FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media contacts: Chris Spielberger 408-438-7446 [email protected]

The Tabard Theatre Company at Theatre on San Pedro Square Presents THE STORY OF MY LIFE A Musical Tribute to Friendship

SAN JOSE, Calif. (October 4, 2011) –The Tabard Theatre Company continues its 11th season with THE STORY OF MY LIFE, a heartfelt musical that salutes the power of friendship and the people who change our lives forever. Seventeen performances will be presented October 28–November 20 at Theatre on San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose.

With joy and charm, this two-person play introduces childhood buddies Thomas and Alvin and shows how the bond between them profoundly defines the rest of their lives. Their love of books, especially Tom Sawyer, got them through childhood. Now one is a writer in the big city while the other owns a small-town bookstore. But life is a work in progress, and even the best friendships never stay the same.

Tabard’s founder and executive director, Cathy Spielberger Cassetta, is intrigued with the concept and values of THE STORY OF MY LIFE. “This witty and insightful musical examines every aspect of friendship—all the joys and sorrows —with honesty and a clear, on-the-button realism,” she said. “In his forward to Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain said he hoped to ‘remind adults of what they once were themselves, and of how they felt and thought and talked…’ Twain certainly nailed this sense of childhood, and THE STORY OF MY LIFE does, too. I’m sure this heartfelt production will resonate with our audiences and inspire them to get in touch with friends—current or lapsed—and tell them how much they are cherished.” A South Bay premiere of this Broadway hit, THE STORY OF MY LIFE features music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and book by Brian Hill. Tabard’s associate artistic director, Diane Milo, serves as director and vocal director; Michael Johnson is the music director. Tim Reynolds and Kevin Kirby return to Tabard starring as Thomas and Alvin. They appeared together in last season’s acclaimed production of Follies Concert Version as Ben and Buddy.

For every production, Tabard donates a portion of its concession proceeds to a designated nonprofit. Because so much of THE STORY OF MY LIFE concerns books and reading, the nonprofit for this show is the San José Public Library Foundation.

THE STORY OF MY LIFE will run October 28 through November 20 at Theatre on San Pedro Square, 29 North San Pedro Street in downtown San Jose. All evening performances are at 8 o’clock; Saturday matinees at 3pm, Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are available at www.tabardtheatre.org, [email protected], or by calling 800-838-3006. Cabaret Seating $35; Adults $29; Seniors $27; Adult Students $15; Youth/Kids $10. Advance purchase is strongly recommended. #-#-#

Supported, in part, by a Cultural Affairs grant from the City of San Jose.

PHOTO: STORY.jpg: From left, Kevin Kirby as Alvin and Tim Reynolds as Thomas Photo credit: Edmond Kwong

Founded in 2001, The Tabard Theatre Company is the managing and resident theatre company of Theatre on San Pedro Square, with administrative offices in South San Jose. Tabard is committed to making a difference in the community through the arts by presenting professional-quality shows that are suitable and appropriate for audiences of all ages. Tabard actors, stage crew, and staff of all ages come from throughout the Bay Area as well as San Jose. The company is also committed to making theatre affordable and accessible for all, a goal it meets through its various outreach programs. Additionally, Tabard donates a portion of its concession proceeds to nonprofit organizations that are thematically related to the shows and often includes food or clothing drives during its productions. Tabard produces five mainstage productions each season.

For its 11th season, Tabard celebrates the theme “The Rhythm of Life.” Coming later this season: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (December 2–18), CROSSING DELANCEY (January 27–February 19), and TIN PAN ALLEY RAG (March 30 –April 22). Inspiration and Imagination found here. Tabard.

For more information about performances visit http://www.tabardtheatre.org.