Emperor's New Clothes' staged Nov. 9

1:05 p.m., Oct. 15, 2003--UD’s Family Performing Arts Series offers a season of culturally enriching experiences for children of all ages. Favorite classics such as “Just So Stories,” “The Adventures of Peter Rabbit” and “Matilda” are all on the schedule.

The series opens Sunday, Nov. 9, when the Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration on Tour presents “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” A delightful introduction to opera and a fun and humorous interpretation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale, the performance is presented with soaring arias, love duets, mystery and slapstick comedy. Especially recommended for kindergarten through fifth grade, or ages 5-10, the performance begins at 2 p.m. in Mitchell Hall.

Before the performance, a buffet luncheon will be offered at the Blue & Gold Club, Kent Way, beginning at noon and featuring emperor’s golden macaroni and cheese and sliced honey-glazed ham topped with apple compote.

The series continues on Saturday, Jan. 24, when Theatreworks USA presents its innovative production of Rudyard Kipling’s “Just So Stories.”

The fun-filled musical about change and diversity includes elements from several stories in the collection, including “How the Whale Got his Throat” and “The Elephant’s Child.” The performance is recommended for children in prekindergarten through third grade, or ages 4-8.

Before the performance, a luncheon buffet will be offered at the Blue & Gold Club featuring chicken fingers and fixins’ and a sundae bar.

The series first offering in the spring will be “The Adventures of Peter Rabbit,” presented by the Gingerbread Players and Jack at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 27. Unique and colorful costumes bring the characters to life in a production that features live music with bright lyrics and unforgettable melodies. The performance is recommended for children in pre-kindergarten through second grade, or ages 4-6.

The Blue & Gold Club will offer a buffet luncheon before the performance that begins at noon and features cheesy pizza and Peter’s favorite glazed carrots.

The series concludes at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 25, with the Cleveland Signstage Theatre’s production of “Matilda.” American Sign Language and spoken English are presented simultaneously by deaf and hearing actors. The performance is recommended for children in third through fifth grades, or those ages 9-10.

Before the performance, a luncheon buffet will be offered at the Blue & Gold Club featuring Miss Honey’s favorite baked ziti and Matilda’s supernatural chocolate cake.

Tickets for each performance in the Family Performing Arts Series are $12 for adults, $10 for UD faculty, staff, alumni and senior citizens and $5 for children and students. There are discounts for purchases to multiple performances and for groups of 20 or more.

Tickets can be purchased by calling or visiting the Hartshorn box office. The telephone number is 831-2204, and the box office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Blue & Gold Club pre-performance buffet reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at 831-2582.

For more information, visit [www.udel.edu/performingarts], send e-mail to [performingarts@udeledu] or call 831-8741.

Article by Beth Thomas

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