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Contact info:  PR Contact: Judy Walker                                                            215.925.8686                                                                                                             
Cell 856.693.4407                                                                                                                  

For Immediate Release
November 16, 2007

 Celebrate the Holidays with Mum!

Philadelphia, PA – This holiday season Mum Puppettheatre will feature two critically-acclaimed holiday productions:   A Christmas Carol and The Velveteen Rabbit.   

The critics have called Mum's production “A Christmas Carol for the ages, [that] deserves to become an annual event."  By bringing it back again in 2007, Mum has obliged them!  This year's show runs November 30 - December 30, and is directed by Mum's Artistic Director Robert Smythe (Swarthmore, PA).   A Christmas Carol stars Gregg Almquist and Jered McLenigan.  Martina Plag and Robert Smythe designed the puppets, Simon Harding designed both the  sets and lighting, and Susan Smythe designed the costumes.

Award-winning playwright Bruce Graham (Media, PA) adapted one of his favorite stories of all time for Mum Puppettheatre.  Mum approaches its production of A Christmas Carol as Dickens intended it, in the long-standing tradition of a ghost story.  With it’s retelling of this classic story, Mum creates an experience that is as intense as it is humorous, so be sure to bring someone to cling to!

“Mum’s rendition of A Christmas Carol is both poignant and haunting,” explained Lisa Shelby, Mum Puppettheatre Managing Director.  “If you only go to see one holiday show this year, make it Mum’s A Christmas Carol.  The experience of puppets and masks interwoven with live actors makes this production utterly unique!”

Mum is also presenting The Velveteen Rabbit, for families with younger children.  Adapted by Robert Smythe from the book by Margery Williams, this beloved children’s story is told magically through music, masks and puppetry.  Adam Wernick provides the enchanting original musical score; The Velveteen Rabbit features performances by Dave Johnson, Sarah McCarron and Amanda Siebold.  

In this classic story, a well-loved and well-worn rabbit discovers there is more to life than the four walls of the nursery. With sage advice from a friendly hobby horse, he learns that his young owner's love can make him real.

“This heart warming story should be part of every family’s holiday tradition,” explained Shelby.  “Mum’s rendition of this story is charming and sweet.  This holiday season, Mum truly has something for everyone! 

The Velveteen Rabbit Performance dates and times:

Friday, November 23 at noon, 2 pm and 4pm (day after Thanksgiving)

From 11/24 through  12/23  -- Saturdays at Noon, 2pm, 4pm; Sundays at 2pm & 4pm

12/26 - 12/30 -- daily at 2 pm

Tickets are $15

*For all ages

A Christmas Carol Performance dates/times/costs:

November 30- December 30, 2007

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. ($25)
Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. ($30)

Opening Night November 30, 2007 is a benefit honoring former Mum board member and         Philadelphia theatre supporter extraordinaire, Kaki Marshall

*For adults and kids 8 and over. There are scary ghosts and the theatre is very dark on a few occasions.

 For tickets, call 215.925.7686 or visit Mum online at www.mumpuppet.org.
 

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Mum Puppettheatre is a regional theatre devoted to enhancing live theatre through the art of puppetry.  For over 20 years, Mum has entertained Philadelphia audiences of all ages with the intersection of human actors and puppetry arts.