Produced by Enrichment Works, a nonprofit “arts-for-education” organization based in the San Fernando Valley, the 45-minute show boasts a cast and creative team with Broadway credits under the direction of Murphy Cross, a 2007 Tony Award winner. Two companies will perform the “The Money Mon$ter in back-to-back performances at Magruder (October 16), Calle Mayor (October 17), Casimir (October 18), Madrona (October 19) and Jefferson (October 24) Middle Schools.
“When my son called home from college, freshman year, asking how to fill out a check, I realized that many of our children are not learning the basics of personal finance at school,” said Tetenbaum. “In the ‘Money Mon$ter,’ we introduce budgets, borrowing and checkwriting to students in a fun way and Smith Barney is sending in experts to participate in the Q&A after the show.”

“We’re delighted to be able to sponsor these performances in our community,” said Evan J. Hunter of Smith Barney’s Torrance office. “Personal finance is a taboo subject in too many homes and this musical will help start an important conversation about saving, investing and financial planning.”

David Calomese, branch manager of the Smith Barney Torrance office, added, “As a leading global financial institution, Smith Barney has made a commitment to make an impact on the international, national and local levels through various grants and sponsorships. This is an innovative forum in which we can personally deliver on our mission to promote financial literacy to the future leaders of our local community.”

One cast of “The Money Mon$ter” features Michael A. Shepperd and Robin Hudson. Shepperd appeared as Audrey, the killer plant, in the Broadway production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” Hudson recently performed in “The American Girl Revue” at The Grove. Two real-life newlyweds, Danielle Vernengo and James Hobert, make up the other cast. Vernengo and Hobert have appeared in previous Enrichment Works productions on nutrition and Aesop’s fables.

Director-Choreographer Murphy Cross is a member of the organization’s Board and has staged several previous Enrichment Works productions. Cross and her partner Paul Kreppel co-conceived, directed and produced, “Jay Johnson: The Two and Only,” which won the 2007 Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event.

Enrichment Works, an award winning 501c3 nonprofit organization founded by Tetenbaum in 1999, has presented more than 4,500 performances in over 360 schools, libraries and museums in Los Angeles County. It is a member of the California Jump$tart Coalition, a nonproft dedicated to financial literacy. In addition to “The Money Mon$ter,” Enrichment Works currently tours 20 small-cast plays supporting educational content standards in History, Literature and Science or concerning health and social issues of importance to young people.

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Another original Enrichment Works musical, “Food For Thought” has taken on the epidemic of childhood obesity in more than 700 school performances. Three other of the organization’s plays -- “Freedom Child,” “Spirit in My Soul” and “Dinosaur Wars” -- were previously presented at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center’s Armstrong Theatre.

“Our visits to Torrance have always been a highlight,” said Tetenbaum, “and we look forward to working with the Torrance Unified School District in the future.” For more information about “The Money Mon$ter” or Enrichment Works, please call 818-780-1400 or visit the organization’s web site: www.enrichmentworks.org