TADA! YOUTH THEATER is pleased to present, (in conjunction with the now playing world premiere musical UP TO YOU), IT’S UP TO YOU, a open forum event on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 11am to discuss bullying through leadership, moderated by Miss New York Kaitlin Monte, featuring an special opening number from BROADWAY SINGS FOR PRIDE (http://bwaypride.org).
The event is free and parents and kids are especially encouraged to
attend. Miss New York Kaitlin Monte has spent the year engaging
discussion in schools and working with State Senator Klein to create
legislative reform. Reservations can be made at www.tadatheater.com.

BROADWAY SINGS FOR PRIDE cast members slated to sing in the opening number will include: Ken Alston Jr. (Off Broadway’s Three Mo’ Tenors), JR Bruno (West Side Story, Book of Mormon National Tour), Michael Cusumano (Chicago), Lauren Elder (Hair Revival), John Edwards (Jersey Boys), Russell Fischer (Jersey Boys), Tony Gonzalez (Mamma Mia), Amy Hamlin (Radio City Christmas Spectacular), Michele Mais (Rock of Ages), Anthony Lee Medina (Spring Awakening National Tour, The Public’s The Capeman in the Park), Fred Ross (* Need credit), LaQuet Sharnell (Lysistrata Jones), Allison Siko (Kathleen Stabler on NBC’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”), Courter Simmons (Jersey Boys), MJ Rodriguez (Off Broadway’s Rent Revival). Broadway vocal coach Michael Lavine will serve as musical director. This portion is being produced by NealB.tv (www.NeaB.tv)

Shortly following the forum will be 2pm performance of TADA! Youth Theater’s World Premiere of UP TO YOU, with book and music by Eric Rockwell, lyrics by Joanne Bogart and directed by Janine Nina Trevens. Like all TADA! musicals, UP TO YOU
is a professionally produced off-Broadway musical performed for kids,
by kids; and dealing with topics relevant to kids and their experiences. UP TO YOU
takes place in 1977 during elections for the student council at
Hamilton High. It examines several relevant issues facing young people
today including – peer acceptance, verbal bullying, stereotyping based
on activities you take part in, and wanting to be popular. Through the
course of the musical the narrator, Eric, is bullied because of rumors
about his sexuality and because he won’t go along with the “in” crowd.
The story, loosely based on some of Mr. Rockwell’s own high school
experiences, emphasizes the idea that each individual can make a
difference for themselves and the community at large in a fun,
entertaining, age-appropriate and approachable way.

Tickets for UP TO YOU are
only $15 for adults and $8 for children; Premium tickets (also
available for every performance) are $25 for adults and $15 for children
and feature priority seating and support TADA!’s programming. Tickets
are now available online at www.tadatheater.com/currentseason.asp.
Tickets may also be purchased in-person one hour prior to performance.
Non-Profit Group rates start at $6 per child for groups of 20+;
birthday party packages are also available. UP TO YOU is recommended for ages 5 and over.