January 4, 1999, San Francisco, California - Globalstage released its first world-premiere production, Playing From the Heart. It is also the first Globalstage video to include closed captioning. This production is the fifth in an ongoing series, which brings the world's best live theatre productions for youth on video.

Based on the inspiring life of Evelyn Glennie, the world-renowned solo percussionist, Playing From the Heart tells the story of her childhood. At the age of 8, Glennie began to lose her hearing and by the age of 12, she was considered "profoundly deaf." The play presents a young and precocious Glennie who dreams of becoming a musician, despite her increasing deafness and the skepticism of those around her. The story ends in her triumphant acceptance into London's Royal Academy of Music. "You will never view deafness in the same way," says Founder and CEO, Lizbeth Pratt.

Playing From the Heart, was filmed in London by the BBC, edited by Emmy Award-nominee Herb Ferrette of San Francisco's Metropolis, and performed by England's premier children's theatre company, Polka Theatre for Children of Wimbledon. The video includes a study guide, commentary by Professor Elizabeth McNamer, and an interview with Evelyn Glennie, who begins her 1999 North American tour with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in January.

Other Globalstage productions include Pinocchio, Frankenstein, Cyrano, and Far From the Madding Crowd. Globalstage travels the world to find the finest family theatre, seeking out productions that spark the imagination and challenge the mind. Videos can be ordered by calling toll-free 888.324.5623 or by visiting the website at www.globalstage.net.

For more information about Globalstage or to schedule an interview, please call Becca Britton at 1.888.324.5623; (415-217-5800 x221); email [email protected] or visit www.globalstage.net