Paper Lanterns, Paper Cranes April 25, 2008

Hope Emerges in Dark Places at Hartford Children’s Theatre
“Paper Lanterns, Paper Cranes” Opens
April 25 and Continues to May 11
How do you talk to your children about war? A difficult but real topic, Hartford Children’s Theatre tackles this subject with its upcoming production of the award-winning “Paper Lantern, Paper Cranes,” opening Friday, April 25 and continuing through Sunday, May 11.
This award-winning play by Brian Kral is based on the Japanese tradition of the origami crane as a symbol of peace, and gives families an opportunity to examine the strength of the human spirit, while finding courage in adversity. It reveals the truth and hope that comes from the hearts of children.
After World War II, Kyushu, a Japanese street-kid from Hiroshima, is sent to the hospital. For mysterious reasons, she seems to be losing her eyesight. Could it be the lingering effects of the bomb dropped on her city? When it seems that her doctors may not be able to help, she meets Sadako Sasaki, a brave girl who teaches Kyushu how to make origami paper cranes and how to find hope in the darkest places.
Directed by Steven Ginsburg, the production is recommended for ages 10 and up. In addition to the show, Hartford Children’s Theatre is offering two hour-long origami workshops for children before the Saturday evening performances on April 26 and May 3. Children will learn how to make paper cranes beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The show will feature youth performers Jasmine Jefferson of Windsor, Casie Pepe Winshell of East Hartford, Zoe Chatfield of Canton, Dylan Stetson of Berlin, Asha Merz of Cheshire, Samantha Bluth of South Glastonbury, Susan Rattigan of West Hartford and Madison Rowe of Bloomfield and Maggie Blackburn of Windsor Locks. Adult performers include Clifford Berry of Meriden, Dana Rondel of Hartford, Kim McSpadden of Hartford and Jason Bush of South Windsor.
Ginsburg has directed many productions with Hartford Children’s Theatre, including the most recent production of “A Midnight Cry.” He is a co-founding member of HartBeat Ensemble and has taught at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, the Greater Hartford YMCA and the Oddfellows Playhouse.
This is the final production of the theatre’s 2007-08 Lincoln Financial Main Stage season. Shows are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Seating is limited for each production in the HCT Carriage House Theatre, located at 360 Farmington Avenue.
All matinees, except for the final performance, will feature a talkback session with the actors and select production team members, where audience members can provide feedback and interact.
For tickets, call the box office at 860-249-7970, ext. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays; after hours please leave a message. Tickets are $16 for adults and $13 for children. Visit www.hartfordchildrenstheatre.org for additional details.
The mission of Hartford Children’s Theatre is to enrich the lives of the children of Greater Hartford by providing access and exposure to high-quality theatre for young audiences and related educational opportunities.

Official Website: http://www.hartfordchildrenstheatre.org