TORONTO, June 19, 2006 — M. Kitz Productions is pleased to announce that Beatrix Potter’s beloved children’s story, THE TALE OF PIGLING BLAND, will come to musical life at this year’s Toronto Fringe Festival.

Directed and choreographed by Marc Richard, THE TALE OF PIGLING BLAND is a fun family musical about a pig who is forced to find his way in the world — the perfect coming-of-age PIG story! Beatrix Potter is the most popular children’s author of all time, so this musical is sure to be a hit with children aged 3 to 9 (and their parents). The running time of 45 minutes is perfect for a child’s first musical theatre experience!

The show is co-written by Suzy Conn and Mitchell Kitz.

Suzy is well known for her musical PLANE CRAZY, which was honoured at last fall’s New York Musical Theatre Festival, while Mitchell is a highly respected Toronto-area composer, a graduate of the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop in New York, and the writer, arranger, and music director for the children’s show 4-SQUARE on Treehouse TV.

According to Suzy Conn (Book and Lyrics): “This is a children’s musical with a classic show tune structure. I would describe it as ’sophisticated yet accessible’. This musical features interesting rhymes and new memorable melodies, with more story, more action, and more heart.”

Mitchell Kitz (Composer) says: “Musically, I wanted the world of Pigling Bland to have adventure, marvel, energy and modern humour. Relying on traditional Broadway, jazz, and music hall styles, the music has energy, heart and a sense of fun and adventure both for the pigs and for kids.”

Performances feature singing and dancing from a cast of graduates from Sheridan College’s Music Theatre Performance Program, including Daniel Greenberg as Pigling Bland; Lana Sugarman as PigWig; Rachel Brittain as Alexander; Rebecca Stewart as Aunt Pettitoes; Janna Polzin as Cat; Trevor Campbell as Dog; Trevor Williams as Piperson; and Andrew Chandler as Policeman. Other members of the creative team include Shawndra White (Stage Manager); Melissa Joakim (Costume Designer); and Don McMahon (ASM).

The orchestra features a strolling band playing a fun combination of instruments — with Heather Amyot on Accordian, Julia Hambleton on Clarinet, and Mitchell Kitz on Baritone.

THE TALE OF PIGLING BLAND is available for a limited run of eight shows only, from July 6 to 15. All performances are at the Toronto Fringe Festival KidsVenue space at the Palmerston Library Theatre at 560 Palmerston Avenue (near Bathurst and Bloor). For tickets call 416.966.1062 or visit fringetoronto.com. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

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