January 6, 2011 – New Orleans, LA – The Crescent City Lights Youth Theater will make their first national festival appearance at the National Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta, GA from January 14 to 16, 2010. The trip, in which 14 young performers will travel to Atlanta for three days, is partially funded with contributions from City Council President Arnie Fielkow and Vice-President Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson through Harrah’s Community Funding. The Crescent City Lights Youth Theater continues to be a partner with the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission.
The 14 member cast, which is performing Captain Louie at the NORD Ty Tracy Theatre this month, ranges in age from 9 – 15. The youth come from all over the city, with each Council District being represented by at least two performers. While in Atlanta, they will perform a 15 minute excerpt of Captain Louie before a distinguished panel of judges. The students and chaperones will also have the opportunity to attend master theater classes to further polish their skills. Other activities include a sock hop sponsored by Radio Disney, tickets to a professional performance of Beauty and the Beast and an awards ceremony to conclude the festival.
“This trip will expose 14 talented youth from all over New Orleans to the challenge of performing in front of judges in a major youth theater festival. It will be an invaluable experience in which they are, literally, thrust into the national spotlight,” said Fielkow. “Furthermore, these youth will be tasked with the responsibility of representing our city at a national competition. It is never too early to be an ambassador, and I am proud to have this amazing group represent New Orleans.”
Captain Louie is based on the book, The Trip by Ezra Jack Keats, and is set to music and lyrics composed Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell, Pippin). The musical, which is making its New Orleans debut tomorrow, can be seen from Friday, January 7 through Sunday, January 30 on Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. (No shows from January 14 – 16) at the NORD Ty Tracy Theatre on the 1st Floor of Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Ave. Tickets are $15 general admission and available online at www.crescentcitylights.org.
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The Crescent City Lights Youth Theater, a program of Stage to Stage, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit corporation, is dedicated to providing quality performing arts opportunities for young people while teaching them the life and job skills necessary for success in any field. It has been a partner organization with the City of New Orleans for a number of years.
The New Orleans City Council / Harrah’s New Orleans Casino Community Support Grant Program (formerly known as COPE Grants) provides grant support to local organizations and projects that contribute substantially to the well being, development and growth of the New Orleans community. The program is intended to be broad-based and to foster a diversity of meritorious organizations and projects.
Contact:
Danielle Viguerie
Communications Director
Office of Councilmember-at-Large Arnie Fielkow
Ph: 504-658-1063
daviguerie@nola.gov
