Tom Chapin To Perform Fundraiser For Playhouse

RIDGEFIELD — What better way to lead off The Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and Performing Arts Children’s Series, than songs with titles that say, “we’re gonna have some fun!”

Tom Chapin and his collaborators have come up with some zingers “Family Tree,” “Moonboat,” “Billy The Squid” and “Zag Zig” -and they’ll present many of them at the playhouse on Saturday, September 13, at 2 pm. The show will not only start what promises to be an exciting year of children’s programming, but is also a fundraiser for The Playhouse Children’s Series.

Tom Chapin is a gifted entertainer who charms audiences of all ages, but no one more than the four to eleven year-old set. Billboard Magazine said he is, “one of those natural-born entertainers who, with nothing more than guitar in hand, can totally captivate.” His remarkable musicianship, great songwriting and personal warmth shine through, and the audience is all the better for it.

Kids love him. He and his collaborators John Forster, Michael Mark and Jon Cobert have created a body of songs which are quickly becoming children’s classics. The songs, plus a video, This Pretty Planet: Tom Chapin Live in Concert, have been recognized with awards from American Library Association, Parent’s Choice, New York Music Awards and Parents Magazine.

All those awards, though, probably don’t matter to a young child sitting in an auditorium, ready to enjoy live theater. What does matter is the excitement generated on stage, the dynamics of the production and the thrill of being at one with the performer. Tom Chapin provides all of that and more. As he said recently, “My goal has always been to create music that is child friendly and adult safe.”

Ticket prices are $25 orchestra and $20 mezzanine. Those who purchase tickets to the complete Children’s Series (nine shows; on

Saturdays, September through May) receive a 20 percent discount. Coming up in The Ridgefield Playhouse 2003-04 Children’s Series are Shangri-la Chinese Acrobats on October 11, Thumbelina on November 22, Nutcracker Fantasy on December 20, Super Scientific on January 31, Buffalo Soldier on February 21, Paper Bag Players on March 27, Lazer Vaudeville on April 24, and Sleeping Beauty on May 22.

For further information and to purchase tickets call The Ridgefield Playhouse box office at 203-438-5795 or visit www.RidgefieldPlayhouse.org. The playhouse is at 80 East Ridge, in the old high school building.