The University of Texas
Department of Theatre and Dance

For immediate release: September 23, 2009
Media Contact: Gene Bartholomew; 512.471.0632; gbartholomew@mail.utexas.edu

Amanda Flores; 512.232.5337; amflores@austin.utexas.edu

The University of Texas Department of Theatre and Dance presents an imaginative story for all ages, THERE'S A BOY IN THE GIRLS' BATHROOM, October 2 - 11, 2009, at the Oscar G. Brockett Theatre. Adapted by Louis Sachar (Holes, Sideways Stories from Wayside School) from his Award-winning children.s novel, THERE'S A BOY IN THE GIRLS' BATHROOM is a hilarious and heartfelt peek into the life of one 10 year old boy.

Described by a classmate as the “most horrible, rotten, monster in the school,” protagonist Bradley Chalkers is the oldest kid in the fifth grade. He is bright and creative though a bit of a bully - constantly telling enormous lies and picking fights with the most unsuspecting targets. Carla, the new school Behavior Specialist knows Bradley could change, if only he weren't afraid to try. But when you feel like the most hated kid in the whole school, believing in yourself can be the hardest thing in the world.

“We've all felt like the odd man out. We.ve all had embarrassing school experiences that we laugh about later. We've all had school crushes, and enemies and frenemies and teachers who shaped our lives. We've all been 10 years old or we will be someday,” explains, M.F.A. in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities candidate and director of THERE'S A BOY IN THE GIRLS' BATHROOM, Brian C. Fahey.

Feeling like the odd man out himself, Bradley's only friends are his stuffed animals that spring to life when he is alone in his bedroom. Specially crafted by M.F.A. in Theatrical Design and scenic designer, Ilana Marks, “Bartholomew the Bear,” “Ronnie the Rabbit,” “Turtle,” and “Goose” are played by a roster of puppeteers expertly trained during a rehearsal workshop led by members of Austin's own Emmy-Award winning TV show, The Biscuit Brothers. Cast members of this popular children's program include Damon Brown, Jerome Schoolar and UT Theatre and Dance Alumnus, Allen Robertson (M.F.A. '92)

THERE'S A BOY IN THE GIRLS' BATHROOM features Set Design by Ilana Marks, Costume Design by Alee Franklin-Wills, and Lighting Design by Anne McMeeking.

Join us on October 2 for an Opening Night Reception immediately following the performance.

For more information on THERE'S A BOY IN THE GIRLS' BATHROOM, please visit http://www.finearts.utexas.edu/tad/productions/production_season/2009- 2010/boy/index.cfm".

The Oscar G. Brockett Theatre (300 E. 23rd St.) is located in the F. Loren Winship Drama Building on the University of Texas campus. For a map of the campus, please visit http://texasperformingarts.org/visit/maps_directions.

CALENDAR LISTING:

October 2 - 11, 2009 - The University of Texas Department of Theatre & Dance presents THERE'S A BOY IN THE GIRLS' BATHROOM at the Oscar G. Brockett Theatre (300 E. 23rd St.), located in the F. Loren Winship Drama Building. A map of the campus: http://texasperformingarts.org/visit/maps_directions. Show times are October 2, 3, 7, 8 & 9 at 8:00p.m, and October 3, 4 & 11 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets ($20 adults, $17 UT faculty $ staff, $15 student) are now on sale at the following authorized ticket outlets, which include the Bass Concert Hall Box Office, most H-E-B stores and all Texas Box Office outlets, online at www.texasperformingarts.org, or by calling (512) 477-6060 or (800) 982-BEVO.