SHE PERSISTED, THE MUSICAL, Inspired By Chelsea Clinton's Book, Opens Next Month In Berkeley

Have you ever wondered how heroines conquer their fears, overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams?

Well, so does Naomi, the fourth grader whom we meet in the world premiere of She Persisted, the Musical, created by Bay Area Children's Theatre (BACT), based on the New York Times #1 best-seller, She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World, written by Chelsea Clinton and illustrated by Alexandra Boiger.

She Persisted, the Musical, opens Saturday, February 2, at BACT's Berkeley Theatre Center, 2055 Center Street, Berkeley, CA 94704, and plays weekends through Sunday, March 3. After its Berkeley run, the production moves to San Francisco and Sunnyvale (date, times and venues, below).

Naomi is excited to be visiting the National Museum of Women in History with her class until their teacher drops a bombshell-they'll have to write essays describing their experience. An essay? Not that! She'd messed up on her last paper. What to do? Suddenly, Time, er, a rather young, inexperienced (but funny) version of Time, materializes before her and, bahboom, whisks her away to enter the lives of some of the women being honored. A six-year-old Sonia Sotomayor, tells her, "If one thing doesn't work, you just find ... ANOTHER SOLUTION!" Harriet Tubman takes her along as she leads slaves to freedom in Canada. And others - scientists, an athlete, reformers-describe how and why they persevere in pursuit of their goals.

"We hope that this production will not only celebrate the achievements of the courageous women who have carved new paths for others but will also inspire our audiences to persevere in whatever paths they choose to take," said BACT executive artistic director Nina Meehan. "We've used the magic of time travel so that the children in the audience can experience the excitement of meeting these heroines as they face pivotal moments in their lives."

She Persisted, the Musical, is directed by Khalia Davis, who helmed Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt last season for BACT. Television writer and screenwriter Adam Tobin, who teaches at Stanford University, became enchanted with Clinton's book when he read it with his daughter and has adapted it for the stage. The production features thoroughly engaging music and lyrics by award-winning composer Deborah Wicks La Puma (ELEPHANT AND PIGGIES' WE ARE IN A PLAY!) and Tobin.

Recommended For Ages 5 - 12. Tickets: $17 - $28. Box Office: Www.bactheatre.org Or Call (510) 296-4433