Here's the press release for a Portland theatre production of The Phantom Tollbooth, with details about Juster's appearances in Portland in April:

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Kill Date: May 5, 2002

CONTACT: Judy Straalsund
503-245-6919
ttc.pdx@att.net

Artistic collaboration brings the fantastical world of The Phantom Tollbooth to the Portland stage, with the characters and puppetry creations of Tapestry Theatre Company and Other Hand Productions

Welcome to Expectations

Another long afternoon for a bored little boy named Milo becomes a delightful adventure through the Kingdom of Wisdom in this stage adaptation of The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster.

"I do hope this is an interesting game, otherwise the afternoon will be so terribly dull."

In the lands beyond the Phantom Tollbooth, Milo befriends a Watchdog named Tock, and together they encounter a host of other strange and wonderful characters brought to life by Tapestry’s cast of adult and child actors and puppeteers.

This lively production is directed by Karrine McDevitt (Enchanted Cottage, Look at Us Now, Shadowlands) and features set designs and puppets created by Mary Robinette Kowal, the award-winning co-director of Other Hand Productions.

This collaboration between Tapestry and Other Hand is funded by a grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council. The Phantom Tollbooth also marks Tapestry's first production in the Old Movie House theatre, located at 1220 SW Taylor in Portland.

Milo’s journey through The Phantom Tollbooth begins with a performance Friday, April 12, and an Opening Night Gala featuring author Norton Juster. The show continues through May 5 with performances each Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m., with matinees Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. The show is appropriate for all ages.

Cast includes: Ingrid Carlson, Michael Cook, Cameron Coupe, Nathan Dunkin, Richard Garfield, Mary Robinette Kowal, Hope Landsem, Rafe Larson, Dominique McKay, Jessica Lynne Parker, Don Pitsch, Ashleigh Rouselle, Gregory Smith, Judy Straalsund and Esther Vegdahl

Tickets for The Phantom Tollbooth are available for purchase through the Tapestry Theatre Box Office: 503-645-7509. Adult tickets are $15, and student tickets are $10. Opening Night Gala tickets are $30 for adults and $12 for students.

Tapestry Theatre Company has been producing established and original works for 10 years in the greater Portland area. The company’s 1997 production of Look at Us Now was nominated for a Drammy award for Best Original Play. Tapestry Theatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Tapestry Theatre Company ¨ P.O. Box 19844 ¨ Portland, OR 97280 ¨ 503.245.6919

E-mail: ttc.pdx@att.net ¨ Web: www.tapestrytheatre.org

PORTLAND — Author Norton Juster will be the honored guest Friday, April 12, 2002, at Tapestry Theatre’s Opening Night Gala performance of The Phantom Tollbooth, the stage adaptation of his celebrated children’s book.

Tickets for this Gala are $30 for adults and $12 for students.

Juster also will be available to sign books and meet readers of all ages Saturday, April 13, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. This event is free, and open to the public.

The Phantom Tollbooth continues through May 5 with performances each Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m., and with matinees Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. The show is appropriate for all ages.

The production, incorporating the puppetry and designs of Other Hand Productions, is funded by a grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council.

Tickets for The Phantom Tollbooth are available for purchase through the Tapestry Theatre Box Office: 503-645-7509. Adult tickets are $15, and student tickets are $10.

Juster will be making several other appearances while visiting Portland, with scheduled readings, book signings and school appearances. His complete schedule is as follows:

Westridge Elementary School, Lake Oswego

12:30-2:30 p.m.

Deer Creek Elementary School, Tigard

6:45 p.m.

Gala Opening Night of The Phantom Tollbooth

1 p.m.

Powelll's Bookstore, Beaverton

Reading and book signing.

Free and open to the public

4:30-7 p.m.

Old Movie House Theatre, 1220 SW Taylor, Portland

Meet the Author and Book Signing

Free and open to the public.

Books available for purchase on site

Society of Children s Book Illustrators and Writers