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Mum Puppettheatre Presents The Madwoman of Chaillot By Jean Giraudoux Directed by William Roudebush

For Immediate Release: October 18, 2002

Equus director, William Roudebush returns to direct a cast of Philadelphia's finest performers to tell a story of honor, love, greed, and battling conformity. Improvisation, masks and clowning capture the rich iconography of the Commedia dell'Arte tradition and create a unique performance every night! The Madwoman of Chaillot runs October 22nd through November 16th, 2002.Opening night is Wednesday October 30 at 7pm! Performances are Tuesday and Wednesday at 7pm, Thursday through Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 2pm. Ticket prices for The Madwoman of Chaillot range from $1 to $24. Online ticket orders will be accepted after the ninth performance.

Philadelphia, PA - The Barrymore Award-winning Theatre Company, Mum Puppettheatre, is thrilled to announce its first production of the 2002-2003season, The Madwoman of Chaillot! Join six of Philadelphia's most vibrant performers, as they bring to life the absurd world of Jean Giraudoux's classic tale. Puppetry, masks, improvisational comedy and live music make The Madwoman of Chaillot the most unique show in town. With ticket prices starting at just $1, The Madwoman of Chaillot is a theatrical experience you won't want to miss!

After discovering oil under the streets of Chaillot, a group of businessmen plot to level the Paris neighborhood to reap the benefits of "black gold" for themselves. The most unlikely of leaders, the Madwoman herself, rises to the occasion and brings her neighbors together to save their home. Using puppetry, masks, and improvisation, Mike Canfield, Jennifer Childs, Aaron Cromie, Dawn Falato, Dave Jadico, and Robert Smythe take on dozens of characters to tell this modern fable of practical wit triumphing over corporate greed.

"A production like this is always accompanied with excitement and challenge. The freedom to create the "world" of a show from the ground up allows for great artistic interpretation and freedom," says cast member Dave Jadico. Jadico, who also performs with Comedy Sportz, feels the audience will connect with this story because of the variety of artistic mediums through which it is told. By setting up a situation where the masked, the puppets and the actors can live in the same world" he explains, "we ask the audience to open up their perception of what is real. Having them accept this state of heightened reality will allow them to let so much more in."

Fellow cast member Jennifer Childs agrees. "It will be unlike anything they've ever seen before. And I think that the combination of masks, puppets and people really supports Giraudoux's mad world," she says. Childs, who is also the Artistic Director of 1812 Productions, and will be playing the part of the Madwoman, finds working on this production, "very exciting, yet very daunting!

It's like patting your head, rubbing your stomach, whistling Dixie and doing your taxes all at the same time!"

Mike Canfield, a professional deaf actor, also joins the cast, making Mum the first theatre company in Philadelphia to employ a deaf actor in a mainstage show! "This is the first time I'm performing with a hearing theatre company," says Canfield. "This is a big challenge for me because I'm doing this on my own without an interpreter. So far, so good!" Canfield plays the part of the Deaf-Mute a character who is "all-knowing, observant, and does not miss anything." "The Deaf-Mute has seen how this world has changed whilst everyone else seems powerless to stop it," he explains.

With The Madwoman of Chaillot, Mum Puppettheatre finds itself once again creating a production based on an existing text. "After last year's unexpected hit Equus, we (Mum) felt that it was important to explore further the relationship between a classic script merged with the plastic and performing arts. This year we chose something funny." explains Heather Rogers, General Manager of Mum Puppettheatre.

For all the clowning, absurdity, and clever improvisation that fill each performance, The Madwoman of Chaillot has origins of a more serious nature. Jean Giraudoux wrote his satirical classic during the Nazi occupation of France. However, its social commentary is timeless. "It is a story with a very common theme," says Dave Jadico. "However," he adds, "in a fantastic setting with dynamic characters and beautifully poetic dialogue Kone can immediately identify with this theme and still find the experience truly unique."

Not only is The Madwoman of Chaillot the most unique production in Philadelphia, but it has the most unique ticket prices as well! Admission to the first preview is only $1 and ticket prices increase by just $1 for each subsequent performance. "The response to the ticket structure has been great," says Heather Rogers. "People are really getting excited about the possibility of enjoying an evening of theatre without breaking the bank," says Rogers, and three performances are already completely sold out!"

The response from the Old City business community has been equally enthusiastic. "This year we have seen a dramatic increase in the involvement of local business sponsors. New comers include Lucy's Hat Shop, Drinker's Tavern, SoMa, Fork, Kinko's, Whole Foods Market, and The Plough and the Stars," says Rogers. Refreshments for this production's Coffee and Conversation evenings will be provided by Fresh Fields/Whole Foods Market. Call the box office at 215-925-7686 for more information about these special evenings which combine an incredible performance, coffee, dessert, and scintillating post-show discussions with some of the area's most vibrant professionals.

For more information about The Madwoman of Chaillot and to order tickets, visit Mum on the web at www.mumpuppet.org or call the box office at 215-925-7686.

See you at the show!

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