Target Family Theatre Festival 2011

ORLANDO, FL (July 12, 2011) – The Orlando Family Stage (The REP) invites families to attend the 5th Annual Target Family Theatre Festival in Loch Haven Park from July 22nd – July 31^st featuring performances by Justin Roberts, Tony Brent, Lunch Money, Camp Kappawanna – A Lisa Loeb Musical, and the Youth Academy production of Hairspray.

All of the shows at the Target Family Theatre Festival will be FREE, with the exception of Hairspray, which is $13. The REP is proud to partner with Target and Orange County Division of Art and Cultural Affairs to present the Target Family Theatre Festival, an event designed to promote cultural awareness in Central Florida, and to develop theatre for family audiences by producing shows, training young artists, and offering educational experiences in the arts.

This year’s festival brings some of the top children’s recording artists in the country to Orlando. USA Today calls Justin Roberts, an all-star of the indie family music scene, “the Paul McCartney of kid’s music”. With numerous national awards and recognition as well as a devoted fan base, Justin and The Not Ready for Naptime Players dish out unexpectedly intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents.

Lee Bryan, also known as “That Puppet Guy”, is a nationally recognized artist who combines live vocal characterizations and songs with innovative puppet designs for wholesome family entertainment. A two-time grant recipient from the prestigious Jim Henson Foundation, his professional film credits include work with the Muppets on the feature film, The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland.

Camp Kappawanna is a rocking family musical for all ages that celebrates timeless camp experiences with hip, cool music, penned by Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Lisa Loeb. The story follows the awkward and adorable Jennifer Jenkins, a 12-year-old who is leaving home for the first time to find her way and join in the fun of summer camp.

Tony Brent, a star on the rise since the 1980’s, has performed to standing-room-only crowds in live concert shows, colleges, private events and corporate performances. As a performer with the Walt Disney Company, he was tapped to star in the dinner show called “The Night of Wonder Show” (later renamed the “Outta Control Dinner Show”) and performed over 5,000 shows in one venue alone. He has since won the critical acclaim of local and international tourism industries alike and been named “Best Dinner Show” by WESH-TV and CW-18.

Lunch Money brings the indie-rock experience to the whole family with energetic songs about the things childhood is made of: roller coasters, giant cookies and getting dizzy. This year, their song “It Only Takes One Night to Make a Balloon Your Friend” topped the charts on XM/Sirius children’s radio. The band has performed in Philadelphia, New York, Chicago and Washington, DC, leaving audiences dancing, thinking and laughing.

Hairspray comes to the Rep’s stage featuring some of Central Florida’s most talented youth. See the Broadway musical-comedy phenomenon that inspired a major motion picture and won eight 2003 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. As the New York Times says, “If life were everything it should be, it would be more like Hairspray. It’s irresistible!”

“This year’s Target Family Theatre Festival, hosted here at The REP, is overflowing with amazing entertainment for the whole family,” says Jeff, Revels, Artistic Director of The REP.  “We are especially excited to welcome back the Grammy-nominated musician Justin Roberts whose songs are so catchy, I find myself listening without my children!  Lisa Loeb has written a musical about a summer camp, so what better time to present this show called Camp Kappawanna.  There are so many activities that are sure to delight the entire family, including our high-energy production of Tony Award-winning Hairspray.  We are thrilled to present these incredible shows to you.”

Since opening its doors, Target has given 5 percent of its income to organizations that support education, the arts, social services and volunteerism. Today that equals more than $3 million every week.

This year, the festival kicks off with The REP’s Youth Academy production of Hairspray on July 22nd with a 7pm performance. For the first time, there will be an exclusive Hairspray Fundraising Reception on Wednesday, July 27^th with pre-show wine and Hors d’oeuvres beginning at 5:30pm. Following the performance, there will be a coffee and dessert reception. Ticket cost is $75.00 per person or $125.00 per couple. Tickets are now available at the Box Office, 407-896-7365.

The Target Family Theatre Festival’s Party in the Park will be held July 30th in Loch Haven Park. From 10:00am to 2:00pm, this fun-packed afternoon will feature face painting, make-and-take activities, puppets, masks, music makers, performance activities, balloon artists, carnival games, a costume dress up station, live entertainment and backstage tours. Party in the Park and all performances are FREE with the exception of Hairspray, which is $13. Tickets will be distributed at the Info Tent beginning at 10:00am on Saturday morning, first come first serve. Limit 6 tickets per family per show. Concessions will be available for purchase, cash only. This is a rain or shine event.

All shows take place at the Orlando Family Stage at 1001 E. Princeton Street Orlando, FL 32803. Please visit www.orlandorep.com or call 407-896-7365 for complete festival schedule and information.

The 5th Annual Target Family Theatre Festival is sponsored by Target and a grant from Orange County Division of Art and Cultural Affairs.  The Orlando Family Stage is a non-profit organization and is supported in part by United Arts of Central Florida, State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment of the Arts.