NOTE: Please check availability of performance dates and times.   

The Plant that Ate Dirty Socks
TheatreworksUSA
Thursday, December 4, 2008
10 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.

Michael’s room is always a disaster area, strewn with litter – including heaps of smelly, dirty socks! Norman, Michael’s “neatness nut” brother and roommate, fights “the battle of the bedroom” to keep his area free of the invading mess. But then the most amazing pet plant appears and the room is taken over by flora that gobbles up socks faster than Michael can supply them. As the plant’s appetite grows, the boys join their Mom and Dad in a struggle to keep the bizarre botanical wonders under wraps. This fun-filled musical based on the popular series of books by Nancy McArthur celebrates individuality, brothers working together and the most disgusting plant food ever!

All Seats: $7
Performance Length: One hour
Recommended: Grades 2 - 5
Curriculum: Language Arts, Music

Walk On: The Story of Rosa Parks
Mad River Theater Works of Ohio
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
10 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.

The tremors of change were rumbling across America. While the rhythms of rock and roll were shaking the social fabric of the country, an even more important transformation took place in Montgomery, Alabama, when a determined black activist named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a city bus. The resulting uproar launched the Civil Rights movement and changed our country forever.
Exciting and inspirational, Walk On: The Story of Rosa Parks, weaves together music and drama to tell the story of an American heroine from her childhood in rural Alabama to her famous decision to “sit down and be counted.” The play dispels myths about Parks and her protest as it paints a portrait of a complex woman who had to find reconciliation within herself in order to become an effective Civil Rights leader in the struggle for freedom and equality in the United States.

All Seats: $7
Performance Length: One hour
Recommended: Grades 6 - 12
Curriculum: American History, Music, Social Studies

Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters
Dallas Childrens’ Theater
Wednesday, February 4
Thursday, February 5, 2009
10 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.

Based on the Caldecott Award-winning book by John Steptoe, Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters is called the “African Cinderella tale.” Mufaro’s daughters, two young women of very different dispositions, encounter challenging adventures as they travel through Zimbabwe to appear before a great African king who is seeking a worthy wife. Filled with colorful authentic costumes, stylistic sets, lyrical dance and traditional chanting and African song, this theatrical presentation of a famous folktale celebrates goodness, generosity and love.

All seats: $7
Performance Length: One hour
Recommended: Grades 2 - 6
Curriculum: Literature, Social Sciences, Character Education,
Music, Dance

Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia
Monday, February 9
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
10 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.

From the creators of the popular Very Hungry Caterpillar comes a new show full of Mermaid Theatre Company’s delightful puppetry, striking scenic effects and evocative original music, which provide very young audiences with an effortless introduction to the performing arts and the excitement of reading. Goodnight Moon, adapted from Margaret Brown’s classic book, is a celebration of young children’s familiar nighttime rituals. When Clement Hurd’s The Runaway Bunny pretends to leave home, he evokes reassuring responses from his loving mom. Both tales feature endearing rabbit characters and the soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dream-like imagery. Mermaid’s staged adaptation brings a new sense of appreciation for stories that have delighted several generations.

All Seats: $7
Performance Length: One hour
Recommended: Grades PreK - 2
Curriculum: Art, Language Arts, Music, Math, Science

Rabbit Habits and Habitats
With Linda Penn and the Lourdes Life Lab
Monday, February 9
Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Classes attending Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny enhance their understanding and enjoyment of theater, science and language arts in this unique day of activities. With an emphasis on rabbits and other garden creatures, the Life Lab crew links storytelling and language arts with concept-rich science experiences for fun-filled“whole child” learning. Participants eat their packed lunches in the Commons area.

Cost: $10.50 includes performance and Life Lab presentation
Time: 10 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Grades 1 - 2 only
Limit: 80 participants

The Color of Justice
TheatreworksUSA
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
10 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.

The Color of Justice tells the story of a courageous young girl and a great warrior for justice, who together take on the doctrine of “separate but equal” in a battle for equal rights. The setting is America in the 1950s, a time when schools, restaurants and even drinking fountains symbolized segregation in the South. Thurgood Marshall, prominent legal counsel for the NAACP, challenges the segregation law, working with families who have the courage to take their lawsuits all the way to the Supreme Court in a landmark case, Brown vs. The Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas.

Eight-year old Grace Carter and her family don’t want to continue to be treated like a “special” class of people. So Grace, the little girl, and Marshall, the great man, begin a battle – against bigots and Klansmen, fearful friends and neighbors – that threatens the Carters and their home. When they ultimately win that battle, their lives and the lives of schoolchildren across America are forever changed.

All Seats: $7
Performance Length: One hour
Recommended: Grades 5 - 10
Curriculum: Social Studies, American History, Language Arts

The Right to Dream
Living Voices
Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Classes attending The Color of Justice have a unique opportunity to expand their theater experience and enhance their understanding of an important time in America. The story of a young African-American’s coming of age in Mississippi during the 1950s and 1960s is vividly told in this compelling production, offering the audience an individual, inside view of this tumultuous, challenging period of American history. An actor portrays a young black man named Raymond, intertwining his moving story with archival film footage from the era of the American Civil Rights Movement. The presentation is followed by an in-depth discussion during which students can question the performer. Students eat their packed lunches in the Commons area.

Cost: $11 includes ticket price and Living Voices presentation
Time: 10 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Grades 5 – 9

As You Like It
National Players
Wednesday, March 4
Thursday, March 5, 2009
10 - 11:30 a.m. (90 minutes)

National Players present a favorite light-hearted Shakespearean comedy that satirizes traditional notions of power, pastoral life and love. The court is in chaos, with a battle for control between two powerful Dukes, a rebellious daughter, and two brothers in dispute over their inheritance. The Forest of Arden provides a refuge where these colorful characters can sort out their troubles, define their rightful place and find true love.
National Players make Shakespeare classics accessible to young audiences. Grade levels are not suggested as this abbreviated version, which still contains original Shakespearean language, may be appropriate for well-prepared younger audiences.

All Seats: $9
Performance Length: 90 minutes
Curriculum: Drama, Language Arts, Literature

Theater Vision Day
Backstage with the National Players
Wednesday, March 4
Thursday, March 5, 2009

Several interactive sessions are presented by the National Players in this favorite Theater Vision Day offering.
Students see As You Like It, eat their packed lunches in the Franciscan Center Commons, and then explore behind the scenes with the multi-talented National Players cast. Includes an onstage/backstage tour, background about the life and training of actors, a “hands on” demonstration of stage movement and combat and an interactive improvisation session. Reserve early; space limited.

Cost: $12 includes performance and National Players sessions
Time: 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

If You Give a Pig a Pancake & Other Stories
TheatreworksUSA
Monday, March 9, 2009
10 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.

A brand new production by the company that brought you If You Give a Mouse a Cookie & Other Story Books, this fast-moving, fun-filled review is scheduled to feature a collection of young readers’ favorites, including: Diary of a Worm, Fluffy the Classroom Guinea Pig, Horace and Morris but Mostly Dolores, How I Became a Pirate, If You Give a Pig a Pancake, Lilly’s Big Day, The Paper Bag Princess and Ruby Mae Has Something to Say.

All Seats: $7
Performance Length: One hour
Recommended: Grades 1 - 3
Curriculum: Language Arts, Music

The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere
TheatreworksUSA
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
10 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.

Paul Revere rides into the Franciscan Center in a story about a humble silversmith caught up in the uncertainty and fears of the American Revolution. Under pressure from friends John Hancock and Samuel Adams, Revere must decide whether to join the Sons of Liberty and
take a stand against British tyranny. Audiences will be enthralled as events unfold and Revere faces a choice between what is easy and what seems right. The thrilling musical about this pivotal moment in American history uses a unique combination of music, drama and humor.

All Seats: $7
Performance Length: One hour
Recommended: Grades 4 - 8
Curriculum: American History, Social Studies, Language Arts

Music of Our Forefathers: Songs and Stories from America’s History
The Elixir Trio and Bob Ford
Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Expand students’ theater experience and enhance their understanding and appreciation of American history through music and folklore. Participants see a performance of The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, eat their packed lunches in the Commons and enjoy a
two-part presentation by Bob Ford and the Elixir Trio. These professional performer/educators bring to life songs and stories from America’s 18th and 19th centuries and lead students in music and rhythm activities. Reserve early; space limited.

Cost: $11 includes ticket price and Bob Ford/Elixir presentation
Time: 10 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Grades 4 – 8

James and the Giant Peach
Two Beans Productions
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
10 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.

Roald Dahl’s classic characters, including young James Trotter, Old-Green-Grasshopper, Centipede and Miss Spider leap from the page to the stage in this enchanting musical. From an ancient tree that magically blooms again comes a giant peach, inside of which a strange and wonderful group of creepy-crawlies take residence. Join James and his lovable new insect friends on a fantastic journey and discover how a little magic can take you a long way.

All Seats: $7
Performance Length: One hour
Recommended: Grades 2 - 5
Curriculum: Language Arts, Music

The Ant and the Elephant
INTRAMUSIC Theatricals
Thursday, March 19, 2009
10 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.

This delightful new musical is based on the beloved children’s classic by Bill Peet, one of Walt Disney’s greatest storymen, whose books have delighted children for more than 40 years. Now The Ant and the Elephant brings Peet’s unique version of an Aesop fable to the stage. When a tiny ant gets into trouble and his cries for help are ignored, a cycle of misfortune and misdeeds begins that is not broken until a kindly elephant arrives to help all in need. When misfortune befalls the elephant, the most unlikely hero proves that one good turn definitely deserves another.

All Seats: $7
Performance Length: One hour
Recommended: Grades K - 3
Curriculum: Language Arts, Science, Music

CSI: LIVE!
Mad Science
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
10 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.

CSI: LIVE! is an exciting, interactive journey through the fascinating world of crime scene investigations. When a crime is committed at the premiere of a Las Vegas Magic Show, Sydney Mathis and David Hart play the roles of CSI investigators and spring into action. With the help of supervisor Gil Grissom and a room full of audience recruits, they will use their superior logic and forensic know-how to investigate the evidence and test their theories. Whether it’s analyzing mysterious gasses, launching experimental projectiles or firing lasers across the scene of the crime, the CSI team will work together to solve the crime. It’s CSI: LIVE! – join the adventure!

All Seats: $7
Performance Length: One hour
Recommended: Grades 5 - 8
Curriculum: Science
CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION in USA is a trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. and outside USA is a trademark of Entertainment AB Funding LLC. CBS and the CBS Eye Design TM CBS Broadcasting Inc. ©2000 - 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. and Entertainment AB Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Nate the Great
TheatreworksUSA
Wednesday, April 1
Thursday, April 2, 2009
10 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.

Introducing Nate the Great, a pint-sized young detective who has found lost balloons, books, chickens, and even a lost goldfish. But when neighbor Annie asks for help in locating her missing painting, it takes all of Nate’s derring-do – and the help of a partner – to solve the toughest case of his career. This new musical about teamwork and friendship is based on the first volume in Marjorie Weinman Sharmat’s classic book series, the play is produced by the creative teams behind Theatreworks USA’s Junie B. Jones.

All Seats: $7
Performance Length: One hour
Recommended: Grades 2 - 5
Curriculum: Language Arts, Music

Past Performances

Leo Lionni’s: Swimmy, Frederick, Inch by Inch
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
10 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.

A Theater Vision favorite returns by popular demand, featuring three tales drawn from the pages of Leo Lionni’s Caldecott Honor books. Swimmy is a tiny fish that uses ingenuity to fend off danger. Frederick, a poetic mouse, makes everyday life an artful experience. A lovable inchworm shares his facility for measuring absolutely everything, Inch by Inch. Wonderfully translated to puppet theater, these classic stories are presented with an assortment of innovative puppetry styles, imaginative lighting techniques and an original musical score. A demonstration/question & answer session follows the performance.

All Seats: $7
Performance Length: One hour
Recommended: Pre K - Grade 2
Curriculum: Science, Art, Language Arts, Math, Music

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley
INTRAMUSIC Theatricals
Wednesday, October 15
Thursday, October 16, 2008
10 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.

Stanley Lambchop is your normal, everyday kid – except that he’s FLAT! In this whirlwind musical travelogue, Stanley travels the world seeking a solution to his unusual problem. He’s stamped, posted and cancelled from South Africa to Mexico and beyond. Wherever Stanley goes, he meets new friends, learns about different cultures and closes in on his goal of being a three-dimensional boy once more. This entertaining presentation promotes literacy and cultural understanding in a unique way.

All Seats: $7
Performance Length: One hour
Recommended: Grades 1 - 4
Curriculum: Character Education, Music, Geography, Language Arts

The Silent Boy
Arts Power
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
10 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.

The Silent Boy is based on the critically-acclaimed book by two-time Newbery award-winning writer Lois Lowry. This dramatic adaptation will challenge and satisfy audiences as it recounts the tragic story of an autistic boy named Jacob and Katy, the young girl whose quiet understanding and patience allow her to appreciate Jacob’s gifts within his silent world.
Living in a rural farming community in the early 1900s, precocious and curious Katy dreams of becoming a doctor like her father. Her fascination with learning more about people leads Katy to befriend Jacob, a boy with autism. When events take an unexpected and tragic turn and Jacob is suspected to be the cause, it is Katy alone who is determined to unravel the convoluted mystery of what happened, and why.

All Seats: $7
Performance Length: One hour
Recommended: Grades 5 - 10
Curriculum: Character Education, Language Arts, Social Studies

The Velveteen Rabbit
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
10 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.

Children and adults alike will enjoy this beautifully rendered classic story. A plush rabbit, given as a gift to a young boy, yearns for the day the boy will choose him as his special playmate – so that the rabbit can become real.
This innovative production combines the theatrical magic and signature style of a master theater company with the musical magic of Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award-winning composer/arranger Don Sebesky. With an original score, life-sized puppets, masks and magic, Enchantment Theatre Company brings to life this charming tale of love and devotion, creating an unforgettable theater experience.

All Seats: $7
Performance Length: One hour
Recommended: Grades 1 - 5
Curriculum: Language Arts, Puppetry, Music, Magic

My Heart in a Suitcase
Arts Power
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
10 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.

My Heart in a Suitcase is a compelling dramatic adaptation of Anne Lehmann Fox’s courageous autobiographical account of her experiences as a 12-year-old fleeing Nazi Germany. The show chronicles the tragic events that forced Anne and 10,000 other Jewish children to escape from Germany on the Kindertransport, afraid and uncertain about what the future would hold for them and for the families they were forced to leave behind. This gripping dramatic tribute to the power of love and the strength of the human spirit returns to the Franciscan Center stage on Remembrance Day.

All Seats: $7
Performance Length: One hour
Recommended: Grades 5 - 10
Curriculum: Character Education, Language Arts, Social Studies,
World History

Through the Eyes of a Friend: The World of Anne Frank
Living Voices
Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Classes attending My Heart in a Suitcase expand their theater experience and understanding of the world of Anne Frank and the Holocaust. An actress portrays a friend of Anne, intertwining her moving story with archival film footage from the Holocaust era. After the presentation, students question and interact with the performer. Attendees eat their packed lunches in the Commons area. Reserve early; space limited.

Cost: $11 includes ticket price and Living Voices presentation
Time: 10 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Grades 5 – 9