STATE FAIR and THE BRAND NEW KID Play Orlando Rep, July-Aug 2012

The Orlando Repertory Theatre (The REP) invites families to experience the Youth Academy's production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's State Fair. Performances of this show take place as part of the 6th Annual Target Family Theatre Festival in Loch Haven Park, from July 20- August 5, 2012.

Rodger's & Hammerstein's State Fair comes alive on The REP's stage, featuring some of Central Florida's most talented youth from seventh through twelfth grades. Set against the colorful backdrop of an American heartland tradition, State Fair follows the Frake family as they leave behind the routine of The Farm for three days of adventure at the annual Iowa State Fair. Mom and Pop have their hearts set on blue ribbons while their daughter and son find romance and heartbreak on the midway. Set to the magical strains of an Academy Award-winning score, State Fair is the kind of warm-hearted family entertainment only Rodgers & Hammerstein could deliver.

State Fair's director is Orlando theatre veteran Steve Mackinnon. MacKinnon returns to The REP after having previously directed PINKALICIOUS: The Musical, The House at Pooh Corner and The REP Youth Academy's productions of Annie Jr. and Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. He has also served as musical director for the runaway hit A Nutty Nutcracker Christmas and the summer blockbuster Hairspray. Elsewhere in Orlando, he has achieved critical success with standout productions of Avenue Q, Songs For a New World, Miss Nelson Is Missing, Annie, Altar Boyz, and Chicago.

"I am thrilled to be able to introduce our students and audiences to this rarely done gem from the Rodgers & Hammerstein library," says MacKinnon. "While many theatres are clamoring to always do the 'next big thing' or the newest show available, I think it is important for our children to be well rounded in not only their talents, but also their experiences. This show is a classic from a time gone by, with a relatively new story for a younger generation, and a wonderful introduction to the music of Rodgers & Hammerstein."

The creative team also includes music direction by Chris Endsley, choreography by Kim Ball, scenic design by Cindy White, costumes by Marcy Singhaus, lighting design by VAndy Wood, sound design by John Valines, prop design by Matt Rudman and is stage managed by Carrie Kasten Smith.

Tickets are priced at $15, but The REP is offering a 2 Show Pass for $20 to see both State Fair and Katie Couric's The Brand New Kid ($10), also being performed this summer at the Target Family Theatre Festival.

Fresh from performing in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, Katie Couric's The Brand New Kid is presented at The REP on July 21-29, 2012 and is a co-production with Miami's City Theatre and directed by The REP's Artistic Director Jeff Revels. Adapted from Couric's popular picture book, the musical proves that it is always best to be yourself. Lazlo S. Gasky is the new kid in school and because he does not look or speak quite like the others, the teasing and taunting begin. When Ellie McSnelly realizes how tough Lazlo has it, she risks being ridiculed herself to spend an afternoon with him. After playing soccer, eating strudel, and making new friends, the two teach their classmates a valuable lesson- the need to give others a chance.

All performances take place at the Orlando Repertory Theatre at 1001 East Princeton Street Orlando, FL 32803. Please call the Box Office at 407-896-7365 or visit www.orlandorep.com for tickets or more information.

About Orlando Repertory Theatre - The REP is a professional theatre for young audiences with a mission to enlighten, entertain and enrich children and adults by producing theatre of exceptional quality. The award winning REP Youth Academy provides classes, camps and workshops for children along with professional development opportunities to local classroom teachers. Housed in a three-theatre complex in Loch Haven Park, The REP is also home to the University of Central Florida's MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences graduate program.