The Owl And The Pussycat & Other Oddities

July 5th 2011 PRESS RELEASE

A Collection Of Nonsense- The Owl And The Pussycat & Other Oddities Dates: 19 July – 29 July 2011 (The VIC, DEVONPORT)

Times: Monday – Friday 10.30am and 12pm

Outbox Theatre present a school holiday musical for kids, parents, and grandparents. Edward Lear is a wise old man negotiating his way into old age by letting his inner child run free. This brand new adaptation of classic works by Edward Lear is written and produced by Steve Morrison and brilliantly set to the music of Edmund McWilliams (aka Ed Cake of Bressa Creting Cake), Geoff Maddox (Goldenhorse) and Geva Downey.

Children of all ages will be rocking out to the nonsense lyrics of The Owl and the Pussycat, the Jumblies, the Alphabet, and Calico Pie. The play presents us with an aging Edward Lear (Mark Mitchinson) who must find his book of rhymes and together with the help of his granddaughter (Anjula Prakash) keep his poems alive for modern boys and girls.

Director Elena Stejko and the cast led by veteran actor Mark Mitchinson explore themes of aging, youth, and the relationship between humanity and the infinite – but in a light-hearted, whimsical, colourful way. Lear the grandfather passes on his love of stories to his granddaughter, as his words and characters come to life singing and dancing. We hope to inspire enjoyment in words, and nonsense. Grandparents will enjoy the relationship between the generations, and the infectious songs will have kids humming. Featuring beloved characters Owl, Pussycat, Pig, Turkey & The Jumblies and played by a super cast of emerging talent.

Morrison comments, “Life only really started making sense to me after I discovered Nonsense. The Lear poetry came first, then the Goon show, then Spike Milligan & Monty Python. Today its Terry Gilliam movies and Tim Burton that carry on this rich vein of humour. Poking fun at life in a surreal way and learning to expect the unexpected.”

Outbox Theatre Company will perform A COLLECTION OF NONSENSE-THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT & OTHER ODDITIES, adapted by Morrison & McWilliams as the school holiday musical for kids and a crucial part of their inaugural season in the recently restored historic Victoria Theatre, in Devonport. Our season will look to build a theatre going audience around the Devonport community, and help build Devonport into a thriving cultural hub.

A COLLECTION OF NONSENSE- THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT & OTHER ODDITIES opens at The Victoria on July 19 th for a season before touring selected Auckland schools. BOOKINGS can be made through Outboxtheatre or Iconic Cinemeas: Phone: (09) 446 0100 Actor Mark Mitchinson and Director Elena Stejko are available for further comment. Please contact Outbox Theatre Company on 021311103 or press@outboxtheatre.co.nz to arrange an interview.

ENDS