22nd Annual Milk International Children's Festival of the Arts at Toronto's Harbourfront Centre

May 18 to 25, 2003

TORONTO, April 22, 2003 - Harbourfront Centre presents the 22nd edition of its prestigious Milk International Children's Festival of the Arts from Sunday to Sunday, May 18 to 25, 2003. The festival, sponsored by Dairy Farmers of Ontario, is a celebration of the world's finest theatre and music for young audiences and showcases over 100 incredible performances. A fun-filled site with plenty of great activities, including Dairy Farmers of Ontario's Great Canadian Milkshake Tent, rounds out the festival experience for families and school groups. 

Among the highlights of this year's festival is the Emperor's New Clothes (Les Habits Neufs de l'Empereur), a classic tale in which the characters are represented by crystal decanters, carafes and other pieces of delicate glassware, by Francois Graine de Malice. Also from France, Vélo Théâtre presents Enveloppes et Déballages, a story about a postman with special parcels of marvelous dreams. Starlight, by England's CTC Theatre, is a magical celebration of storytelling and theatre. England's M6 Theatre Company performs Breathing Space, a fast-paced drama of two families on the run that is full of courage and compassion. With its unique style of physical storytelling, Tall Stories, also from England, presents

Snow White. From Denmark, Theatre Patrasket stages A Strange Man, an upside down story about being different that is told in rap rhythm to the sound of a gigantic tuba. Scotland's Shona Reppe Puppets presents Cinderella; using one puppet, two hands and a table top stage with many trapdoors, the company created a fantastic new world for this classic tale.

Milk International Children's Festival of the Arts highlights featuring Canadian artists: award-winning Les Deux Mondes presents Living Memory, a multi-media experience to celebrate the imagination and the joy of being alive. Musical Mosaic, honouring Canada's diversity and cultural heritage, features Sharon and Bram, Eric Nagler, Ballet Creole, Kanata Native Dance Theatre and Maderaz. CréaSon uses everyday items such as hockey sticks and saucepans to create musical magic. Reggae Cowboys bring its version of reggae tinged with blues, country, R & B and jazz to the festival. The Second City presents Milking the Laughs, showcasing sketch comedy and improv based on today's pop songs, hockey parents and more! Spirit of the Land features songs performed by CBC TV's Alyson and Michael from their program Get Set for Life.

Other not-to-be-missed festival activities include ArtShops, workshops led by Canadian artists: Mad Hatters looks at hat design and Shutterbugs, explores the world of LOMO photography where children's photos will be developed each night and installed on the LOMO Wall exhibit. 5-Minute Marvels is an opportunity for children to venture into a series of special spaces to mingle with artists including dub poet sensation Michael St. George, pipa player Wendy Wen Zhao, Latin percussionist Rodrigo Chavez, cartoonist Katherine Jin, plus many others. Dairy Farmers of Ontarioµs Great Canadian Milkshake Tent features a roster of artists in an intimate, ·unpluggedº environment. Festival-goers can unleash their creativity and imagination by visiting three great stations in the Natrel DISCOVERYzone: ARTitecture, an opportunity to create 3-D structures and designs with simple building supplies; Windfisherbirds, a chance to meet Vancouver artist Eric Neighbour as he creates his sculpture, and an opportunity for junior and master sculptors to create their own hanging sun catcher; and CBC KinderVillage, where kids can take part in interactive zaniness. Children can participate in Games on the Grass, boogie in the Dance Palace 2003, learn about photojournalism in The Toronto Star's Headlines & Deadlines and enter the world of blues with Chicago musician Fruteland Jackson in the 30-Minute Blues Break. This year's FenLtre francophone, the festival's bilingual programming day, takes place on Tuesday, May 20.

New this year, Harbourfront Centre is pleased to offer patrons an opportunity to enjoy the festival over a two-day period. The Milk Passport, which entitles patrons to three performances and on-site activities over two days during the festival is

$20 (early-bird deal) or $25 (regular price). A Milky Way Pass that entitles patrons to two performances and on-site activities during the weekend costs $12.50 (early-bird deal) or $15.50 (regular price). A Moo-stache Pass that entitles patrons to one performance and on-site activities during the weekend costs $10.50 (early-bird deal) or $12.50 (regular price). A Milk Festival Fun Pass that gives patrons access to a full day of on-site activities during the weekend is $6.50 (early-bird deal) or $8 (regular price). Early-bird savings are available until Saturday, May 17. 

Please note, face painting by KROMATIK, formerly known as Prisma Fiesta, and ArtShops, the artist-led workshops, are not included in the above costs. Tickets to school week performances (Tuesday to Friday, May 20 to 23) are $8 each for one show or workshop and on-site activities. A second show or workshop on the same day is only $5 per person more (this offer does not apply to the Silver Birch Awards ceremony, where children learn which Canadian author they've voted their favourite).

The Milk International Children's Festival of the Arts takes place in and around York Quay Centre, 235 Queens Quay West. The festival's weekday (Tuesday to Friday, May 20 to 23) operating hours are 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and its hours on the two weekends (Sunday and Victoria Day Monday, May 18 & 19; and Saturday and Sunday, May 24 & 25) are 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Milk International Children's Festival of the Arts is sponsored by Dairy Farmers of Ontario and generously supported by Natrel Inc., the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, the Toronto Arts Council, Bureau du Québec B Toronto and the Westin Harbour Castle, the official hotel of the festival.

For tickets and information, the public can call Harbourfront Centre at 416-973-4000 or visit www.harbourfront.on.ca/milk.

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