“We’re excited about our latest live theatrical endeavor for families,” said Stuart Rosenstein, Senior Vice President, Resorts and Theatricals, Nickelodeon Recreation. “The Backyardigans has proven to be a huge hit with Nickelodeon families, and based on the enormous success of the Dora and Diego Live shows, we’re confident The Backyardigans Live! will have the same fantastic response from kids and parents across the country.”
“We are incredibly proud to be partnering again with Nickelodeon on this new tour of The Backyardigans Live!” said Jennifer Costello, Senior Vice President Theatrical - Production, Broadway Across America. “Combining a top-notch creative team with one of the highest-rated shows on children’s programming, we are excited about producing another smash-hit with this production.”
The Backyardigans Live! Tale of the Mighty Knights, based on the primetime Nickelodeon special which premiered Jan. 14, 2008, follows Nickelodeon’s backyard friends, Uniqua and Tyrone, as they become knights and embark on a quest to protect King Pablo’s unpredictable egg. Along the way, Grabbing Goblin Austin and Flighty Fairy Tasha join the medieval mayhem as the runaway egg hatches feet and makes an unexpected dash all the way up to Dragon Mountain. The Backyardigans will need the audience’s help to face a mighty dragon and return the egg to the king. The Backyardigans Live! will have the entire family singing, dancing and laughing along to songs of courage, friendship and the power of imagination.
The Backyardigans Live! includes some of the same creative team that produces The Backyardigans for Nick Jr. television, including Emmy-nominated writer, Adam Peltzman, and choreographer, Beth Bogush. Drama Desk Award-nominated director, Lou Jacob, has also signed on to direct the production.
On Tuesday, Jan. 22, Nickelodeon and Sony BMG released the ultimate playtime playlist when The Backyardigans: Born to Play CD hits retailers nationwide. The third CD from the hit series features 22 new tracks, with six songs from “Tale of the Mighty Knights” including Adam Pascal performing the Zepellinesque rock-opera ballad “Not an Egg.” The CD will also be available digitally on iTunes, with a special deluxe-edition that includes four bonus exclusive tracks and a digital folder. Additionally, beginning February 26 The Backyardigans Tale of the Mighty Knights, one-hour television movie will be available on DVD at retailers nationwide. -- www.statetheatrenj.org
