CORAL GABLES (April 6, 2010) – Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre presents an entire weekend of FREE theatre fun for the whole family at the 15th Annual National Children’s Theatre Festival Kids Fest Family Weekend with free admission sponsored by BankAtlantic Foundation and The William J. & Tina Rosenberg Foundation. Featuring activities geared toward children and their families, Kids Fest will be held at the Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables on Saturday & Sunday, May 1st and 2nd.

The festival will showcase the brand new musical YOUNG KING ARTHUR, chosen as the winner of the 15th Annual National Children's Theatre Festival, which will also be presented at the Miracle Theatre through May 27th on weekends and weekdays as part of the annual children’s theatre season. With music by Scott Zesch, lyrics by Marc Castle, and book by Jon Shear and Marc Castle, this new work tells the story of a kid who gets to be King! How cool is that? But Young King Arthur soon discovers that with power comes responsibility... and a whole lot of trouble, especially from his jealous brother Sir Kay and the evil knight Sir Ridley. With the help of Merlin the Magician and an outspoken peasant girl named Brynith, Young King Arthur realizes that real power comes not from swashbuckling and sorcery - though there's plenty of that - but from the heart. Children will have a chance to meet the play’s authors along with the director and the casts in a post show Q&A about how to write a play and develop it for the stage.

“Kids Fest will be bigger and better than ever this year because of the generous support of the BankAtlantic Foundation and The William J. & Tina Rosenberg Foundation, our sponsors who are underwriting FREE admission for families. Our exciting programming will be inspirational as well as entertaining for children,” said Executive Producing Director Barbara S. Stein. “Often known as the best kept secret in town, this year’s Fest will continue the tradition of introducing children to live theatre and cultural activities that will stimulate their imagination with creative experiences that will help develop self-esteem, an understanding of different cultures, and self-awareness, as well as develop positive attitudes.”

Kids Fest will also feature the Broadway musical A CHORUS LINE performed by Actors’ Playhouse’s acclaimed youth performing troupe, The Musical Miracles. With Book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch, and lyrics by Edward Kleeban this Broadway musical presents all of the drama and excitement of a Broadway audition as 17 dancers put their hopes and dreams on the line to compete for the job of a lifetime.

Also highlighting the Kids Fest this year will be a series of QUEST stations in which attendees will have the opportunity to explore the creative arts in the following interactive stations: Paint a Masterpiece, Puppet Passion, Mask Mania, Costume Creations, Video “Dress Up” Studio, and a Clue Hunt. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn magic, juggling, and comedy from Barry Johns as well as enjoy selections from the popular Broadway production IN THE HEIGHTS performed by Actors' Playhouse Musical Miracles talented youth troupe. Winners from this fall's Downtown Coral Gables "Scary Story" Contest will present story telling of their winning works. Characters from Actors’ Playhouse acclaimed Children’s Theatre including The Mad Hatter, Tweedledee & Tweddledum, The Giant from Jack & The Beanstalk, Madeline, & Pippi Longstocking will appear on the scene to be photographed with children.

“This is a rare opportunity for South Florida theatre goers, both young and old, to not only view the finest professional theatre for Young Audiences in the nation, but to also marvel at some fine young talent as well,” Children’s Theatre Director Earl Maulding said. “The hands-on opportunities and theatrical experiences will make the magic of theatre come to life for the entire family as they share this unique experience together.”

Baptist Children’s Hospital is the presenting sponsor of Actors’ Playhouse’s Musical Theatre For Young Audiences Season with the 2 day FREE Kids Fest sponsored by BankAtlantic Foundation and the William J. and Tina Rosenberg Foundation. Additional sponsors of the Kids Fest are AirBerlin, Peacock Foundation, Inc., BAC Florida, Miami-Dade County, City of Coral Gables, Publix Supermarket Charities, Lady Suzanna P. Tweed & Carleton Tweed Charitable Foundation, The Thomas B. Jelke Foundation, The Jack Gersh Charitable Trust, and Hotel St. Michel.

KIDS FEST weekend of all day cultural fun for the family will take place at the Miracle Theatre on Saturday and Sunday May 1st and 2nd from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is Free from noon to 5pm.. Advanced reservations are suggested. Lunch and snacks will be available for purchase.

Additional performances by the Musical Miracles of the Broadway musical A CHORUS LINE will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday May 1st and 2nd following each day of the festival. Tickets are $15 for adults and children.

To reserve your space for KIDS FEST or for more information about the upcoming season at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, please call the theatre Box Office at (305) 444-9293, email box@actorsplayhouse.org or visit the website at www.actorsplayhouse.org.

All performances are held at the historic Miracle Theatre at 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, Florida.

Actors’ Playhouse Musical Theatre for Young Audiences has been awarded South Florida Parenting Magazine’s KID’S CROWN AWARD, voted by their readers, for “Best of the Best Live Entertainment for Kids in Miami-Dade County.”

KIDS FEST Schedule

12-2 pm Character Greetings
Special Appearances by: Alice, The Mad Hatter, Tweedledee & Tweddledum, The Giant, and Madeline & Pippi Longstocking

All QUEST Stations open!
Lunch Available for Purchase

12:30 pm BARRY JOHNS – Magic, juggling & comedy
1:15 pm Selections from the Broadway production IN THE HEIGHTS performed by Actors’ Playhouse Musical Miracles
2 pm YOUNG KING ARTHUR
3 pm All QUEST Stations open!
3:15 pm Story Telling-Downtown Coral Gables “Scary Story” Contest Winners
4 & 7 pm A CHORUS LINE – performed by Actors’ Playhouse Musical Miracles
5 pm All QUEST Stations close!

Sunday, May 2nd, 2010

12-2 pm Character Greetings
Special Appearances by: Alice, The Mad Hatter, Tweedledee & Tweddledum, The Giant, and Madeline & Pippi Longstocking

All QUEST Stations open!

Lunch Available for Purchase

12:30 BARRY JOHNS – Magic, juggling & comedy

1:15 pm Selections from the Broadway production IN THE HEIGHTS performed by Actors’ Playhouse Musical Miracles
2 pm YOUNG KING ARTHUR
3 pm All QUEST Stations open!

3:15 pm Story Telling Downtown Coral Gables “Scary Story” Contest Winners
4 & 7 pm A CHORUS LINE – performed by Actors’ Playhouse Musical Miracles
5 pm All QUEST Stations close!