Columbia Theatre's 'Children's Letters to God' is family-friendly, feel good show
Contact: Christina Chapple
11/3/06
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(1) CHILDREN’S LETTERS – The cast of “Children’s Letters to God,” coming to Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts Nov. 17 and 18, are, from left, front, Traci Skoldberg, Matte O’Brien, and Kari Morris; back, Cleo Berry, Joseph Zahn.
(2) FAMILY-FRIENDLY COLUMBIA SHOW – “Children’s Letters to God,” coming to the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 18, 2 p.m., is a family-friendly show that will appeal to adults as well as children. Cast members include, from left, Matte O’Brien, Kari Morris, Joseph Zahn, Traci Skoldberg, and Cleo Berry.
HAMMOND – It’s a well-known fact that kids say the darnedest things. And as a delightful new musical proves, they’ll have their say with anyone -- even God.
“Dear God. Are you really invisible or is that just a trick?”
“Dear God. How come you did all the miracles in the old days and you don't do any now?”
“Dear God. It’s great the way you always get the stars in the right places.”
These are just some of the frank questions and tell-it-like-it-is revelations that make up “Children’s Letters to God,” the new musical inspired by the international best-selling book.
“Children’s Letters to God” is coming to Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in downtown Hammond for two performances -- Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 18 at 2 p.m.
The family-friendly, feel good show is presented through a collection of songs and scenes focusing on questions kids have about the world and themselves while growing up. Sixteen tuneful songs and assorted scenes explore timeless issues such as sibling rivalry, divorce, holidays, loss of a beloved pet, the trials of being unathletic and first love.
"Quality family programming is a goal of the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts and we are proud to be associated with this production," said Donna Gay Anderson, director of the Columbia Theatre/Fanfare. "Our youth are faced with struggles and challenges never imagined a few decades ago. This production is a heart warming musical which addresses some of the dilemmas children and teens face today."
“Children’s Letters to God” has been adapted from the page to the stage by best-selling author Stuart Hample. Snippets from actual letters -- "Dear God, If you're so famous, how come you're not on TV?" … “Dear God. What does begat mean? Nobody will tell me" -- are scattered throughout the 90-minute show as the cast, playing characters ages 9 to 13, grapple with issues that carry a universal message and cross the boundaries of age, geography, and religion.
When the show opened off-Broadway at the Lamb's Theatre on West 44th Street critics were charmed.
“The Daily News” called it “an endearing, kid-friendly musical” and “The New York Post” describing it as “cheery and uplifting.” “The New York Times” raved, “’Children’s Letters to God’ has a sweet, warm heart” and “The Wall Street Journal's” dubbed the show “a smile-making musical for all ages.”
One critic, noting that the show captivated its young audience, added, “You don't need kids in tow to have a great time at ‘Children's Letters to God.’ It's just as funny, tuneful and professionally done as you would want a musical for grown-ups to be.”
Tickets are $32, Orchestra 1 and Loge; $28, Orchestra 2 and Balcony 1; and $20, Orchestra 3 and Balcony 2 for the Nov. 17 evening production, and $28, Orchestra 1 and Loge; $24, Orchestra 2 and Balcony 1; and $15, Orchestra 3 and Balcony 2, for the Nov. 18 matinee.
Tickets are available online at columbiatheatre.org or at the Columbia box office, 220 E. Thomas St., 985-543-4371. Box office hours are noon-5 p.m., weekdays, and one hour before performance times.
For information about upcoming events in the Columbia Theatre’s 2006-07 season, visit columbiatheatre.org or call (985) 543-4366 for a season brochure.
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