DM Playhouse Presents THE HUNDRED DRESSES, Now thru 2/2

The Kate Goldman Children's Theatre at the Des Moines Community Playhouse presents "The Hundred Dresses," tonight, Jan. 17-Feb. 2, 2014. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, or at The Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St.

Wanda Petronski (Maggie Matternas) wants to fit in to her new school. But the kids think she has a funny name and a funny accent. So when Wanda, who wears the same faded blue dress to school every day, says she has 100 dresses at home, the kids tease her.

The bullying gets so bad, Wanda and her family move away. One classmate, Maddie (Aviana Gedler), turns to her mother (Lisa Wiggins) and teacher (Karen Schaeffer) for advice. She learns that allowing her friends to be bullies is as bad as being a bully herself. Wanda is gone, but Maddie finds the courage to stand up for the elderly Mr. Svenson (Mark Pullen), another outcast in town.

"The Hundred Dresses" is based on the Newbery Honor book by Eleanor Estes. The Playhouse cast is directed by Kathy Pingel. The cast also includes Chance Bender, Megan Eastwood, BranDon Lee, Gracie Stephens, and Roan Withers.

The Playhouse is Iowa's oldest and largest producing theatre. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For more information about The Playhouse and "The Hundred Dresses," contact The Playhouse ticket office at 515-277-6261.