Performance Network Announces 2005-06 Saturday Series for Young Audiences

Performance Network will present each of its touring Children's Theatre Network productions one Saturday a month on its Main Stage. Great entertainment for all ages, with a milk and cookie reception following each performance.

(PRWEB) September 12, 2005 -- Performance Network, Ann Arbor's only resident professional theatre company will present nine shows in it's Saturday Series for Young People from September 2005 through May of 2006. Each performance will be held on the Performance Network main stage. The productions include:

Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 2:00 pm

"Ferdinand the Bull" Adaptation and Lyrics by Karen Zacarias, Music by Debbie Wicks La Puma, based on the book "The Story of Ferdinand" by Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson.

Sponsored by TCF Bank

Set in Spain, this bilingual musical follows Ferdinand, a bull who prefers peacefully smell flowers all day to becoming a famous Toro of the bullfighting ring, and Danilo, a young man who would rather become a dancer than a bullfighter. Aided by their friend Cochina, Ferdinand and Danilo ultimately decide to follow their own dreams instead of succumbing to the pressure to conform. Based on the popular story by Munro Leaf, the story is told in both English and Spanish and musical numbers honor the rich musical heritage of Spain.

Appropriate for All Ages.

Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 2:00 pm

"Jim Fitzsimmons, Magician"

Jim Fitzsimmons' newest show uses magic to unlock the creative spirit and overcome imagined limitations. This fast paced presentation of excitement, music, live doves and a magic bunny offers an opportunity for young people to try their hand at magic and realize their potential to accomplish the impossible.

Appropriate for All Ages.

Saturday, November 26, 2005 at 2:00 pm

"Ella Mentry and the Case of the Missing Scientist", book and lyrics by James Ingagiola, music by Charles Stout

Archimedes, the famous Greek scientist, disappears just as he is about to reveal his latest discovery. It's a job for detective Ella Mentry, who works to "crack the case" using the scientific method to sift through the clues. This curriculum-based theatre production combines science with music, comedy and a mystery as students learn, in an interactive and entertaining way, how to test ideas and draw conclusions.

For Pre-Kindergarten to 5th Grades

Saturday, December 17, 2005 at 2:00 pm

"Maureen Schiffman and her Puppet Pal Coco"

Since 1980 Maureen has been performing her original thematic shows with her puppet friend CoCo and presenting workshops for educators throughout North America. Maureen has made several television appearances, and is featured in the 'We Like Kids' release Colors and Numbers with 29 other nationally known musicians.

For Pre-Kindergarten to 5th Grades

Saturday, January 28, 2006 at 2:00 pm

Mosaic Youth Theatre presents "Mosaic Tales"

Sponsored by Henry Ford Health System

Using infectious rhythms, theatrical movement and incredible creativity, the Mosaic Youth Theatre Ensemble whisk children of all ages off on an exciting, educational journey through Africa, Asia, Europe and exotic lands all over the Americas in their popular play, Mosaic Tales. Ancient fables presented with a contemporary twist offer a fun-filled exploration of various folk traditions while celebrating the cultural differences and the unifying commonalities among people all over the world.

For Pre-Kindergarten to 5th Grades

Saturday, February 25, 2006 at 2:00 pm

"LaRon Williams, Storyteller"

La Ron Williams is a nationally acclaimed, award-winning storyteller who has toured extensively presenting programs and workshops. His highly participatory, music filled performances -- which have been labeled experiences of "goosebumpy delight" -- present a dynamic blend of original and traditional tales crafted to help improve literacy, promote peaceful conflict resolution, foster cooperation, encourage community, build self esteem, and deepen our historical understanding of the workings of American Democratic inclusion.

Appropriate for All Ages!

Saturday, March 25, 2006 at 2:00 pm

The Three Pigs (a modern musical retelling) book by Katie Lee, lyrics by James Ingagiola, music by Charles Stout.

When Mrs. Pigton asks her 3 children to build her a home, sibling rivalry and bickering prevent them from cooperating on the project. Each house they construct on their own fails to satisfy M. Wolfson, the cordial but allergic building inspector. This tale includes an appreciation for family differences and the value of working together.

For Pre-Kindergarten to 5th Grades

Saturday, April 22, 2006 at 2:00 pm

Michael Lee/OPUS Mime presents "Stories Beyond Words"

A 45 minute performance that centers on themes of self-esteem, self-awareness and responsibility.

Appropriate for All Ages!

Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 2:00 pm

People Dancing presents "It's An Art Thing"

This 3-piece dance concert includes:

"CAPS" a modern dance work based on the classic story "Caps for Sale" by Esphyr Slobodkina highlighting creativity and persistence as lifelong values. "A BETTER VIEW" is a new dance drama in an Asian aesthetic, including the text "Ming Lo Moves the Mountain", by Arnold Lobel. "MADCAP MASKS" is a visual feast of color, masks and music great for highlighting relationships between music, dance and visual art.

For Pre-Kindergarten to 5th Grades

Tickets for all performances are $10 for adults and $7 for 16 year-olds and under.

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