January 2013

THE FAMILY OF REE
based on the book series by Scott E. Sutton
dramatized by Andrew Perry 
January 2013
​
Hundreds of readers have fallen in love with Scott E. Sutton's colorful characters and illustrations after discovering his series of picture books featuring the imaginative world called Ree. This new play brings Sutton's world of Erfs, BeeBees, and wise, talking trees to life. In Perry's dramatization, the Long Legged Ploots are accused of a crime they did not commit and an untruth told reveals interconnected consequences for everyone living in Ree. Faithful to the well-loved characters and actions in Sutton's stories, Pollyanna's production will be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, especially children ages 4-8.

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WHO: Pollyanna Theatre Company
WHAT: The Family of Ree by Scott E. Sutton adapted for the stage by Andrew Perry
WHEN: January 24 at 11:00, 12:30, and 3:30
January 25 at 9:30 and 11:30
January 26 at 11:00, 2:00, and 4:00 followed by "Pay What You Like Party"
January 27 at 2:00 followed by "Pay What You Like Party"
WHERE: Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts
701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78704
TICKETS: Tickets are $7.75 for children under 12, $8.75 for students over 12-18, Seniors over 65 & Austin Creative Alliance members, $9.75 for adults. Group rates from $3.00 - $5.00 available.
For Weekday tickets: Call 512.743.7966
For Weekend tickets: Call 512.474.LONG (5664) or visit: www.thelongcenter.org

Austin, TX - Central Texas' most well-known children's theatre company, Pollyanna Theatre in Strategic Alliance with the Long Center, presents The Family of Ree by Scott E. Sutton, adapted for the stage by Andrew Perry at the Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 West Riverside, Austin, TX 78704.

This new play, best suited for children in grades K-3 (ages 5-8) is adapted by the stage by playwright Andrew Perry (Pattern Notion: Woves and Ployground Superhero). The play explores themes of being honest and telling the truth and the dangers of false accusations. The play also discusses the interconnected nature of life and the need to care for our environment.

The cast includes professional actors from Pollyanna Theatre Company, including Robert Burkhalter, Aaron Alexander (Ployground Superhero), Gricelda Silva, Jessica Hughes, Rob Faubian and Jacob Trussell.

Hundreds of readers have fallen in love with Scott E. Sutton's colorful characters and illustrations after discovering his series of picture books featuring the imaginative world called Ree.

With this new play, Perry brings Sutton's world of Erfs, BeeBees, and wise, talking trees to life. In Perry's dramatization, the Long Legged Ploots are accused of a crime they did not commit and an untruth told reveals interconnected consequences for everyone living in Ree.

Faithful to the well-loved characters and action in Sutton's stories, The woodrats have just arrived on the planet of Ree and hope that they will be allowed to stay. Their planet, Shale, has been destroyed. They didn't take care of their environment and now find themselves looking for a new home. Luckily, the creatures that live on Ree are happy to see them. Just as Bipp, the woodrat, is getting to know everyone, they discover that a woodworking project has been mysteriously broken. Bee-Bee tells them that he saw a huge Ploot step on it and break it. Everyone sets out to find the Ploot responsible for such a terrible deed. But as they soon discover, this is a Bee-Bee who has told far less than the truth.

"I was attracted to this story because of the unique and colorful world of Ree found in Scott E. Sutton's children's picture books," said Matetzschk-Campbell. "The drawings show a unique world where nothing looks like our world but where the goodness of the human heart thrives. I love the theatrical tension that is created when very human emotion and action are set in a highly imaginative setting. It gives children of all ages a chance to look at powerful topics in a fun atmosphere. Ultimately, all of us who experience the story find that we identify with the emotional world of Ree and can re-learn simple truths. We need to take care of others and treat them as we would want to be treated. The Family of Ree shows us that through color and character."

In addition to public performances, The Fomily of Ree is also available for schools throughout Central Texas. Accompanying multi-disciplinary curricula and professional development tools are also available free of charge for teachers and parents.

As a special treat, Pollyanna Theatre Company is honored to host The Fomily of Ree author Scott E. Sutton, who will be available to meet our patrons during our weekend performance. Copies of Sutton's children's books will be available for purchase after each weekend performance.

ABOUT POLLYANNA THEATRE COMPANY: The founders of Pollyanna Theatre Company believe that theatre is a powerful teaching tool that speaks to people of all ages in a unique and powerful way through a variety of visual, aural, and emotional languages. Therefore, theatre should be a part of all general education from pre-kindergarten through adulthood. Toward that end, The Pollyanna Theatre Company strives to work alongside educators to inspire, motivate, and teach audiences of all ages. Although the company's primary focus is upon young audience members, the ensemble performs top quality theatrical productions that speak to and illuminate the human spirit and condition for all ages. www.pollyannatheatrecompany.org

ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT: ANDREW PERRY has been the production stage manager for the Pollyanna Theatre Company since 2007, and has so far managed twelve full productions and five touring productions. It was through this experience, as well as working with a number of other Austin based theatre companies, that eventually lead him to try his hand at being a playwright. In 2011, Ducks Vs Squirrels: Battle for the Park, Andrew's first play, was premiered by the Pollyanna Theatre Company at the Rollins Theatre in The Long Center and was splendidly received. Last year, Andrew was delighted to have two brand new productions being produced by Pollyanna; a commissioned work based on the remarkable Pattern Nation series created and originally written by Pollyanna's resident playwright, Emily Cicchini followed by Ployground Superhero.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: SCOTT E. SUTTON A native Californian, Scott was born in Santa Monica in 1952. He started his career as a commercial artist in 1971. It was during this time that he developed the "Family of Ree" characters. In 1978 Scott began exhibiting in an art gallery in Laguna Beach, California where he sold paintings of the "Fomily of Ree" characters. These were so popular, that at the urging of his numerous collectors, Scott wrote and illustrated a series of six books about the World of Ree and its unique inhabitants. The first book, "The Fomily of Ree" was published in 1985 and is now in its sixth edition. In addition to the "Fomily of Ree" series of books, Scott has written and illustrated three other series, "The Kuekumoer Kids," "How to Draw Stuff," and "Adventures of Dinosaur Dog". He is currently working on the 25th anniversary edition of the "Family of Ree" series.

Media Contact:
Hook'em Marketing for Pollyanna Theatre Company
Rebecca Robinson | 512.350.4621 | [email protected]

Showtimes at: 9:15 & 11 am, 3:30 pm
THE FAMILY OF REE By Scott E. Sutton
Adapted for the Stage by Andrew Perry January 2013

These performances are reserved for schools, however, if you would like to attend with your family, accommodations are possible.
Call ahead of time to check and make reservations: 512-743-7966.

Hundreds of readers have fallen in love with Scott E. Sutton’s colorful characters and illustrations after discovering his series of picture books featuring the imaginative world called Ree. This new play brings Sutton’s world of Erfs, BeeBees, and wise, talking trees to life. In Perry’s dramatization, the Long Legged Ploots are accused of a crime they did not commit and an untruth told reveals interconnected consequences for everyone living in Ree. Faithful to the well-loved characters and action in Sutton’s stories, Pollyanna’s production will be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, especially children in grades K – 3.

Stay in touch with Pollyanna for details about events and drawing workshops lead by Scott E. Sutton, available to our patrons during our performance weekend. You won’t want to miss them!

January 24 at 11:00, 12:30, and 3:30
January 25 at 9:15, 11:00 and 3:30
January 26 at 11:00, 2:00, and 4:00
January 27 at 2:00 followed by “Pay What You Like Party”

Tickets are $7.75 for children under 12, $8.75 for students over 12-18, Seniors over 65 & Austin Creative Alliance members, $9.75 for adults. Group rates from $3.00 – $5.00 available.

For Weekday tickets: Call 512.743.7966

For Weekend tickets: Call 512.474.LONG (5664)