FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                      September 8, 2016

Contact:        Gena Buhler                                                                                              Craig Boleman

       970-920-5790                                                                                                              972-717-5181

       [email protected]                                                                    [email protected]

Wheeler Opera House Presents Childsplay Theatre’s Smash Hit Musical “Rock the Presidents”

Aspen, CO (September 8, 2016): From rockin' “Sons Of Washington,” the groovy/psychedelic “I'm Not All Bad” to the twangy country western style of “Ronald Reagan,” Childsplay Theatre brings its smash-hit musical ROCK THE PRESIDENTS to the Wheeler Opera House on Tuesday, September 27 at 6:30 p.m. Embarking on its second North American Tour, ROCK THE PRESIDENTS brings the history of our top executive office to life in this high-energy, multi-media extravaganza. Tickets are free, but on a first come, first serve basis except for groups of twenty or more, who should contact Maddy Overton at 970-920-5787 or [email protected]. The show is recommended for ages 7 and up. The Wheeler Opera House is located at 320 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen, CO.

Executive Director Gena Buhler states, “We are excited to offer free tickets to family audiences thanks in part to Wheeler Real Estate Transfer Tax funding.  With the popularity of the current Broadway smash hit ‘Hamilton’ and the upcoming Presidential election, this is the perfect time for this musical!”

 In the genre of the musical history lessons of "Schoolhouse Rock," Childsplay brings all 223 years of 44 presidents to life in this rocking, musical revue for kids and families. Songs include “Hail To The Chiefs,” “Who in the World is Millard Fillmore?,” “More Than Four Years,” “Here Come the Generals,” “The Buck Stops Here,” “Shake America” and “The Sons of Washington.” The non-partisan show takes a look at the legacies, the one-termers, the mistakes, the triumphs and even the presidential pets!

Set amongst a presidential backdrop framed by a bald eagle and stars and stripes, the innovative scenic design from Holly Windingstad features a large screen center stage to showcase the multi-media aspects of the production. Phoenix-based Limitrophe Films created the video aspects to bring a high-voltage, interactive element to the show. Presidential portraits, paintings and historical footage stream throughout the "concert.” 

During the performance, the cast interacts with the video screen in such engaging segments as a video game battle in “Sons of Washington,” a Game Show called "The Pres-i-Tron," a '60s psychedelic lava lamp technique for “I'm Not All Bad” to the neon sign of the “Lonely Presidents Lounge.”

ROCK THE PRESIDENTS was created by Dwayne Hartford (Book & Lyrics), Tempe composer Sarah Roberts (Music) and is directed by Anthony Runfola.

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ABOUT CHILDSPLAY:

Childsplay, Inc. is a nonprofit theatre company of professional, adult artists who perform for and teach young audiences and their families. The mission of Childsplay is "to create theatre so strikingly original in form, content or both, that it instills in young people an enduring awe, love and respect for the medium, thus preserving imagination and wonder, the hallmarks of childhood which are keys to the future." For more information, visit www.childsplayaz.org.

ABOUT WHEELER OPERA HOUSE: 

Since 1889, the Wheeler Opera House has been Aspen’s community performance venue and has become the Roaring Fork Valley’s premiere site for concerts, movies, festivals, lectures, community events, opera, and more. In recent years, the Wheeler has been a leader in producing exceptional festivals in Aspen, celebrating the comedy arts, global issues, and the craft of songwriting.