CORAL GABLES (May 14, 2008) – A bright season full of entertainment and cultural enrichment for the entire family will be presented by South Florida’s award-winning theatre for young audiences. In its 2008-2009 season, Actors’ Playhouse Theatre for Young Audiences presents a unique and exciting line-up of shows related to classic children’s literary works.

Back by popular demand to begin the new season is The Wizard of Oz (October 15 – November 8, 2008). The Prince Street Players’ version of this L. Frank Baum classic is a magical tale that is unforgettable to the whole family, with book and lyrics by Jim Eiler and music by Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy. The wondrous world of Oz enchants and captures the hearts of audiences of all ages as a tornado whisks Dorothy away to the magical Land of Oz, where she befriends a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodsman and a Cowardly Lion. Together they avoid the Wicked Witch of the West and find the mighty Wizard who can help send Dorothy back home. Come and see the characters you love in this heartwarming version.

For the holiday season, Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre presents A Christmas Carol, the Musical (November 20 - December 27, 2009). This Charles Dickens classic takes a musical turn in this festive holiday favorite, adapted by Nina Felice and Earl Maulding with music and lyrics by Scott Morlock and Earl Maulding. Tiny Tim and the entire Cratchit family join three unearthly "Spirits" in trying to convince Ebeneezer Scrooge to change his "Bah-Humbug" ways. This is a fabulous musical adaptation written especially for family audiences that will warm your heart as it reveals the true meaning of the holidays. Special Holiday performances will be held November 28 and December 24 at 7 p.m. and December 21 at 5 p.m.

Kicking off the New Year is the classic story Alice The Musical (January 29 – February 28, 2009 on Saturdays 2 p.m. and March 2 – April 4, 2009 on Saturdays at 11 a.m). In this musical version of Lewis Carroll’s beloved book, curious Alice, the heroine of our story, tumbles down a magic rabbit hole and into an enchanted world full of whimsical and wacky characters. Follow Alice through this mysterious land as she tries to make her way back home.

A brand new children’s musical chosen from Actors’ Playhouse national call to competition for new children’s works will showcase at the Miracle Theatre April 29 - May 30, 2009 on Saturdays at 2 p.m. The winning musical will be announced soon. The National Children’s Theatre Festival KIDS FEST will premiere the musical and include all day cultural activities for the whole family, May 2-3, 2009.

Closing out the season will be the lovable Stuart Little (June 25 – August 1, 2009, Saturdays 2 p.m.). Based on the book by E.B. White, this charming musical about a little guy underdog who is determined to survive in a real people’s world will touch your heart and tickle your funny bone. Cats, cars and ships are just a few of the challenges that Stuart faces in his quest to be accepted for who he is and not what he looks like. Joseph Robinette dramatized this adorable production with music by Ronna Frank and lyrics by Joseph Robinette and Ronna Frank. Stuart Little will captivate audiences with its positive energy and spirit.

Tickets for Saturday performances are $15 for children and adults. Flexible/Anytime season subscriptions are available for $75 and offer the best-reserved seats. Birthday party packages are available with cake and pizza options. For more information about the upcoming season at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, please call the theatre box office at (305) 444-9293, or order online at www.actorsplayhouse.org.

The National Children’s Theatre Festival Kids Fest offers full days of performances and interactive presentations at $15 for kids and adults.

Weekday 10 a.m. performances at special group rates are available for pre-arranged school and camp fieldtrips through the Education Department at 305-444-9293 ext. 606.

All performances are held at the historic Miracle Theatre at 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, Florida. All shows and dates are subject to change.

Actors’ Playhouse Musical Theatre for Young Audiences has been awarded South Florida Parenting Magazine’s KID’S CROWN AWARD, voted by their readers, for “Best of the Best Live Entertainment for Kids in Miami-Dade County.”