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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact Information

Brett A. BernardiniThe Spirit of Broadway Theater

24 Chestnut StreetNorwich, CT 06360

o – 860.886.2378

A true story of courage and bravery in the face of evil

Newberry Award-Winning Book, Number The Stars, comes to life on stage at The Spirit of Broadway in new musical.

(NORWICH, CT) When the Danes surrendered to the Germans invasion in 1940, the

Danish resistance was born. Three years later, the Germans would begin to a house-to-

house search to find Jews and send them off to prison…and worse. In the end, less than

5% of Danish Jews were arrested and deported because the other 95% were secretly

given safe passage to Sweden by the residents of Denmark, risking their own lives to do

so. The stories of Danish bravery and heroism are many and encompass people of all

ages and backgrounds.

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In the newest musical production at The Spirit of Broadway Theater, the Newberry

Medal award-winning book - about two young girls who risk their own lives to get their

The Spirit of Broadway TheaterApril 25, 2012 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Jewish friends to safety - NUMBER THE STARS by Lois Lowry, comes to life May 2

through June 3, 2012. With Book, Music and Lyrics by Sean Hartley, the musical

features a cast of 20.

The musical tells the inspiring story of the rescue of the Danish Jews as seen through

the eyes of two ten-year-old girls. Annemarie Johansen and Ellen Rosen are best

friends, but when word leaks that the occupying German army is about to begin arresting

and deporting the Danish Jews; they embark on a dangerous journey to get Ellen and

her family to nearby, neutral Sweden. This musical adaptation, by the author-composer

of last season's SNOW, emphasizes the humanity of the heroes, with humor, suspense

and a thrilling, melodic score.

“For me, producing this show was a no-brainer,” said SBT Founding Artistic Director /

CEO, Brett A. Bernardini. “SBT has produced three of Mr. Hartley’s previous works

including CUPID & PSYCHE which earned him a Drama Desk Award nomination and

LITTLE WOMEN which is now published and in theaters all over the country. SBT

audiences have come to expect the exceptional from Mr. Hartley and, once again, he

delivers with NUMBER THE STARS. This is a powerful new musical about the power of

community and individuals to come together to make significant and lasting change

without regard for recognition or note.”

The production team features Set Design by Mike Billings, Lighting Design by Chad

Lefebvre, Prop Design by Heather Haycock, Musical Direction by Daniel Brandl,

Costume Design and Direction by Brett A. Bernardini.

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“I love this show!” said MaryJane Haddad a retired professional educator and a former

SBT Board member. “I have been fortunate to sit in on rehearsals and read the script.

As someone who actually taught the book NUMBER THE STARS in my 5th grade


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classroom, I am thrilled that the musical stays true to the book in so many ways! People

of all ages are going to love this production!”

While the history of World War II is scattered with stories of unsung heroes in the face of

Nazi atrocities, lesser known is the story of the Danish resistance during the Nazi

Occupation and the groundswell of clandestine support they received from the Danish

public.

“Once the Nazi’s dissolve Danish parliament on August 29, 1943 and institute martial

law, the Danish people’s tolerance of the Nazi’s occupation changes to actively

subverting the Nazi’s at every turn” said Bernardini. “Where other moments of history

recount the deeds of individuals, the Danish story is truly about a collective country who,

without any unified leadership or command, decided to secretly evacuate their Jewish

neighbors by boat, to Sweden where there are no Germans” said Bernardini. “In

discovering this powerful moment of world history, I cannot help but wonder how many

of us today would have the same courage and commitment; to risk our lives for the

betterment and salvation of others who are the innocent victims of evil.”

Shawn Rucker, from Norwich, plays the character of “Mama”. “This is a woman who has

lost her oldest daughter to – what she is told – is an accident. By the end of the story,

she must, once again, confront the reality that she may yet lose another daughter to the

evil of the Nazi’s. Much like families who lose loved ones today to the ravages of war,

Mama must weight the question, ‘was it worth it?’ For Mama – and for her entire family –

while the loss is profound and tragic, it is exactly this loss that inspires them all to

continue the good fight.”

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NUMBER THE STARS runs May 2 – June 3, 2012 with performances Wednesday &

Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. The production is

sponsored by People’s United Bank, O’Connor Davies and Mary & Leland Loose, Carol

& Michael Lahan, Dr. & Mrs. Robert Crootof. Tickets are $30 (adults) $25 (college

students w/I.D. and $20 (students K – 12).

Special events connected with this production include:

Friday, May 4 - TEACHER'S NIGHT @ THE SPIRIT - Nights @ The Spirit return with

Educator's Night! Join your colleagues and friends from across the State of Connecticut

for a pre-show Wine and Hors d'oeuvres reception at 7:30! At 8pm, the new musical

NUMBER THE STARS, based on the Newberry Medal Award-winning book, comes to

life on the Spirit of Broadway Theater stage! ALL SEATS $45.00

Saturday, May 12, - Meet the Writer VIP Party - Join us as we welcome Sean Hartley,

back to The Spirit of Broadway Theater and his latest musical, NUMBER THE STARS.

At 7pm, TOWNE LIQUOR of Norwich, provided a mixologist who will feature high-end,

HOTEL CALIFORNIA tequila in three new cocktails. Enjoy gourmet hors d'oeuvres to

compliment your drinks or wine! at 7:30pm, join SBT Artistic Director, Brett Bernardini

and writer, Sean Hartley for a pre-show discussion! at 8pm, the cast takes to the stage in

NUMBER THE STARS. Immediately following the performance, stay with us for

sumptuous desserts and selected coffees / teas! This is an exceptional and rare

evening!! Black Tie Optional. Tickets are $60pp, all inclusive!

Sunday, May 13 - TAKE YOUR MOTHER TO THE THEATER - Join us for a pre-show

Mother's Day Champagne reception, featuring Mimosa's, selected coffees and assorted

finger foods. Moms receive a special gift from The Spirit of Broadway Theater! Celebrate

your Mom this season by sharing a very special day at The Spirit of Broadway Theater!

ALL SEATS $40

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Sunday, May 20 - HIGH SCHOOL MATINEE - Your special matinee day begins at 1pm

with a pre-show discussion, meet the cast and crew and backstage tours. At 1:30, the

lobby opens up for a pre-show reception featuring beverages and finger foods. At 2pm,

the cast of NUMBER THE STARS takes to the stage. At 4pm, we wrap up your special

day at SBT with a post-show discussion with the cast, crew and Director.

ALSO...

Meet LOIS LOWRY, author of the book, NUMBER THE STARSSunday, May 20. Join us for a book signing from 1 - 2pm (copies of NUMBER THE

STARS and THE GIVER will be available, or bring your own from home!!) Immediately

following the show, stay for a brief talk back with LOIS LOWRY!

For tickets or more information contact the Spirit of Broadway Theater Box office at

860.886.2378 or online at www.spiritofbroadway.org

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http://www.spiritofbroadway.org/

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