'Backyardigans Live!' coming to Assembly Hall

CHAMPAIGN – Nickelodeon and Broadway Across America will bring its new, national touring production of "The Backyardigans Live! Tale of the Mighty Knights" to the University of Illinois Assembly Hall on Oct. 7 and 8.

Tickets range from $18 to $34 and go on sale starting at 10 a.m. Aug. 11 at the Assembly Hall Box Office and all TicketMaster outlets and online at www.Ticketmaster.com or by telephoning 333-5000. Fans may visit online www.nickjr.com for additional local market tour dates and to find a link to purchase tickets.

"We're excited about our latest live theatrical endeavor for families," said Stuart Rosenstein, a senior vice president of Nickelodeon Recreation. "'The Backyardigans' has proven to be a huge hit with Nickelodeon families, and based on the enormous success of the 'Dora and Diego Live' shows, we're confident 'The Backyardigans Live!' will have the same fantastic response from kids and parents across the country."

"The Backyardigans Live! Tale of the Mighty Knights," based on the primetime Nickelodeon special which premiered Jan. 14, follows Nickelodeon's backyard friends, Uniqua and Tyrone, as they become knights and embark on a quest to protect King Pablo's unpredictable egg.

"Along the way, Grabbing Goblin Austin and Flighty Fairy Tasha join the medieval mayhem as the runaway egg hatches feet and makes an unexpected dash all the way up to Dragon Mountain," according to a news release. "'The Backyardigans' will need the audience's help to face a mighty dragon and return the egg to the king. 'The Backyardigans Live!' will have the entire family singing, dancing and laughing along to songs of courage, friendship and the power of imagination."

"The Backyardigans Live!" was created by members of the team that produces The Backyardigans for Nick Jr. television, including Emmy-nominated writer Adam Peltzman and choreographer Beth Bogush. Drama Desk Award-nominated director Lou Jacob directs.

Since its debut on Nickelodeon's preschool weekday lineup, "The Backyardigans" has become the No. 2-rated preschool show on commercial TV among the target audience of preschoolers.

Group discounts for 10 or more people are available for the performances at the Assembly Hall. For information on group sales, contact Rose Munds at 333-5404.

For information on fan club presales, visit online www.uofiassemblyhall.com/.

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