``BLUE'S CLUES LIVE!'' to Leave Paw Prints In Detroit National Tour At the Fox Theatre May 3-7; Tickets On Sale Saturday, March 25, At 10 a.m.

Entertainment Editors

DETROIT--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--March 21, 2000

"BLUE'S CLUES LIVE!," a new stage presentation for preschoolers that is revolutionizing kids' theater, is coming to the Fox Theatre in Detroit May 3-7.

Performances will be Wednesday, May 3, at 7 p.m.; Thursday, May 4, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Friday, May 5, at 7 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, May 6-7, at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Ticket prices are $14.50, $19.50 and $25.50. Tickets go on sale Saturday, March 25, at 10 a.m. at all Ticketmaster outlets or can be purchased by calling 248/433-1515.

More information is available at www.nickjr.com.

Presented by Nickelodeon and PACE Variety Entertainment Inc., a division of SFX Entertainment Corp., "BLUE'S CLUES LIVE!" is an interactive theatrical production based on the television series that changed the way kids watch TV.

Families will experience an introduction to the wonder of theater from the moment they enter the venue, and "Blue's Clues," which inspired a cultural phenomenon with the preschool set, will explode into life onstage.

"BLUE'S CLUES LIVE!" features familiar and well-loved characters like Blue, Steve and all their friends Mail Box, Slippery Soap, Tickety Tock, Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper, along with some brand new characters that are part of the live show.

This live theatrical presentation will invite preschoolers and their parents to think, imagine and be an active part of the show as they embark on a search for clues to the most spectacular place.

"With 'BLUE'S CLUES LIVE!,' we're introducing preschoolers to the magic of theater, while encouraging the same interactivity, enthusiasm and play-along spirit that we have with the TV show," said Angela Santomero, one of the original creators of Nickelodeon's hit series "Blue's Clues," and the co-author of "BLUE'S CLUES LIVE!"

"We want the show to empower kids and build their self esteem, so we're giving every kid in the audience their own handy-dandy notebook so they can interact with Steve and Blue to find clues during the show, rather than just passively watch it."

"For many children, this will be their first experience with live theater," added Gip Hoppe, director of "BLUE'S CLUES LIVE!" "So, we've created a charming, smart play that really speaks to children. And we hope 'BLUE'S CLUES LIVE!' inspires them to see even more theater."

"BLUE'S CLUES LIVE!" creators Santomero and Hoppe are first-time collaborators on the most interactive kids' theater presentation to date. Santomero is currently the co-executive producer and head writer for the television show. Hoppe wrote and directed the Broadway play "Jackie: An American Life." He is a founding member and co-artistic director of the Wellfleet Harbor Actor's Theatre.

"BLUE'S CLUES LIVE!" features set designs by David Gallo, recently represented on Broadway by "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown," "Lion In Winter" and "Little Me." He also was production designer for "Jackie: An American Life." Costume designer Gregg Barnes' Broadway credits include: "Side Show," "Rugrats -- A Live Adventure," "Radio City Music Hall Christmas Show" and "Madison Square Garden's The Wizard of Oz."

Traci Paige Johnson, a co-creator, head designer and co-executive producer of the TV series, is the visual consultant for the tour. Yvette Helin, whose credits include significant contributions to "The Lion King" on Broadway, the "Wizard of Oz National Tour" and "Toy Story on Ice," is the puppet designer. Mike Rubin and Nick Balaban, composers of the "Blue's Clues" television series' music, collaborate on the original score of "BLUE'S CLUES LIVE!"

"Blue's Clues" airs Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m and 12:30 p.m. (ET/PT) and was created by Johnson, Todd Kessler and Santomero. Currently, "Blue's Clues" is the most-watched preschool show on TV with more than 7 million weekly viewers.

SFX Entertainment is the world's largest diversified promoter, producer and venue operator for live entertainment events. SFX owns, partially or entirely, and/or operates the largest network of venues in the country used principally for music concerts and other live entertainment events.

Nickelodeon, which celebrated its 20th birthday in 1999, has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, magazines, books and feature films.

Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 75 million households, and has been the No. 1 rated cable network for three consecutive years. Nickelodeon, "Blue's Clues" and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.