August 2, 2000
2000-01 ARTS FOR YOUNG AMERICA SERIES ANNOUNCED
LA CROSSE, Wis.—Another outstanding series of adventures awaits young audiences in the Coulee Region this year when the Viterbo 2000-01 Arts for Young America series opens this fall.
Performances, which are held in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre, include:
- "Peter and the Wolf," Sunday, Oct. 29, 3 p.m.—Performed by Das Puppenspiel, this Sergei Prokofiev classic is brought to life with beautifully crafted, life-size "bunraku" style puppets. Told through narration and musical themes, the story is about adventurous young Peter, who wanders off into the meadow where he encounters a variety of colorful characters. Through ingenuity, Peter saves the day and captures the Wolf.
- "The Wiz of the West,"Saturday, Nov. 4, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.—Missoula Children’s Theatre presents the "The Wizard of Oz," with a twist. Follow Tinhorn, Lionel, Scared Crow, Dotty, and, of course, her little dog Mooch through Western adventure and personal discovery. First they tangle with Mad Dog’s gang of bad, barkin’, back-bitin’ hounds who work for the meanest old witch in the West, Hawknose Halley. Then they encounter the brainless Buzzards and terrifying Tarantulas. The singin’ Coyotes helpf move things along while Ma and Pa Munch and the rest of the Munch Kin point out the way to Dr. Ozzy, the Wizard of Frontier Medicine.
- Franklin the Turtle Starring in: "Franklin’s Big Adventure," Friday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m.—The world’s favorite turtle, Franklin, comes to Viterbo in a musical theatre production featuring Franklin and his friends Fox, Beaver, Bear, and Snail. The pals are off to visit the local museum where they visit displays of the Roman Empire, ancient musical instruments, the rain forest, and, eventually, the dinosaur exhibit where Franklin has a close encounter with a creature larger than himself.
- "Heidi," Sunday, March 18, 3 p.m.—A full-scale theatrical production by the acclaimed Dallas Children’s Theatre, "Heidi" is the heartwarming tale of a spirited orphan sent to live with her reclusive grandfather high in the Alps. Snatched ruthlessly away from her mountain life, Heidi becomes a companion to the invalid daughter of a wealthy German family. Her friendship with Clara proves beneficial to both girls and makes for an inspiring and unforgettable tale in this adaptation of the classic book by Johanna Spyri by award-winning playwright Linda Daugherty.
The Arts for Young America series is sponsored by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Wisconsin and supported, in part, by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin.
Season tickets are on sale now. Individual tickets will be available beginning Aug. 25. For additional information on Arts for Young America events, please contact the Viterbo Fine Arts Center Box Office at 608-796-3100.