers, directors, choreographers and
designers from the Twin Cities to create our productions. For this 25th Season we are continuing this dedication to
excellence by revisiting some favorite shows from our first 25 years, and continuing our commitment to creating
new work with two World Premieres that are not just for children, but that speak directly to authentic experiences
of today’s youth.”
“Additionally, SteppingStone has expanded our offerings to include presenting some of the most exciting
performers in the area, this year with “Larry Yazzie and the Native Pride Dancers,” and “Mu Daiko Taiko
Drumming,” and continuing with the “Two Tap Trio and O’Shea Irish Dance” in 2013. ”
Adventures of Tom Sawyer
By Mark Jensen, based on the book by Mark Twain. Music by Gary Rue
Oct. 19-Nov. 4, 2012
A SteppingStone Theatre Original. World Premiere!
Tom Sawyer is just “full of the Old Mischief!” Growing up in a little Mississippi river town in the 1800s means you
need all your wits to get through the day, and Tom’s certainly got ‘em. But to win the heart of Becky Thatcher,
solve a murder, and find a pirate’s treasure in the middle of Missouri, it takes more than wits. It takes great
imagination and the best friends a boy could have. SteppingStone presents a World Premiere production that brings
the charm of Mark Twain’s classic story to the stage.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
by Barbara Robinson, based on her popular book
November 30-December 23, 2012
“Shazaaaam!” When the Angel of the Lord speaks, people listen! Especially when that angel is Gladys Herdman,
the youngest, meanest and bitey-est of the whole Herdman crew. The first play that SteppingStone Theatre
produced is back again for the 21st time! Revel in yuletide chaos and hilarity as baby angels, church ladies,
firefighters, the Bradleys, and even the Herdmans, discover the true meaning of Christmas. This popular classic
returns for the 21st time to SteppingStone’s stage, re-imagined, but as funny and touching as ever.
(Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.)
Ruby! The Story of Ruby Bridges
By Christina Ham. Music by Gary Rue
February 1–24, 2013
A SteppingStone Theatre Original. A New World Premiere Version!
In 1960, the front lines of the struggle for Civil Rights ran right up to the front steps of an elementary school in
New Orleans. Imagine you’re a six-year-old ready to start first grade, and suddenly you’re in all the papers, and it
seems that half the world wants to stop you from going to school. It would take all the courage you can muster just
to get out of bed. But little Ruby Bridges faces the danger and goes to school day after day. The true story of
Ruby’s struggle is as inspirational today as it was 50 years ago. This stirring production is an entirely new play
based on Ruby’s story, first staged at SteppingStone in 2000.
Kickin’ It Irish
A Concert Performance featuring the Two Tap Trio & O’Shea Irish Dance
March 8–17, 2013
From the team that brought us Get Up Your Irish comes a thrilling showcase of Irish Music and Dance. It’s a show
sure to get your toes tapping and feet flying. A perfect St. Patrick’s celebration for the Irish in us all.
Heartbeat of the Drum
By Sara Dejoras, Music by Ochen Kaylen
April 26– May 19, 2013
A SteppingStone Theatre Original. First produced in 2004
Is it possible for a big Japanese drum to save a whole town? Can love conquer all? Can sharks really sing?
Taiko drums are a central part of life in this little fishing village, but only boys are allowed to play them. When the
village is under attack, it’s a young girl who is brave enough to buck tradition and save the day!
Don’t miss this encore presentation of one of SteppingStone’s most magical productions.
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs (& the Frog Prince Continued)
By Kent Stephens, based on the popular books by Jon Scieszka. Music by Gary Rue
July 13–August 4, 2013
A SteppingStone Theatre Original. First produced in 2002
“I was framed!” cries Mr. A. Wolf. What if the story of The Three Little Pigs did not happen exactly the way the
pigs said it did? What if all the Wolf wanted was to borrow a cup of sugar? And what, exactly, does happen to the
frog-lipped Prince after the big kiss? Jon Scieszka’s crazy, inside-out versions of fairy tales have been
SteppingStone Theatre favorites since we produced The Stinky Cheese Man in 1999!
About SteppingStone Theatre:
SteppingStone Theatre’s productions are professionally created and produced, with talents drawn from the best in
the Twin Cities and throughout the U.S. The young actors are rigorously trained, but remain fresh and vibrant,
bringing their joy and sense of fun to all SteppingStone Theatre’s productions. Enjoyed by all ages, adults as well
as children, SteppingStone Theatre’s productions are affordable, high-quality entertainment.
All performances are in SteppingStone Theatre’s new home, a beautifully renovated 100-year-old architectural gem
located at 55 Victoria Street North, one block north of Summit Avenue in the Historic Hill District of St. Paul.
Performances are appropriate for all ages. SteppingStone Theatre is fully-accessible to persons with disabilities, and
has regularly-scheduled ASL & Audio Described performances. Interpreters can be scheduled for other
performances at no additional cost upon request.
Performance dates, times, prices and tickets are available at (651) 225-9265 or www.steppingstonetheatre.org.
SteppingStone Theatre – Affordable family fun that feeds the mind.
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