PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Contact: Maryann Maslan (510) 444.4755

Now – March 19, 2006 E-mail: maryann@stagebridge.org

Stagebridge’s “Strega Nona Festival” Celebrates Young and Old

The beloved characters from Tomie dePaola’s popular “Strega Nona” stories come to life on stage for one weekend only at Stagebridge’s 15^th Annual Family Matinee and Ice Cream Social in Oakland, March 18 and 19. The delightful production features actors age nine to 85, and siblings Raushon and Willie Chapman onstage together for the first time. Performances are at 3:00 p.m., March 18 and 19, Arts First Oakland, 2501 Harrison Avenue, Oakland. Tickets for the event are adults $10, children $5, with group rates available. Parking located on site and the theatre is wheel chair accessible. Reservations and ticket information at 510.444.4755 or www.stagebridge.org.

In this new production, four favorite dePaola stories – “Strega Nona,” Strega Nona: Her Story,” “Big Anthony: His Story,” and “Strega Nona Meets Her Match,” – are woven into one enchanting piece. Playwright and director Linda Spector brings together the intergenerational work of Stagebridge and the popular author’s whimsy and gentle humor.

“I want to create the sense of young and old not only performing and playing together, but also learning from each other,” Spector said. “I want the audience to walk away with a sense of joy and awe, and an appreciation of cooperation and ‘family’ on stage.”

The cast features Oakland siblings Raushon, nine, and Willie Chapman, 19. Willie, who has performed in a number of Bay Area productions, said he enjoyed introducing his younger brother to theatre and playing Big Anthony across from his brother.

“It’s fun and really great to have quality time together again,” said Willie.

The extended “Strega Nona” family includes Audrey Goodfriend, 85, who has been a member of Stagebridge for 25 years. She is joined by Dolores del Barco, former principal of Fremont High School and Joanne Grimm, former principal of Oakland High School. Cindy Carrico and Tim Hannon add wit and charm to the production.

The audience is invited to meet Strega Nona, Big Anthony, Strega Amelia and the rest of the cast for ice cream after the show.

Costumes for the show are designed by Ava Childs with sets by Dave Gardner. Vini Beachem designed the sound and props are by Elizabeth Callendar.

This production is funded by grants from Alameda County Arts Commission, Bank of the West, Banks Family Foundation, City of Oakland Cultural Arts, Clorox, David B. Gold Foundation, GATX Capital, Hitachi, May & Stanley Smith Trust, Southwest Airlines, Walter and Elise Haas Fund and Wells Fargo Bank.

In conjunction with “Strega Nona,” the company will perform for more than 1,500 children in local schools and provide curriculum guides to all teachers. Also, each spring Stagebridge sponsors a regional “Grandparents Tales Writing Contest” to engage children in writing stories about their elders. This program helps children improve literacy, writing, communication and social skills.

Stagebridge is the oldest senior theatre company in the nation, based in Oakland since 1978. The company has a theatre training program for seniors, tours original plays and entertainments throughout the Bay Area. It is also a pioneer in the field of healthy aging working with health care professionals to raise awareness of the vitality of older adults.

PHOTOGRAPHS online at www.stagebridge.org

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES available during student assemblies:

Oakland Federal Building Auditorium, 1301 Clay Street, Oakland, 94611

10:00 a.m. & 11:30 a.m., Thursday, March 9

10:00 a.m. & 11:30 a.m., Friday, March 10