STREGA NONA Comes To The Jorgensen 1/31

Can trouble be hidden in a pasta pot? Can a little old lady and a pinch of magic save a town? Does anyone have a recipe for LOTS of really good spaghetti sauce? Find the answers to these questions and more on Sunday, January 31, at 1 and 3 pm as Strega Nona (Grandma Witch), Tomie dePaola's Caldecott Honor-winning children's book, comes to life on the stage of Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts as part of the Jorgensen Children's Series, supported by Bank of America.

The musical tale revolves around a friendly Italian good witch who tries to cure the ills of her tiny Calabrian town. The baker there has a bunion "as big as an onion," and the single ladies are always unlucky in love. Everyone wishes for something better. But some people aren't always careful what they wish for.

There is so much to do that Strega Nona needs a helper. When Big Anthony stumbles into town, poor, hungry, and eager to please, she hires him on the spot - but warns him about dabbling with her magic. Problems erupt when the big lug misuses her magic book, and pasta begins to engulf the whole town. Then Strega Nona must save the day - and Anthony must learn a valuable lesson.

Born in Meriden, Connecticut, to an Italian/Irish family, Tomie dePaola draws on many elements from his heritage in this work. The appearance of Strega Nona was inspired by the image of Italian commedia dell'arte character Punchinello, complete with the signature big nose and chin. DePaola originally incorporated this character into a new version of his favorite childhood folk tale, "The Porridge Pot." Throughout the development of the musical as well as during rehearsal, he provided creative color and inspiration for the story's evolution.

Full of folk wisdom and fun, Strega Nona shows that witches can be good, that wishes can bring trouble, and that you can't judge a pot by its pasta! This delightful story, set to an energetic, tuneful score, is presented by Active Arts Theatre for Young Audiences and produced by Maximum Entertainment Productions.

Join Strega Nona, Big Anthony and the other Italian villagers at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, 2132 Hillside Road on the UConn campus in Storrs. Tickets for adults are $13; children $11. Call the Box Office, Monday through Friday, 11 am to 5 pm, at 860.486.4226, or order online at jorgensen.uconn.edu. Enjoy free, convenient parking across the street in the North Garage.