Photos of the Yellow Boat Production

In partnership with Poughkeepsie Day School,
Half Moon Theatre presents

at The James Earl Jones Theater

An unforgettable play about an extraordinary boy

BY DAVID SAAR

What audiences say about The Yellow Boat:

"If you see only one play this year,
make it The Yellow Boat."

"One of the most powerful theatrical experiences of a lifetime."

"A story of love, faith, hope and courage
for the whole family."

· American Alliance for Theatre and Education: Distinguished Play Award
· Kennedy Center New Visions/New Voices selection
· Theatre for Young Audiences/USA: Outstanding Play Award

Directed by Margo Whitcomb
Scenery by Kate Drag
Projections by Matt Slaats
Lighting by Jeremy Lechterman

The Yellow Boat is based on the true story of Benjamin Saar, who was born with hemophilia and died in 1987 at the age of 8 of AIDS-related complications. The play was written by Benjamin's father, David Saar, who is the founder of Childsplay and its artistic director.

Along with the joys and sorrows of a "normal" childhood, the play traces Benjamin's short life as he and his family face the challenges of hemophilia and contacting HIV through a blood transfusion. We see Benjamin admitted to the hospital, where, with the help of Joy, a Child Life Specialist, he is able to form a team with the doctors and nurses in order to participate more fully in his treatment.

A uniquely gifted artist, Benjamin's imagination transformed his physical and emotional pain into a blaze of colors and shapes in his fanciful drawings and paintings that inspired all those around him. The story is told through Benjamin's eyes and his artwork.

The play is a celebration of a child's life and a tribute to all children. Though it touches on and sensitively explores the serious issues of death and dying and AIDS, this is a play about living. It is about the power of imagination and art to transform our lives and make them full of color, energy, humor and hope.

Suggested for ages 8 to 98

The Yellow Boat is performed in one hour fifteen minutes without intermission and includes an actor/audience question and answer after the performance.

February 14 - 24, 2008 at the James Earl Jones Theater at Poughkeepsie Day School
260 Boardman Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY
Running time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Ticket prices: Children: $8
Adults: $10-$25. sliding scale admission*

Performance Schedule: Thursday, February 14, @ 7:30PM (preview - pay what you can) Friday, February 15, @ 7:30PM (Official Opening) Saturday, February 16, @ 3:00PM and 7:30PM Sunday, February 17, @ 3:00PM Thursday, February21, @ 7:30PM Friday, February 22, @ 7:30PM CANCELED Saturday February 23, @3:00PM and 7:30 PM Sunday February 24, @ 3:00PM

For reservations, call 845-235-9885

This production is being presented thanks to grants from the following Organizations:
"Until There's a Cure" and the Dutchess County Arts Council

This show is generously supported in part by Tim Dowd and North American Partners in Anesthesia

This project is made possible (in part) through a grant from the Dutchess County Arts Council, administrator of public funds through NYSCA's Decentralization Program and of funds received through the Jane W. Nuhn Charitable Trust.

*The sliding scale admission idea is that you pay what you are able to within the range of $10-$25.00. It is a way for us to insure that those of less means can see affordable professional theatre. Those of more means (or those who have had a really good week), can give more.

All seats are general admission. We accept cash and checks at the door.