Children's Show SWIMMY, FREDERICK AND INCH BY INCH Set for the Grand Today

"Swimmy, Frederick and Inch by Inch" returns to The Grand 1894 Opera House today, February 20 at 10am as part of the ongoing Serious Fun Children's Series. Based on Leo Lionni's Caldecott Honor book, Swimmy, Inch by Inch and Frederick, is suitable for children pre-Kindergarten through grade 3.

The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia uses their signature technique of black-light theatre to feature an assortment of innovative puppetry. A lovable inchworm, Inch by Inch, loves to measure absolutely everything, including a robin's tail, a flamingo's neck, a toucan's beak, and a nightingale's song. Swimmy, a tiny insignificant fish, uses ingenuity to fend off danger and Frederick is a poetic mouse from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail who makes everyday an artful experience.

The production features playful music, imaginative lighting techniques and puppetry that has earned international acclaim for Mermaid Theatre. The characters are strikingly beautiful, and their texts are whimsical - perfectly suited for Lionni's gentle storytelling style.

The children's series performances have been designated The Harris L. Kempner Children's Series in honor of Mr. Kempner's lifelong commitment to youth, education and The Grand's programming. They are supported in part by donations to the Grand's Permanent Fund in his memory. Additional support is provided by the following: Dr. Leon Bromberg Charitable Trust, The Commodore Hotel on the Beach, Jamail Galveston Foundation, Robert W. & Pearl Wallis Knox Foundation, Marathon Petroleum, Permanent Endowment Fund Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church, Target, Saltwater Grill, Bush and Associates, Dr. James Grant, and Texas Commission on the Arts.

Tickets are $10 adult, $6 child; and school groups are $5 per person with advance reservations. For information about this and other performances scheduled, contact The Grand's box office at 409.765.1894, 800.821.1894, or visit The Grand's website at www.thegrand.com. The theatre, located at 2020 Postoffice Street in historic downtown, is recognized as "The Official Opera House of the State of Texas." All major credit cards accepted.