Who is Calvin's monster? It's his shadow! In a new musical adapted by Burgess Clark and based on the book "Fairy Tale Moments" by Marcia Trimble, Calvin learns how to overcome his fears- with a little help from his fairy tale friends. Written for children and the young at heart, CALVIN'S MONSTER will be performed by Boston Children's Theatre (BCT) at the Roberts Studio Theatre at the Boston Center for the Arts on February 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 2 pm. Tickets are on sale now.

An engaging, entertaining and whimsical story, CALVIN'S MONSTER tells a modern tale about friendship. staying strong, and overcoming adversity. According to CALVIN'S MONSTER director and BCT Executive Artistic Director Burgess Clark, the storyline and musical numbers will appeal to all ages. "Parents will appreciate the humorous way in which important messages about facing our fears is communicated, and children will identify with the fun and quirky characters who befriend Calvin," explained Clark. "Peter Pan, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and Snow White all make appearances, and in a nod to our modern era, they all text and use cell phones. This is a new musical for a new generation of theater audiences."

CALVIN'S MONSTER follows the adventures of 8-year old Calvin and his school librarian as he turns to her for help in understanding what he's afraid of and how to overcome those fears. By enlisting the help of beloved fairy tale characters who come to life in 2012, Calvin realizes that he's not alone and that everyone has obstacles to overcome. Encouraged by his new friends, Calvin develops the tools he needs to face his fears and become stronger in the face of adversity. With a musical score by Jessie Soursourian and Austin Davy, CALVIN'S MONSTER will have audiences singing about dragons, self esteem and the value of friendship.

The first of two new works in BCT's 2011-2012 season, CALVIN'S MONSTER marks a commitment by BCT to expanding the repertoire of plays and musicals for young people. "Our mission is to not only produce familiar and classic titles for children, but to develop new theatrical projects for future generations," said Clark. "BCT is proud to introduce two new works to the Boston stage during our 60th Anniversary season. In addition to Calvin's Monster, we are also presenting the World Premiere play Reflections of a Rock Lobster in March which also explores the themes of overcoming adversity, taking a stand and making a difference in our society."

CALVIN'S MONSTER features Boston actress Shana Dirik as Mrs. Knowley together with a cast of 12 young local actors between the ages of 12 and 19. The cast includes Bedford resident Natalie Vatcher as 'Rapunzel'; Belmont resident Alex Aroyan as 'Dragon'; Boxford resident Kristina Kastrinelis as 'Snow White'; Braintree resident Rachel Padell as 'Cinderella'; Charlestown resident Kevin Paquette as 'Wolf'; Marblehead resident Paige Vigneron 'Swing'; Newburyport resident Colin Budzyna as 'Calvin'; Newton resident Alex Levy as 'Jack'; Sherborn resident Nolan Murphy as 'Peter Pan'; and Stoneham resident Emily Pinto as 'Little Red Riding Hood.'

CALVIN'S MONSTER will be performed at the Roberts Studio Theatre at the Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont Street, Boston, MA on Saturdays and Sundays February 4, 5, 11 and 12. All performances are at 2 pm. Tickets are $25.00 and can be purchased by visiting the BCT website at www.bostonchildrenstheatre.org or calling the BCT Box Office at 617-424-6634, x222. School groups can also reserve tickets for weekday performances by contacting the BCT Box Office.