Good Morning, Please find below and attached a press release for Lakewood Playhouse's upcoming production of The Giver. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or to set up press tickets. Best, Joseph C. Walsh *Managing Artistic Director* *Lakewood Playhouse* Self-care note: Your time is valuable and greatly respected. Please do not feel obligated to respond outside of your normal business hours. *LAKEWOOD PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS The Giver* *Experience this compelling theatrical adaptation that has lessons for audiences of all ages. * *FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE* *February 6th 2024: * Lakewood Playhouse’s innovative and unique production of *The Giver* opens on Friday, February 9th. *The Giver *is adapted by Eric Coble from the Newbery Medal winning book by Lois Lowry and is directed by Brittany D. Henderson. The play will run February 9th-25th. In *The Giver*, Jonas’ world is perfect. Everything is under control and safe. There is no war or fear or pain. There are also no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. But when Jonas turns 12, he is chosen for special training from The Giver - to receive and keep the memories of the community. The Giver is the only person who holds the memories of real pain and real joy. Now Jonas will learn the truth about life - and the hypocrisy of his utopian world. Through this astonishing and moving adaptation, discover what it means to grow up, to grow wise, and to take control of your own destiny. When asked what they want the audience to take away from experiencing *The Giver*, Zoey Matthews (Jonas) says “I want the audience to see that love is worth the pain of loss.” Ben Stahl (Father) adds, “Life is precious. It is our duty to nurture all living organisms and provide the opportunity for ALL to find their place in the world.” *The Giver* runs February 9th-25th, with a Pay What You Can night on Thursday, February 15th. Evenings performances are at 7:30pm with Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. For tickets please call 253-588-0042 or visit www.lakewoodplayhouse.org. Lakewood Playhouse has a number of discounted tickets for youth groups and schools, please call the box office for details. This production will be directed by *Brittany D. Henderson*. Stage Manager is *Stephanie Huber*, Assistant Stage Manager is *Maisha Rice*, Scenic Designer is *Blake York*, Costume Designer is *Madeleine Arnold*, Lighting Designer is *Janna Webber*, Assistant Lighting Designer is *Rayv'n Lewis*, Sound Designer is *Brookelyne Peterson*, Props Designer is *Wendy Huber*, Scenic Carpenter is *Luke Amundson* and Scenic Artist is *Erin Chanfrau. * *ABOUT LAKEWOOD PLAYHOUSE* *Lakewood Playhouse’s mission is to build community through theatre.* *In our small theatre, we imagine, empathize, engage, and educate. Lakewood Playhouse was founded in 1938. We currently have a 180 seat theatre that performs shows in the round in the Seattle/Tacoma metropolitan area in the Lakewood Towne Center. The Lakewood Playhouse building where all Lakewood Playhouse productions are performed is almost 60 years old.*