New York, NY (September 22, 2005) -- It’s a road trip for Scholastic Media (SM) and a number of its most popular properties as more entertaining live shows and educational interactive exhibits are announced for 2005 and 2006.  Leading the way, Clifford The Big Red Dog® Live! made its much anticipated return to the stage this September after a successful two-month run at Dollywood’s KidFest.  The world’s most lovable crimson canine hits the road on an expansive 50+ city national tour that combines laughter and original Clifford tales with an all new musical production, for an unforgettable experience.  Additionally, Scholastic’s critically-acclaimed Dear America® series will expand its reach with extended tour dates for its Color Me Dark series as well as the introduction of a third story – Ben Uchida.   Rounding out SM’s extensive road schedule is the critically-acclaimed THE Magic School Bus®- Live! as it rolls into more cities throughout the year.
 
“This is an exciting year for Scholastic brands as we bring some of our most popular characters to life,” said Leslye Schaefer Senior Vice President of Marketing and Consumer Products for Scholastic Media.  “By bringing these characters and stories to children as live shows, we are able to interact with fans & families in a personal way that isn’t possible through other media.”    
 
Clifford The Big Red Dog Live!
Featuring a brand new story, Clifford The Big Red Dog LIVE! brings the beloved characters from Birdwell Island – including Emily Elizabeth™, Cleo, T-Bone, Jetta, Charlie and, of course, Clifford – to an energetic spectacle for the whole family.  There are even some new faces for Clifford to meet along the way.
 
As Clifford and company emBARK on an effort to put on their own play on Birdwell Island, the “Big Ideas” that were introduced in the Clifford animated series airing on PBS KIDS will also take center stage.  Clifford fans will love every minute, while seeing the value of teamwork and friendship when it comes to getting something done. With memorable songs and the characters kids love, Clifford The Big Red Dog LIVE! is sure to be a Big Red hit!
 
The tour kicked off September 9 in Williamsport, PA.  Other destinations include Baltimore, MD; Cleveland, OH; Camden, NJ; Denver, CO; Mesa, AZ; Washington DC; Boston, MA; Wallingford, CT; among others.  For more information, go to www.scholastic.com/clifford.
 
Dear America
With more than 134 titles and over 20 million books in print since 1996, the Dear America series has become one of the most popular book series in the country.  SM’s partnership with The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has brought these compelling stories to the stage, bringing history and theater alive to thousands of Dear America fans. The plays debut first at the Kennedy Center and then tour nationally at schools and regional theaters.
 
Several productions in the Dear America series have been breakout hits and represented an opportunity to extend their tours.  The latest example, Color Me Dark, has added dates well into 2006.  Furthermore, SM is poised to bring the latest installment of the Dear America series, Ben Uchida, on the road in 2006. The story follows the life of a 12-year-old boy who keeps a journal of his experiences as a prisoner in a Japanese internment camp in Mirror Lake, California, during World War II.
 
Dates for the Ben Uchida tour will be announced shortly.
 
The Magic School Bus – Live!
Climb on board Scholastic's The Magic School Bus as "teacher extraordinaire" Ms. Frizzle, her reptilian side kick Liz, reluctant Arnold, jokester Carlos, energetic Wanda and bookish Dorothy Ann (D. A. for short) take the audience on two wild adventures in “The Traveling Sound Show” and “Recycling.”
 
Featuring original scores written by award-winning composer/lyricists Dennis Scott and Peter Luyre, the Magic School Bus tour is based on the award winning TV series seen daily on The READY SET LEARN! programming block on The Learning Channel and Discovery Kids Channel and best-selling book series by Scholastic.
 
SM has announced three new venues for the tour through November 12th, including Winter Haven, FL; Valdosta, GA; and Tarentum, PA. 

About Scholastic Media
Scholastic Media (SM) is the entertainment and media division of Scholastic Inc., the global children's publishing and media company. A proven leader and innovator in the children's entertainment landscape and award-winning licensor and marketer of children's properties worldwide, SM ranks as one of the foremost producers of quality, family-oriented content for all platforms including television programming, feature films, home entertainment, interactive software and the Internet.
 
About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology.  Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys.  The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company's Internet site, www.scholastic.com.

 

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