12505 Cultural Center Drive • Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 • Tel: 909-477-2775 • Fax: 909-477-2774

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MAINSTREET THEATRE COMPANY OPENS THEIR FOURTH SEASON OF PROFESSIONAL THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES WITH "IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE," SEPTEMBER 26 AT LEWIS FAMILY PLAYHOUSE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 25, 2009

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. – The MainStreet Theatre Company opens its fourth season of high-quality, professional theatre for young audiences, with the Southern California Premiere of "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie." The production opens September 26 and runs through October 10 at Rancho Cucamonga's Lewis Family Playhouse in the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center, 12505 Cultural Center Drive. Laura Joffe Numeroff's famous book comes to life in this hilarious Jody Davidson adaptation starring Kelly Huddleston and Gavin Perry. John-David Keller directs.

"If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" is the mad-cap tale of an energetic mouse, and a boy who quickly learns that his generosity has messy consequences. The innocent offering of a cookie to a small mouse goes from mishap to calamity to catastrophe. Crazy physicality takes place as the story unfolds at the boy's house – an innovative set designed by Dwight Richard Odle.

"The show is a 'frenetic physical adventure,'" said Mireya (Murry) Hepner, MainStreet Theatre Company producer. "Our actors needed to have gymnastic and/or circus skills and not be afraid of heights. Our two-actor cast meets those requirements and more. The play really is a zany, exhaustive romp."

Kelly Huddleston (Mouse) returns to MainStreet after portraying the title role in "Dreams of Anne Frank" during MainStreet's second season. Her extensive background includes theatre roles such as Juliet and Celia in the Southworth Theatre productions of "Romeo and Juliet" and "As You Like It", and numerous film and TV roles including parts in "Dexter," "Dirt" and "Mad Men."

Gavin Perry (Boy) is new to MainStreet but has an impressive resume of theatre roles including the lead in "Suburbia" at Company of Angels, TV shows, and has appeared in feature films such as "Boys Don't Cry" and "The Newton Boys."

As with all their productions, MainStreet has assembled a top-notch creative team. Director John-David Keller is best known for his directorial work with South Coast Repertory Theatre where he has been a resident artist for 35 years. He has directed their annual production of "A Christmas Carol" for 30 years. Set and costume designer Dwight Richard Odle's career includes 22 years working with South Coast Rep, an 11-year scenic and costume design residency at Laguna Playhouse and 15 McCoy-Rigby productions at the La Mirada Theatre. Lighting design is by Kim Killingsworth, and sound design and original music are by Vincent Olivieri.

"If You Give a Mouse a Cookie," appropriate for ages four years and up, runs Saturdays at 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm, and one Sunday matinee October 4 at 1:00 pm., which will also be interpreted in American Sign Language. The city also runs special weekday matinees for school children. Tickets are $16.50 for General admission, $14.50 for Seniors, and $13.50 for Youth up to age 12. Specially priced $8 tickets are available during the Target Family Weekend performances on September 26. For tickets, call the Lewis Family Playhouse Box Office at (909) 477-2752, (877) 858-8422 or visit www.lewisfamilyplayhouse.com.

An intimate, 536-seat venue, the Lewis Family Playhouse is the crown jewel of the three-acre, 89,000-square foot Victoria Gardens Cultural Center. The complex AT 12505 Cultural Center Drive is conveniently located off the I-15 at Foothill Boulevard, as a major anchor of Victoria Gardens. The Box Office is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 6:00 pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with free parking available.

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For reservations to the Press Opening, Saturday, September 26, 1:00 pm or 4:00 pm, contact: sandy@aldrichpr.com

CALENDAR

The MainStreet Theatre Company presents the Southern California Premiere of "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" by Jody Davidson (ages 4 and up) opening Saturday, September 26 at the Lewis Family Playhouse at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga. Directed by John-David Keller, and based on the book by Laura Joffe Numeroff, the mad-cap tale of an energetic mouse, and a boy who quickly learns that his generosity has messy consequences. Opens Sept. 26 through Oct. 4, Saturdays at 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm and one Sunday matinee at 1:00 pm Oct. 4, will also be interpreted in American Sign Language. Tickets: $16.50 general admission, $14.50 seniors, $13.50 youth to age 12. Specially priced $8 tickets are available during the Target Family Weekend performances on September 26, (909) 477-2752, (877) 858-8422 or visit lewisfamilyplayhouse.com for tickets.

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Contact:

Sandy Smith, Larry Aldrich

Aldrich & Associates, Inc.

(562) 436-5156

sandy@aldrichpr.com

or

Annette Mumulo

City of Rancho Cucamonga

(909) 477-2775, ext. 2205