---

News Release

Last modified: Tuesday, March 8, 2011

IU Auditorium to present 'Thomas & Friends Live!' April 11-12

WHAT: Thomas & Friends Live!
WHEN: April 11 and 12, 7 p.m.
WHERE: IU Auditorium
TICKETS: $19.50-$31.50 and $77.50 for VIP seating and reception, on sale starting Fri., March 11 at 10 a.m. Individual tickets may be purchased online at IUauditorium.com, in person at the IU Auditorium Box Office, as well as through Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. The IU Auditorium Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2011

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University Auditorium will present the family-friendly musical adventure Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage in Thomas Saves the Day at 7 p.m. April 11 and 12.

A big storm rolls into town while the engines are preparing for the annual Magic Lantern Festival on the Island of Sodor -- and it's up to Thomas, his friend Percy, the troublesome Diesel and others to repair the lighthouse that guides visitors to the island. Along with the people and engineers from the island of Sodor, Thomas and his train friends have an adventure that helps encourage life lessons such as discovery, friendship and cooperation as they try to find a way to "save the day."

This 90-minute live musical is based on the stories of Thomas & Friends, enjoyed by millions of children through the popular television series (on PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS SPROUT), home video programs, books and a line of preschool toys.

The inaugural North American tour of Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage offers Thomas enthusiasts and their families a new way to experience their favorite characters.

"The adventures in Thomas & Friends highlight the importance of personal integrity. These stories have captured the attention of children and parents alike for generations," said Doug Booher, director of IU Auditorium. "This performance will allow families to unleash their imaginations as they embark on a magical journey alongside Thomas and his friends."

Created by a father for his son, Thomas & Friends has been rated the No. 1 preschool toy brand in the U.S for the past nine years straight by inviting children to enter a world of imagination through the tracks of a train and the words of a story. Today, families in more than 100 countries enjoy fun and adventure with their engine friends while experiencing timeless life lessons of discovery, friendship and cooperation.

Thomas and Friends Live! is produced by AEG ThemeSTAR and HIT Entertainment. It is directed by Jim Millan, founder of Toronto's Crow's Theater and noted director of children's theatrical productions and touring shows Kids in the Hall and Warner Bros. Scooby-Doo In StageFright Live! On Stage.

The VIP Party Package, $77.50, provides patrons with premium seating and a pre-show Thomas & Friends Party and includes activities, photo opportunities, cast meet-and-greet, refreshments and a goodie bag.

For more information on Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage and all 2010-2011 season shows at IU Auditorium visit IUauditorium.com. The Web site features video clips and a selection of songs from this season's performances, in addition to a direct link to the IU Auditorium Facebook Fan Page and Twitter page, whose members receive exclusive benefits throughout the year.

The IU Auditorium 2010-2011 season is presented by Curry Auto Center, B97, The Herald-Times, Indiana University Document Service Center and Indiana University Residential Programs and Services.

---

---