Musical based on Kipling’s ‘Just So Stories’ set Jan. 24

1:02 p.m., Dec. 23, 2003--UD’s Family Performing Arts Series continues at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, in Mitchell Hall 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 four stories in the collection—“How the Camel Got His Hump,” How the Leopard Got His Spots,” “How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin” and “The Elephant’s Child.” The story takes place long ago, when animals lacked their defining features, and an overworked genie was in charge of keeping the world running smoothly.

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 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 [http://www.udel.edu/performingarts], send e-mail to [performingarts@udeledu] or call 831-8741.

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