Thomas & Friends on stage
By Staff -- Playthings, 1/19/2007 7:04:00 AM
NEW YORK—Thomas & Friends will take stage in a live international touring show, “Thomas & Friends Live on Stage in Thomas Saves the Day,” beginning this March.
The show produced by HIT Entertainment and ThemeSTAR, the licensed productions company, will begin March 20 in Louisiana and travel to more than 40 other U.S cities. Then it's on to Korea, the U.K., Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan and several European cities.
The 90-minute musical stars Thomas and his engine friends, Percy and Diesel, and features Sir Topham Hatt, along with the people and engineers from the Island of Sodor. The live show features new railroad-themed songs and tells the story of Thomas and friends as they work to get the railroad ready for Sodor’s Magic Lantern Festival and share experiences that encourage lessons in discovery, friendship and cooperation along the way.
“Thomas & Friends—the number one engine, the number one preschool toy brand in the US and the number one infant/preschool licensed brand in the UK—is a worldwide phenomenon, broadcast in more than 145 countries,” says Bruce Steinberg, chief executive officer, HIT Entertainment. “This classic, evergreen property holds an enduring appeal for preschoolers everywhere. The new stage show from ThemeSTAR offers children and their families a fresh way to experience the brand, and builds upon the successful Day Out With Thomas events in the US and the UK.”
Mark Avery, CEO, ThemeSTAR adds, “Thomas & Friends Live on Stage will introduce many children to the magic of live performance. ThemeSTAR is committed to bringing the highest quality live entertainment to families worldwide. We are delighted to be working with HIT Entertainment on what promises to be an exciting, interactive and inspiring show, fostering fun, friendship and learning for a new generation.”
