JACK AND THE BEANSTALK to Launch Theatre at the Center's Young Audiences 2016-17 Season

As families are busily preparing for the new school year, Theatre at the Center is ready for its new season of Theatre for Young Audiences. This year's array of productions takes audiences on an incredible journey.

First it is up into clouds in the exciting adventure of Jack and the Beanstalk. Then audiences are off to a magical realm with the charming holiday classic The Story of the Nutcracker. Next, embark on a trip back in time to the Civil War in Four Score and Seven Years Ago. Finally, all ages are invited to travel to a glorious grotto under the sea in The Tail of the Little Mermaid.

According to Charlie Misovye, Group Sales and Theatre for Young Audiences Coordinator, "We are very excited to present Live Theatre for school groups and families to enjoy. Theses classic stories will both educate and entertain as they leap from the page to the stage."

The season kicks off with Jack and the Beanstalk October 6-8, a musical that follows Jack's adventure that begins with five magic beans. Young audiences are encouraged to participate with the performers as they watch the Beanstalk grow on stage and meet Jack's dancing and Spanish-speaking cow Carmelita. The production also features the goose that lays the golden eggs, a beautiful singing harp, a silly giant and his wacky wife and is produced by Chicago Kids Company. Attending groups can enter a coloring contest for a chance to win tickets to the upcoming production of The Story of the Nutcracker. The show is recommended for Pre-School through 5th Grade.

The Story of the Nutcracker December 5-17, is a holiday treasure that invites audiences on a journey where they will meet all sorts of delightful characters from the traditional holiday tale of a young girl, a magical Nutcracker who comes to life and defeats the Mouse King, and the Prince, who whisks her away to his kingdom. It's a treat for the entire family, written by Michele L. Vacca and produced by Charlie Misovye. Attending groups can enter The Story of the Nutcracker- My Magic Nutcracker contest for a chance to win a $25 Target Gift Card donated from Target, Munster, IN location. The show is recommended for Pre-School through 5th Grade.

The New Year launches with Four Score and Seven Years Ago January 17-19, 2017. Two men of different races and on different sides in the Civil War learn they have much to teach each other about bravery and loyalty in this exciting and suspenseful musical. Young Lemuel, who has escaped slavery in Georgia, finds life in Gettysburg everything he had dreamed it would be. His idea about the North and the South, as well as what it means to be a free man, are challenged when he befriends Jacob, a young Confederate soldier. Produced by Arts Power. Attending groups can enter the Four Score and Seven Years Ago essay contest for a chance to win a $100, $50 or $25 Youth Savings Account from Peoples Bank in Munster. The show is recommended for Grades 4th through 12th.

The season concludes with The Tail of the Little Mermaid April 3-9, 2017. Based on the original Hans Christian Anderson tale, this musical adaptation tells of the adventure of the Little Mermaid who falls in love with the handsome "human" Prince. With the help of her friends on land and under the sea, she sacrifices part of her world to join him and live happily ever after. It's produced by Charlie Misovye and attending groups can enter The Tail of the Little Mermaid coloring contest for a chance to win tickets to Fair Oaks Farms in Fair Oaks, IN. The show is recommended for Pre-School through 5th Grade.

Theatre for Young Audiences celebrates the end of the season with The Prince and Princess Party on Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to noon with an opportunity for children to dress up as their favorite Prince and Princess. Guests can enjoy activities, food and fun including a buffet lunch of chicken tenders, fries, juice box and chocolate sundae for $12.00 per person. Tickets for the day's performances of The Tail of the Little Mermaid are available for an additional cost.

All performances are one hour. School performances are weekdays at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. with additional performances of Four Score and Seven Years Ago on January 19 and 20 at 1 p.m. Story Guides are available for all productions at www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com on the Theatre for Young Audiences page. Public performances are held Saturdays at 10 a.m. and noon with additional performances of The Tail of the Little Mermaid on April 9 at 10 a.m. and noon.

Public performance prices are only $7.50 per student and $9.50 for adults. School group prices are $6.50 per student, $8.00 per adult and groups of 100 or more are only $5.50 per student and $8.00 per adult. One complimentary ticket will be issued for every 25 paid students.

Guests can enjoy lunch at 12:15 p.m. in the dining venue for Jack and the Beanstalk on October 6 or for The Story of the Nutcracker on December 5, 9, 13 or 16 with a menu of all beef hot dog, potato chips, fruit rollups, cookies and an orange drink for an additional $4.50 per person. Reservations required.

To purchase group tickets, call 219-836-3258. For public performances, call 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552. For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

All performances are held at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN. Everyone attending a school performance must have a reservation. Call Charlie for reservations at 219-836-3258. Tickets for public performances are available at the Box Office: Call 219-836-3255 or visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

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