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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Subject: The Playhouse Presents Number the Stars

Contact: Lee Ann Bakros, Playhouse Public Relations Director, 515-974-5358

Tickets are now on sale for the Newbery Award-winning story, Number the Stars, Jan. 6-22, 2006, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for students, and may be purchased at The Playhouse box office, by phone at 515-277-6261, and online at www.dmplayhouse.com.

During the German occupation of Denmark in World War II, Danish freedom fighters of all ages risked everything in daring attempts to rescue the country's Jewish population. In this stirring new play, young Annemarie and Kirsti Johansen face soldiers, interrogations, fierce dogs, personal danger, and their own fears as they try to help their friend, Ellen Rosen, escape across the ocean to Sweden and safety. Courage, faith and ingenuity eventually win the day. All the drama, adventure, terror and humor that have made Lois Lowry's Number the Stars a national bestseller, and winner of the Newbery Award, come to life in this powerful adaptation by Iowa playwright Dr. Douglas Larche.

The play is under the direction of Ron Ziegler (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever). The Playhouse cast of 14 features Ruth Dearth (Little House Christmas on Plum Creek) and Kelli Schulte (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever) as the Johansen sisters, and Amanda Bartlett (Chip, Disney's Beauty and the Beast) as Ellen Rosen.

The Playhouse is Iowa's oldest and largest producing theatre. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 3-1/2 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For more information on The Playhouse and Number the Stars, contact The Playhouse box office at 515-277-6261.

Number the Stars Performances: January 6-22, 2006

Thursday & Friday at 7:00 PM

Saturday at 2:00 PM

Sunday at 1:00 & 6:00 PM (Jan. 22 at 1:00 PM only)

Number the Stars Tickets:

Available through The Playhouse box office, 831 42nd St., Des Moines, IA 50312; by phone at 515-277-6261; and online at www.dmplayhouse.com

Adult $16

Senior (62+) $15

Student $12

Group reservations for groups of 20 or more should be made by calling 515-255-3741 ext. 211 or, toll-free, 1-877-862-5621 ext. 211.

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