2:55 p.m., Nov. 25, 2002--The University of Delaware’s 2002-03 Family Performing Arts Series gets under way Sunday, Dec. 8, with two performances of a musical one-act adaptation of “Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great.” ArtsPower National Touring Theatre will bring author Judy Blume’s popular novel to life at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Mitchell Hall. These performances are especially recommended for grades 2 to 7 or ages 7 to 12. A special buffet luncheon is offered between performances at the Blue & Gold Club.

One of the nation’s most popular authors for young readers, Blume wrote “Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great” in 1972. It tells the story of Sheila Tubman, a 10-year-old girl whose fear of dogs, swimming and spiders are just a few of the challenges she faces when she and her family decide to leave their New York City apartment for a summer in Tarrytown, N.Y. Now, Sheila must either face her fears or simply cover them up, hoping no one will discover how afraid she really is. Her attempts to fool friends and family provide the sometimes humorous and always poignant backdrop as she learns that her trials are, unfortunately, essential to growing up.

ArtsPower National Touring Theatre, founded in 1985, is one of America’s preeminent producers of professional theatre for young and family audiences. “Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great,” which tours in regional theatres, cultural centers and schools throughout America, was adapted and directed by ArtsPower’s resident playwright Greg Gunning, with music by Richard DeRosa and lyrics by Gunning. It is the first stage adaptation of the book.

Tickets for this and each of the 2002-2003 Family Performing Arts Series events are $10 for the general public, $8 for UD faculty, staff, alumni and senior citizens and $6 for children and students, including full-time UD undergraduate or graduate students and students in high school or younger. Ticket orders may be phoned in, using a credit card, to the Hartshorn box office at 831-2204 or purchased at the box office in Hartshorn Hall, corner of Academy Street and Park Place, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is a 10 percent discount for ticket orders of 10 or more.

The buffet luncheon at the Blue & Gold Club begins at 12:30 p.m., and features Inspired by Greatness Lasagna and Sheila’s Favorite Chocolate Cake. Cost is $12.95 for adults and $6.75 for children ages 5 to 11, gratuity included. For reservations and information, call 831-2582.

UD’s annual Family Performing Art Series offers an outstanding diversity of artistic programs and some of the world’s most exciting musicians and dance and theatre companies suited to families and young viewers in the community.

The 2002-03 Performing Arts Series and Family Series are made possible, in part, by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency committed to promoting and supporting the arts in Delaware, as well as support provided by Barba & Reynolds Insurance Agency, Embassy Suites-Newark/Wilmington South, and Arby's.

For information about other upcoming 2002-2003 Performing Arts Series and Family Series visit [www.udel.edu/performingarts], send e-mail to [performingarts@udel.edu] or call (302) 831-2204.

Article by Amie Voith