Roald Dahl's classic BFG returns to SCT - Seattle Children's Theatre

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 27, 2007

Contacts: Jim Jewell, PR Manager (206) 443-0807 x1107, [email protected] Leslie Jackson, Marketing Manager (206) 443-0807 x1104, [email protected]

Snozzcumbers, whizzpoppers & gizzardgulpers:

Roald Dahl’s classic BFG returns to SCT (Seattle, WA) –Seattle Children’s Theatre 2007-2008 season continues on October 19 with an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved classic, The Big Friendly Giant. Performances run through December 30. The Big Friendly Giant is the story of Sophie, a young orphan, who spies The BFG from her window one night. When he spots her and whisks her away to Giant Country, Sophie fears for her life. But, The BFG is not like other giants: instead of eating “human beans,” The BFG eats only “vegitibbles” like “snozzcumbers,” and instead of nightly hunting rampages, he collects pleasant dreams to deliver to sleeping children. Together Sophie and The BFG try to save England from the “gizzardgulpers” – orphan-eating giants who lack The BFG’s heart. SCT last mounted The Big Friendly Giant as part of the 2002-2003 season to rave reviews. According to SCT Artistic Director Linda Hartzell, “This is one of our most requested plays of all time. With its gorgeous language, fantastical characters, and ingenious puppetry, it’s no wonder Roald Dahl and his Big Friendly Giant are so beloved.” This year’s production includes some of the artistic talent from the previous production, as well as an incredible group of artists new to their roles. Jennifer Sue Johnson reprises her role as Sophie, and Douglas N. Paasch, puppet master and actor in the previous production,

Seattle Children’s Theatre, press release for The Big Friendly Giant, Page 1 of 3

returns as puppet designer and master this year. Joining Johnson and Paasch are Charles Leggett as the BFG and Anthony Leroy Fuller, Morgan Rowe, Caety Sagoian and Connor Toms as a host of giants, queens, generals and other characters, with Trick Danneker and Keely Wolter as understudies. SCT is particularly pleased to welcome back Leggett, who last graced these stages in Honus and Me as part of the 2005-2006 season. Leggett is currently receiving brilliant reviews for his role as Sir Toby Belch in Seattle Rep’s production of Twelfe Night. Of this role, the Seattle Times said, “With this turn, the Seattle stage veteran makes one of those leaps that transform a serviceable actor into a superior one.” [Reviewers note: Chuck Leggett will join the cast on October 23, after he completes his run in Seattle Repertory Theatre’s Twelfe Night. Andrew McMasters will perform the role of The BFG through opening weekend. As a result, SCT would prefer that reviewers attend a performance after Leggett joins the cast.] The Big Friendly Giant is directed by Rita Giomi, Artistic Associate at SCT. Giomi has directed over a dozen SCT productions, including most recently Everyone Knows What a Dragon Looks Like and Jason and the Golden Fleece. School performances for The Big Friendly Giant are already sold out, and SCT’s Education department is once again busy enriching the experience of attending students. Four teaching artists have been trained in The BFG curriculum and will visit classrooms and community groups throughout the run. Seattle Children’s Theatre is located at 201 Thomas Street, under the Space Needle at Seattle Center. Tickets for The Big Friendly Giant range in price from $17 to $33 and may be purchased by calling the SCT Ticket Office at (206) 441-3322 or by visiting www.sct.org. The Big Friendly Giant is recommended for ages 5 and older. Seattle Children’s Theatre would like to thank season sponsors Microsoft and Boeing, show sponsor 4Culture, and season affiliate Target for their generous support.

Seattle Children’s Theatre celebrates its 33rd season in 2007-2008 and performs September through June in the Charlotte Martin and Eve Alvord Theatres at Seattle Center. Since its inception, SCT has gained acclaim as a leading producer of theatre, educational programs and new scripts for young people. SCT has presented over 180 plays, 97 of which were world premieres, and entertained over 4 million children.


By Roald Dahl. Adapted by David Wood and directed by Rita Giomi

WHAT:

Seattle Children’s Theatre (SCT) 2007-2008 season moves to their second stage with an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved classic, The Big Friendly Giant.

WHERE:

Seattle Children’s Theatre’s Eve Alvord Theatre 201 Thomas Street, Seattle (Seattle Center)

WHEN:

Opening Night – October 19, 2007 at 7pm Public Performances – October 20 through December 30, 2007 (weekdays at 7pm, weekends at 5:30pm, matinees at 2pm – please check the website or call the SCT Ticket Office for availability) Target Family Matinee – October 27, 2007 at 2pm ASL-interpreted Performance – November 17, 2007 at 2pm Family Date Night Dinner – November 16, 2007 (dinner at 5:30pm, performance at 7pm)

TICKETS:

Tickets range in price from $17 to $33 and may be purchased by calling SCT’s Ticket Office at (206) 441-3322 or by visiting www.sct.org. The Big Friendly Giant is recommended for ages 5 and older.

INFO:

Adapted from Roald Dahl’s best-selling book by David Wood, The Big Friendly Giant is the story of Sophie, a young orphan, who spies The BFG from her window one night. When he spots her and whisks her away to Giant Country, Sophie fears for her life. But, The BFG is not like other giants: instead of eating “human beans,” The BFG eats only “vegitibbles” like “snozzcumbers,” and instead of nightly hunting rampages, he collects pleasant dreams to deliver to sleeping children. Together Sophie and The BFG try to save England from the “gizzardgulpers” – orphan-eating giants who lack The BFG’s heart.
