SNOW WHITE JOURNEYS

FROM SEATTLE TO AFRICA

Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center Hosts 12^th Annual Youth Summer Musical Program; Snow White & The 7: Each One Teach One.

Performances: Aug 14 – 17, 2008

Location: The Moore Theatre, Downtown Seattle

Seattle WA, -- Seventy-Four kids, ages 8-19, from the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center (LHPAC) Summer Musical Program have spent the past six weeks on a theatrical journey of acting, song, dance and discovery. And for two more weeks they’ll continue learning about the African continent as they fine-tune their talents and get ready to help Snow White find her way from Seattle to Africa . By August 14^th all 74 kids will be prepped and ready to present the musical Snow White & The 7: Each One Teach One at the historic Moore Theatre for 6 spectacular matinee & evening performances.

Unlike the Disney character, this 14-year old Snow White (Taylor Brown, Beacon Hill ) is following the drum beat on a journey to find her African roots. She’s getting help from “The 7” (the 7 principles of Kwanzaa) and her 14-year old Prince (Jordan Bolden, Renton ) among others. Not even her wicked stepmother (Chelsea Muskelly, Kent ) can stand in her way when the heart-pounding original music starts to play and the kid’s feet start stompin’.

For 90% of these kids, LHPAC Summer Musical Program is their first (and possibly only) exposure to the arts. LHPAC is dedicated to uncovering and supporting tomorrow’s talent while creating a home for artistic growth and development. Over 50% of these kids have participated in previous years and enthusiastically return to continue their arts education. Some participants travel across the country to join this affordable and partially-subsidized city youth program. Each day from 9 am to 5 pm , for eight solid weeks, LHPAC plays host, while daily programs teach, nurture and offer kids an experience that will last a lifetime. The Summer Musical program is one of the oldest summer youth theatre programs in the city and thousands of parents, families and community supporters anticipate this annual event.

Inspired by the re-telling of Snow White by Marilyn Joshua Shearer, Snow White and the 7; Each One Teach One, is set in both America and Africa . The story follows the journey of discovery experienced by young people who are strengthened by their re-connection to the African culture and African-American traditions. As Snow White discovers her roots, her self-confidence and capability to share this rich culture is enhanced by her seven trusty companions.

Snow White & The 7: Each One Teach One is an original piece written and directed by Isiah Anderson, Jr. Anderson is the Teen Development Leader and Director of Youth Productions at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center. The original music was written by singer and songwriter Michelle Lang who borrows from her R&B, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Gospel roots, and introduces traditional African genres. Professional dancer Tyrone Crosby has spent countless hours choreographing moves that incorporate a blend of styles. African native Lora Lue Chiorah-Dye contributes to the choreography’s authenticity by integrating traditional African dance into the show. The fantastical sets and costumes are by Kevin Krist and Deborah Sorensen respectively.

Snow White & The 7: Each One Teach One is appropriate for all ages. Presented in partnership with the Seattle Theatre Group, operators of the historic Moore Theatre, performances will be held at the 2^nd Avenue and Lenora location in Downtown Seattle. Shows run Aug. 14 & 15 ( 1pm & 7 pm ) Aug. 16 ( 7 pm ) and Aug. 17 ( 3 pm ). Ticket prices range from $4 to $12. For Group Sales information call Naho Shioya; 206-386-1177. Tickets are available through The Moore Theatre Box Office:www.themoore.com or by calling (206) 292-ARTS. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Moore Theatre Box Office before the performance.