Cal Poly Hosts "Little Engine that Could" May 7

April 15, 2004

CONTACT: LISA WOSKE
(805) 756-7110

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"Little Engine That Could" Arrives at Performing Arts Center May 7

SAN LUIS OBISPO "The Little Engine That Could Earns Her
Whistle," the new full-stage musical based on Watty Piper's timeless
tale, will find its way into the hearts of young viewers on Friday, May
7, 2004 at 7 p.m. at the Christopher Cohan Center.

Cal Poly Arts presents the evening show as part of their popular,
low-cost Family Event series. Performed by ArtsPower National Touring
Theatre, one of America's foremost theatre companies for young people,
"Little Engine" is a favorite with audiences aged 5 and up.

"Believing that anything is possible," "believing that magic can be
found anywhere," and "believing in oneself " are all lessons to be found
in ArtsPower's new musical version of the beloved children’s classic
book, "The Little Engine That Could Earns Her Whistle." The Little
Blue Engine, against all odds, finds a way to conquer her fears and
demonstrate the extraordinary strength of "I think I can!"

"The Little Engine That Could™ Earns Her Whistle "features an upbeat,
Broadway-style score and colorful, inventive sets and costumes. The
production was adapted and directed by ArtsPower’s artistic director
Greg Gunning; Gunning also wrote the lyrics, while Richard DeRosa
created and orchestrated the musical score.

Audiences of all ages will remember the story: At the Piney Vale Train
Station, the overbearing the Silver Engine keeps things running
efficiently and always on time. Silver has no patience for the Little
Blue, who – to everyone but dependable old Rusty – seems far too small
to pull the Piney Vale Express. Little Blue, not to be discouraged,
expresses her desire to see the exciting world outside the train yard in
the song, "All Aboard!"

When Silver forces Rusty to retire, however, Little Blue’s dreams start
to look like they may never be realized. Even her erstwhile "best
friend" Little Red, promoted to pull the Piney Vale Express in Rusty’s
place, begins to question Little Blue’s resolve.

But when Little Red hurts her wheel and can’t pull the Piney Vale
Express after all, everything depends on Little Blue. Rusty’s
unflagging encouragement gives her even more confidence and she tackles
her challenging mission. At the show’s joyful conclusion, Little Blue
completes the route successfully and can finally say "I thought I could!"

Mark Blackman and Gary Blackman founded ArtsPower in 1985. Since then,
ArtsPower has become one of America’s premiere producers of professional
Equity theatre for young and family audiences. Its 18 professional
touring productions have been seen by more than six million people in 40
states, in some of the nation’s top cultural centers including the
Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and Lincoln Center in New York.

Tickets for the performance are $15, with child/student discounts
available, and may be purchased at the Performing Arts Ticket Office, 10
a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. To order by
phone, call 805/756-2787; to order by fax: 805/756-6088. Order on-line
at www.pacslo.org.