True Story Comes to Life in TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY at Dallas Children's Theater

Dallas Children's Theater brings to life the power of education through storytelling in TOMÁS AND THE LIBRARY LADY. Discover an inspiring, true story based on the life of Tomás Rivera, a young boy from Texas born into a family of migrant farm workers who ultimately became the first Mexican American to hold a position of chancellor in the University of California system. TOMÁS AND THE LIBRARY LADY opens March 24, 2017 at Dallas Children's Theater (DCT) / Rosewood Center for Family Arts.

Based on the real-life tale of Tomás Rivera, this beautiful play follows a family of migrant workers who move constantly to find new work picking farmers' crops. One summer, Tomás visits a public library and discovers worlds filled with dinosaurs and tigers-and a great new friend in the "Library Lady." While helping Tomás improve his English by reading many new and exciting stories, the librArian Fosters his newfound interest in learning and teaches him the importance of a good education.

"This show offers an intimate look at a family who is supportive of each other though they are dealing with challenging circumstances. They are constantly moving and trying to make ends meet, and they frequently have to pull their sons out of school," said Robyn Flatt, director of TOMÁS AND THE LIBRARY LADY and co-founder of DCT. "We see a young boy who wants to learn, but can't because he's never in one place long enough." Flatt applauds the librarian who took Rivera under her wing saying, "She saw that he was a gem that needed polishing. She recognized his desire and passion to learn. We could all use a hero like her in our lives."

The real Tomás (Rivera) ultimately achieved social mobility through education by earning a degree at Southwest Texas State (now known as Texas State University), and later a PhD at the University of Oklahoma. He came to believe strongly in the virtues of education for Mexican Americans. From 1979 until his death in 1984, he was the chancellor of the University of California, Riverside-the first Mexican American to hold such a position at the University of California.

On opening night, March 24, patrons are invited to take part in a cultural celebration with music, dance, games, giveaways, sweet treats, and more. The talented international Dance Company from W.E. Greiner will put everyone in the spirit. Patrons can also participate in a round of Lotería, a bingo-style game using Spanish vocabulary words. A hero honor wall will be available for anyone who wants to recognize a person who did something great for them, like Tomás's library lady. Nothing Bundt Cakes will bring the treats, and Southwest Airlines and TaskUS round out the night's corporate sponsors. DCT also salutes all area librarians and teachers for the work they do in service to children all over our region.

IF YOU GO:

TOMÁS AND THE LIBRARY LADY

by Pat Mora

Adapted for the stage by

José Cruz González

March 24 - April 2, 2017

Recommended for ages 7 and up

Cast:

Tomás - Edwin Alan Aguilar

Library Lady - Charlotte Akin

Enrique - Fernando Hernandez

Papa Grande / Florencio - David Lugo

Josefa - Mindamora Rocha

Production Team:

Director - Robyn Flatt

Music Director - Pam Holcomb-McLain

Scenic / Video Designer - Jeffrey Franks

Lighting Designer - Aaron Johansen

Props Designer - H. Bart McGeehon

Sound Designer - Marco Salinas

Costume Designer - Raul Luna

Scenic Artist - Brian Longworth

Stage Manager - Seth Johnson

Asst. Stage Manager - Asa Gee

Performance Dates and Times:

Friday, March 24, 7:30 PM - Opening Night

Saturday, March 25, 1:30 PM (Sensory-Friendly)

Saturday, March 25, 4:30 PM

Sunday, March 26, 1:30 PM

Sunday, March 26, 4:30 PM

Sunday, April 2, 1:30 PM

Sunday, April 2, 4:30 PM (ASL)

Ticket Prices: $15-$28.

Weekday Student Matinee shows also available Tuesdays through Fridays. Please call ArtReach Booking at 214-219-2049.

Dallas Children's Theater is located at Rosewood Center for Family Arts, 5938 Skillman Street, Dallas, Texas 75231.

Dallas Children's Theater features professional actors performing for an annual audience of 250,000 young people and their families through mainstage productions (12 in the 2016-17 season), a national touring company, and an arts-in-education program. As the only major organization in Dallas focusing solely on youth and family theater, DCT builds bridges of understanding between generations and cultures, instilling an early appreciation of literature, art and the performing arts in tomorrow's artists and patrons.

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