CORAL GABLES (May 25, 2008) A collection of songs and stories that has captivated children for generations comes to life on stage in the musical Free to Be… You and Me at the Miracle Theatre from June 26-August 2, 2008.

Free to be…You and Me allows its audience to journey through a land where children are free to imagine they can be anyone they want to be. Everyone dreams of a place where they can just be themselves, and this musical presents lively scenes and songs that celebrate our differences in a very comedic fashion.

This musical is based on the children’s classic by Marlo Thomas and has been adapted for the stage by Douglas Love and Regina Safran, with orchestrations and arrangements by Jon Welstead. Free to Be…You and Me features such favorite songs and scenes as “Parents are People,” where kids dream about being grown up and realize that parents can make mistakes too; “Ladies First” where a pushy young lady finds out that being first at any price isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be; “Atalanta,” where a young Princess outraces all of her suitors, finds a new friend and proves to her father, the King, that she is more than just a pretty face; and “Sisters and Brothers,” which explores the good and bad sides of being siblings.

This colorful, vignette-style musical is a delight to children’s eyes and ears while engaging their minds. Through these songs of acceptance, difference and sometimes-downright silliness, children can explore how wonderful it is to just be themselves. The New York Times regards the production as "praiseworthy,” “worthwhile,” and “a blessing," and Children’s Theatre Director Earl Maulding agrees.

“This musical-review style show will tickle the funny bone of both young and old while presenting some thought provoking ideas to discuss on the way home,” Maulding said.

Performances are Saturdays at 2 p.m. and tickets are $15 for adults and children. There will be no performance on Saturday July 5, 2008. Tickets can be ordered online at www.actorsplayhouse.org or through the box office at 305.444.9293. Birthday parties for fifteen or more are available for show only and/or show and party reception. Group rates were also available.

Weekday matinees are available for pre-arranged fieldtrips and are perfect for summer programs and camps. These weekday performances can be arranged through our education department at educate@actorsplayhouse.org or 305.444.9293 ext. 606. Actors’ Playhouse provides detailed study guides and a talkback with the cast for all weekday performances.

Actors’ Playhouse is also pleased to announce its exciting Musical Theatre for Young Audiences 2008-2009 Season. Back by popular demand to begin the new season is The Wizard of Oz (October 15 – November 8, 2008 on Saturdays at 2 p.m.) followed by the holiday classic A Christmas Carol, the Musical (November 20 - December 27, 2009 on Saturdays at 2 p.m.). Kicking off the New Year is the classic story Alice in Wonderland (January 29 – February 28, 2009 on Saturdays 2 p.m. and March 2 – April 4, 2009 on Saturdays at 11 a.m.). A brand new children’s musical chosen from Actors’ Playhouse national call to competition for new children’s works will showcase at the Miracle Theatre April 29 - May 30, 2009, and closing out the season will be the lovable Stuart Little (June 25 – August 1, 2009 on Saturdays at 2 p.m.).

Flexible/Anytime season subscriptions are available for $75 and offer the best-reserved seats. For more information about the upcoming season at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, please call the theatre box office at (305) 444-9293, or order online at www.actorsplayhouse.org.

Actors’ Playhouse is Florida’s premier Musical theatre for Young Audiences, awarded “ Best of the Best Live Entertainment for Children” in 2007 by South Florida Parenting Magazine. Over 50,000 children attend Theatre for Young Audiences performances each year during its annual five-show season.