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Center for the Arts Presents "The Little Engine That Could™ Earns Her Whistle"

Little Engine That Could

ArtsPower National Touring Theatre's new musical, The Little Engine That Could Earns Her Whistle, will take the stage at Smothers Theatre in Malibu on Saturday, Mar. 2, at 11 a.m.  

Believing that anything is possible, believing that magic can be found anywhere, and above all believing in oneself are all lessons to be found in the performance, recommended for ages 5 to 8 and families.

In this song-filled adventure, the Little Blue Engine-against all odds-finds a way to conquer her fears and demonstrate the extraordinary strength of "I think I can!"

"For many children, The Little Engine That Could Earns Her Whistle may be the first stage production they ever see," says executive producer Gary Blackman. "Our goal is not only to teach them valuable lessons about self-reliance, but also to instill in them a genuine love of theatre."

The Little Engine That Could Earns Her Whistle features a dynamic, Broadway-style score and colorful, inventive sets and costumes. The production was adapted and directed by ArtsPower's artistic director Greg Gunning, who also wrote the lyrics, while Richard DeRosa created and orchestrated the musical score.

Mark Blackman and Gary Blackman founded ArtsPower in 1985 and have been steering its course ever since. The Verona, New Jersey, based company has grown into one of America's premier producers of professional theatre for young and family audiences. Its 27 professional touring musicals and dramas have been seen by 12 million people in 48 states--from Alaska to Florida--in hundreds of the nation's top cultural centers, including the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, and Lincoln Center in New York.

Patrons of The Little Engine That Could Earns Her Whistle are invited to attend Family Art Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 2, in the Gregg G. Juarez Palm Courtyard next to Smothers Theatre. It will include special art projects and Weisman Museum tours. Family Art Day is free of admission charge and open to the public.

Tickets, priced at $15 for adults and $10 for children, are available now by calling (310) 506-4522. Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787. More information on the Center for the Arts and ArtsPower Web sites.