June 18, 2001
2001-02 ARTS FOR YOUNG AMERICA SERIES ANNOUNCED
LA CROSSE, Wis.—A series of colorful, magical, and musical adventures awaits Coulee Region families when the Viterbo University 2001-02 Arts for Young America series opens this fall. Performances, which are held in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre, include:
- Red Riding Hood, Saturday, Oct. 27, 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.—Missoula Children’s Theatre presents the story of Red Riding Hood who’s not so little anymore. The Big Bad Wolf, who is not so bad after all, and a friendly neighborhood Forest Ranger urge Red and her pals to stay true to the path for in the shadows lurk diversions and a sinister surprise or two. A pack of woefully nasty young wolves and a handsome woodsman, too good to be true, are a must for our story. And we can’t have a wolf tale without Three Little Pigs and a Boy Who Cries Wolf. With help from her family and a loyal young locksmith, Red finds her Grandma and a whole lot more.
- Little Bear Live on Stage, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m.—Maurice Sendak’s Little Bear invites your children into a world of adventure that’s full of warmth, love, and frie3ndship. No one loves playing more than Little Bear, especially when it’s put to music. Featuring songs and games, the show is full of the spirited adventures of this curious, imaginative, inventive little bear and his friends.
- Riders in the Sky, Saturday, March 2, 3 p.m.—In February 2001, they won the Grammy for "Best Musical Album for Children" for their album Woody’s Roundup Featuring Riders in the Sky from the movie Toy Story 2. Now, they bring their unique musical style to the Viterbo stage. Experience the expert musicianship of Ranger Doug, Woody Paul, and Too Slim. The three (along with the robust accordion music of Joey the Cowpolka King) combine acoustical music and a wide range of musical styles with outrageous comedy, delivering family entertainment guaranteed to delight listeners, regardless of age or musical preference.
- Dragon’s Tale, Sunday, March 24, 3 p.m.—Based on some of the most festive dances seen in traditional Chinese celebrations and festivals, Dragon’s Tale highlights many of the most fantastic dances seen in Chinese community celebrations. They include the spectacular ribbon and flag dance seen in the Dragon Boat Festival, the powerful lion dance seen in the Chinese New Year, as well as dances created for the Moon Festival in autumn and the Lantern Festival in the spring. Dragon’s Tale is a bright, colorful production that will bring a smile to everyone’s face.
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. 23. For additional information on Arts for Young America events, please contact the Viterbo Fine Arts Center Box Office at 608-796-3100.